Storyboard dedication for military dogs

A storyboard will be dedicated at 4 p.m. May 24 at Post-9/11 U.S. Armed Forces Memorial at Patriot Park, 6150 Lincoln Highway, Stoystown, sharing the special story of Military Working Dog (MWD) Grief M107, who died on Oct. 24, 2010. 

MWD Grief completed his basic training on Lackland AFB. He was one of the MWDs to receive orders under the Marine Expeditionary Force (1MEF) as a patrol and explosive detection dog. Grief and his handler, Sgt. Alfred Brenner, were hit by an improvised explosive device (IED), which killed Grief and left Brenner with life-changing injuries. Grief is remembered as a hero.

The keynote speaker for the Patriot Park Foundation program is retired Lt. Col. Jason Weigle, a 1997 Somerset High School and a 2001 University of Pittsburgh graduate. He joined the Army after Sept. 11, 2001, and was commissioned in 2003 as an ordnance officer. He served in South Korea, Iraq, Afghanistan and multiple U.S. assignments, including ROTC instructor and logistics roles supporting major operations like Operation Inherent Resolve.

Over a 21.5-year career, Weigle completed advanced military education and earned an MBA in logistics, culminating in teaching at the Command and General Staff College before retiring in March 2024. He received numerous awards, including the Bronze Star and Meritorious Service Medal.

The Central City VFW Honor Guard, the Bellwood Community Choir, members of Civil Air Patrol, Cambria County Composite Squad, Pennsylvania Wing, Group 5 and local students will also be part of the ceremony. Attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair. In case of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held at Camp Allegheny, 100 Camp Allegheny Drive, Stoystown.