The 228th Aviation Battalion Sergeant Major greets a unique, new mascot, "Charger." The 5-month old Chinook pup arrived June 1966. Chinook dogs are considered " the rarest of the rare" breeds. Charger was a gift from Boeing Vertol employees to the Chinook battalion at An Khe, South Viet Nam.
CHARGER'S JOURNEY
Boeing-Vertol employees in Philadelphia raised money to purchase a Chinook for the 228th. This one had a tail but no rotors. This dog breed , like its helicopter namesake, got its title from an Indian tribe. Primarily a sled dog, its body and fur coat equipped it for hard work in cold temperatures. This caused concern considering Viet Nam's tropical climate.
A Boeing executive made arrangements to send a pup to Viet Nam with an escort. The airlines donated first class treatment for the pup during the trip.
After his arrival, the 228th named him, "Charger." He adjusted to the climate without difficulty. LTC Clark, the battalion commander (above right), showed Charger around with pride. Later, each CH-47 company appointed a person to care for Charger on a rotating basis. So Charger got to see a lot of the 1st Cav soldiers.
Charger was almost one year old when I arrived. When not traveling, he spent his days with me at my office tent (personnel officer) when I wasn't flying missions. I put him to bed in the evenings at the Officers' Club.
Cathy J. Flamholtz, author of A Celebration of Rare Dogs 1986, wrote:
"Of all the breeds of dogs around the world, the Chinook qualifies as the rarest of the rare. Listed in the 1966 Guinness Book of World Records as the World's rarest breed, the Chinook has again captured that dubious honor for 1987. The fate of this uniquely American breed is in great peril. Unless dedicated and conscientious dog lovers step in, before it is too late, we may well lose the Chinook. As of February 1986, there were only 82 living Chinooks worldwide."
Today's estimates put the population at approximately 350. This affectionate dog looks similar to a German Sheppard but has longer hair and is usually a tawny color. However, there is an occasional white one. They are intelligent, protective of children and make friends easily. Efforts continue to keep this excellent breed on the road to recovery and avoid extinction.
MORE ABOUT CHINOOKS Chinooks Worldwide HANGING OUT WITH THE BOYS Charger never lacked companionship. A favorite stunt was to approach a card dealer from behind and punch his elbow with his muzzle. This ended the card game while each player petted him in turn. He would push me with his nose where my bloused fatigues joined my boot. He continued this until he got a pretzel. Otherwise, he had an uncanny ability to untie my boot laces which, I'm sure, gave him great pleasure. When he got his treat, he would lay his nose and forepaws on my foot while he ate his prize. Often, he would nap in this position.
Sadly, I must relate, one morning he was gone. A clerk went from my office to retrieve him. He was no where to be found. During the night, someone took Charger. The resultant search and investigation determined that he had to be taken from base via an aircraft. In addition, it could not have been a 1st Cavalry Division aircraft because no one could keep his whereabouts a secret due to his celebrity status. Indigenous personnel were not allowed on base so they could not have removed him. We never learned Charger's fate. A cloud descended upon the battalion which could be felt in each unit.
To the person/s who did this gross, immoral act, I say this. My prayers and dreams are that you gave Charger as much joy and happiness as he brought to us. If not, I curse you for the foul creature that you are.
