PARA to Host Special K9 Veterans Day Ceremony

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Military Working Dog Lucca will have a new home in Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park

A statue to memorialize the life and career of a Marine Corps K-9 legend will be unveiled at Tuscaloosa Veterans Memorial Park on K-9 Veterans Day, March 13, 2025 at 3:00PM. Save the date and join us for this special event!

The life-size bronze statue of specialized search dog (SSD) Lucca K458 will take up residence in the park, which stands to honor and memorialize the service and sacrifice of our nation’s military personnel.

The memorial – entitled “Send Me” – depicts German Shepherd-mix Lucca at work: snout engaged in a search for explosives, with her radio harness on. The memorial also stands to honor the thousands of military working dogs (MWDs) who have given their best years in faithful service to our nation in conflicts since WWII.

The dedication of the monument will take place on K-9 Veterans Day, March 13, 2025 – the anniversary of the inauguration of the Department of Defense’s K-9 Corps. The event is hosted by the Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority, the Veterans Memorial Park Association, and the U.S. War Dogs Association.

About SSD Lucca

Lucca joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2006 and completed her training as a specialized search dog (SSD) with her handler and Tuscaloosa native, Master Sergeant (Ret.) Chris Willingham.

Lucca was trained to search off-leash at distances of up to 500 meters. She searched roadways, open areas, buildings, and vehicles for explosives, weapons, and caches. Her phenomenal sense of smell, skill, and intelligence made her an invaluable asset.

Lucca deployed three times in service of the United States: Two tours to Iraq with handler Chris Willingham and a third to Afghanistan with her second handler, Cpl. Juan Rodriguez.

Lucca completed over 400 patrols, and not a single injury was sustained while she walked point. On March 23, 2012, Lucca was injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) and was subsequently retired from service. She received several accolades in recognition of her incredible career, including a Purple Heart and the PDSA Dickin Medal, presented by the British charity at Wellington Barracks in London on April 5, 2016.

Lucca retired to live with her first handler, Chris Willingham, and his family. She spent time in Finland, Virginia, California, and North Carolina, becoming an ambassador for wounded veterans and the K-9 community. Lucca passed away at the age of 14 in January 2018