Service, Companionship, Healing

Torque's life-size sculpture, carved by James Melnick, is laminated and carved ash wood. Her tongue is cherry wood with bleached maple wood teeth and her claws are hard maple wood aniline dyed black.

The Heart of the Dog is the Heart of the Huey

At the core of the life-size sculpture lies a powerful, symbolic connection—the heart of the dog is, in fact, the heart of the Huey helicopter. The intricately carved UH-1H Huey crew cabin in Torque’s torso represents not only the mechanical heart of the iconic aircraft but also the beating heart of service, sacrifice, and loyalty. Just as the Huey has been an unwavering companion to soldiers and veterans, Torque serves as a steadfast partner in their healing journey.

The sculpture brings this bond to life, with the Huey’s engine at its center—a metaphor for the unbreakable spirit shared by both the helicopter and the dog. It is a visual testament to how both man and animal, alongside powerful machinery, work together as a cohesive, resilient team—each playing an integral role in supporting and safeguarding lives.

Torque's sculpture is much more than just a physical structure - it serves as an enduring tribute not only to Torque, but to the faithful working dogs (search & rescue, law enforcement, military) who have served our country with unwavering courage and dedication. It also represents the many untold stories of handlers who have carried their experiences with them long after their service. These stories, often buried deep within the hearts of veteran handlers, find a voice through Torque's sculpture. Her display is a place where the silenced narratives of the past come to life, allowing the handlers to share their experiences, heal their wounds, and find solace in the company of those who understand their journey.

The Belgian Malinois

The Belgian Malinois - Strong yet elegant, the Belgian Malinois stands as a paragon of loyalty, and intelligence. As the predominant breed utilized by Special Operation Forces, the Belgian Malinois’ speed, discipline, agility, and ferocity have transformed the tactics of our Special Operations Forces. The Belgian Malinois’ fierce nature is only outmatched by their unwavering loyalty. And the versatility of the Belgian Malinois is truly astounding - no matter the task, they rise to the occasion, providing increased survivability and success of their human counterparts.

The UH-1 Huey Helicopter

The iconic Huey helicopter revolutionized military operations, providing unparalleled mobility and versatility in various combat scenarios. it was the lifeline of the Vietnam War. The Huey’s ability to quickly move troops into and out of difficult terrain while providing close air support redefined battlefield tactics. It also saved countless lives through its medevac role, quickly evacuating wounded soldiers to field hospitals. With its characteristic “whomp, whomp, whomp” sound of the rotor blades, the Huey was a beacon of hope, a chariot of salvation, and the “Freedom Bird” that promised to bring our service members back home.

Comparison: In the jungles and skies of Vietnam, the Huey was a service member's lifeline, providing a tactical advantage and ensuring they made it home. Similarly, in contemporary battlefields, the Malinois stands as that unwavering shield, increasing the survivability and the return of our soldiers, sailors, airmen, Marines and Coast Guardians.

Both the Huey and the Malinois are renowned for their versatility, reliability, and adaptability. This allows the Huey and the Malinois to swiftly adapt to the ever-changing demands of the battlefield, making both an indispensable asset for American forces.

K9 Torque

Service, Companionship, Healing

The Belgian Malinois

The UH-1 Huey Helicopter

AKC Museum of the Dog

Where Angels Fear to Fly, K9s Lead The Way

Service, Companionship, Healing

The Belgian Malinois

The UH-1 Huey Helicopter

AKC Museum of the Dog

Where Angels Fear to Fly, K9s Lead The Way

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