During the Vietnam War, dog handlers served with their dogs in more than 88,000 missions. The dogs saved the lives of more than 10,000 American soldiers. On Sunday, Nov. 8, Jeff Bonemeyer, a living-history presenter, and his German shepherd, Heidi, will give a demonstration of a U.S. Army dog team at the Museum of the Cape Fear. From 1 to 4 p.m., visitors can interact with Bonemeyer and Heidi, and learn about the uniforms, weapons and K-9 equipment used in the war between 1968 and 1969. Learn about the dogs, or four-legged soldiers, and those who trained, loved and cared for them.
Although he stresses that re-enacting could never simulate what real combat was like for soldiers, he hopes that it serves as a reminder for everyone to be thankful for the sacrifices made by all who served, including the war dogs.
“While re-enacting, I gain a feel for what it was like to be a soldier in another era,” Bonemeyer says. “Living-history events are incredibly rewarding for me. They allow me to share my knowledge and enthusiasm for history with others.”
Bonemeyer saved Heidi from Lake Norman Animal Rescue more than three years ago. He always wanted a German shepherd, and Heidi was the perfect companion in his plan to re-enact a U.S. Army dog team. He became interested in the Vietnam War as a child because the father of a friend had served.
This program is presented in conjunction with A Thousand Words: Photographs by Vietnam Veterans, an exhibit that serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the men and women of the armed forces. The exhibit was created and curated by Martin Tucker of Winston-Salem.
For more information, call the Museum of the Cape Fear at 910-486-1330.
For more information about the museum, call 910-486-1330 or access www.museumofthecapefear.ncdcr.gov. The Museum of the Cape Fear Historical Complex, located on the corner of Bradford and Arsenal avenues in Fayetteville, is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. The museum is part of the Division of State History Museums, Office of Archives and History, an agency of the N.C. Department of Cultural Resources, www.ncculture.com.