A special tribute will take place at Veteran’s Park in Tuscaloosa on March 13 in honor of LUCCA, a remarkable military K-9 who served with distinction during multiple tours of duty. The ceremony will coincide with National K-9 Veterans Day, bringing city leaders and the public together to remember this courageous animal.
LUCCA, a military working dog, served two tours in Iraq and a third in Afghanistan between 2006 and 2012. During her service, LUCCA completed 400 missions, earning the prestigious PDSA Dicken Medal, the highest award for military animals. Tragically, during her 400th mission, LUCCA stepped on an IED, resulting in the loss of her left leg. Despite this, she continued to serve for another six years before retiring.
Her handler, a local Marine from Tuscaloosa, brought LUCCA home after her retirement, and she lived with him until her death in 2018 at the age of 14. Her name is already inscribed on the wall at Veteran’s Park, and soon, a statue will be unveiled to honor her incredible service and bravery.
The statue, designed by an artist working with Robin Hutton, president of Angel Without Wings, a group dedicated to military working dogs, is now in place on a concrete foundation at the park. The public ceremony to unveil the statue will take place at 3 p.m. on March 13, recognizing LUCCA’s dedication, courage, and loyalty in service to her country.
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