Cape Cod Cares for the Troops presents “Rocky’s Warriors”

CCC4TT is now collecting items for military dogs in Afghanistan.  When SPC Christopher Velasquez returned from is deployment  in Afghanistan he drove to Cape Cod to meet with Dylan and thank CCC4TT for the care packages and support sent to him and his fellow soldiers.  SPC Velasquez shared with us Rocky’s story and the supplies needed for military dogs in Afghanistan.We are proud to introduce “Rocky’s Warriors”  Cape Cod Cares for the Troops program to send care packages to our canine heroes.

 Here is Rocky’s story according to his handler and friend SPC Christopher Velasquez Rocky 25 was a German Shepherd from Holland where he was the National Tracking Champion, along with several smaller championships under his collar.  Over time Rocky was unable to perform on the competition circuit due to his age.  A private organization who contracts dogs out to military and civilian law enforcement agencies  brought Rocky over to the United States to help with the tracking suspects for the police and military.  I went through Combat Tracker Dog School in the summer of 2009 and became Rocky’s handler.  Right from the beginning we were a perfect team. We deployed March 18^th, 2010 to Masar E Sharif, Afghanistan with the 1^st Brigade Combat Team of the 10^th Mountain Division.  Rocky and I performed many tasks and missions essential to combating terrorism and attacks against coalition forces.   Sadly while still deployed in Afghanistan, Rocky passed away just one week after his 7^th birthday.

 I will never forget Rocky, to me, his most important contribution was not something taught in school or even part of our mission…it was the morale that Rocky boosted in soldiers deployed away from their families and canine companions of their own.  Rocky was the friendliest and most playful companion there was to thousands of deployed soldiers.  He was never shy about greeting people or letting soldiers feel a little at home by petting him or even just to see him.  He gave me one of my fondest memories in life, and he is sorely missed.  No matter how down or depressed I felt in Afghanistan being away from my loved ones, Rocky never failed to put a smile on my face. He was simply the best and I hope his memory will continue to live through this wonderful program,Started by wonderful  people. SPC Christopher Velasquez, Handler and Friend of Rocky 25

 Items needed for Rocky’s Warriors:

Dog Treats

Tennis Balls

Chew Toys

Frisbees

Spray Bottles (for cool down)

Small Blankets

Towels

Dog Brushes

 *** Checks can be made out to CCC4TT or click on the Paypal "Donate" link at the top right of the home page to donate with a credit / debit card. Please write "Rocky’s Warriors" on the memo line.