Military Working Dogs 

Presented by Albert Johnson

Military working dogs have played a vital role in U.S. military history for over a century, serving with courage, loyalty, and unmatched skill. Their official use dates back to World War I, but it was during World War II that they were formally integrated into the armed forces through the “Dogs for Defense” program. These canine warriors have since served in every major conflict, from Vietnam to Iraq and Afghanistan, performing tasks like detecting explosives, locating wounded soldiers, and guarding military installations. Trained alongside their handlers, these dogs form unbreakable bonds with their human partners, often saving lives on and off the battlefield. Today, military working dogs are recognized not just as tools of war, but as fellow service members, honored for their bravery and dedication. Join Albert Johnson, President of the Military Working Dog Heritage Museum, as he explores the history and dedication of these canine heroes.

Albert Johnson is the co-founder and President of the Military Working Dog Heritage Museum in Newport, Tennessee. With immense passion, he champions the recognition and preservation of the incredible history surrounding military working dogs, their dedicated handlers, and the remarkable K9 military community. A proud former member of the United States Marine Corps from 2004 to 2009, Albert completed three deployments, serving in pivotal missions in Jalalabad, Afghanistan, and Baghdad, Iraq. His hands-on experiences as a handler and trainer with Specialized Search Dogs like SSD Rexi and SSD Johnny have fueled his commitment to this important cause. Albert earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business from Maryville College and is pursuing a Master’s degree in Museum Studies, intending to establish a museum dedicated to preserving America’s military K9 history. Under his thoughtful leadership, the museum team not only preserves the rich legacy of military working dogs but also educates and inspires the public about their invaluable contributions.

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