Kelly traveled to “The White House” on a special invitation honoring “Military Spouses” who have made significant contributions to family and the military community. It was Kelly’s first trip to the nation’s Capital.

Kelly got to meet and mingle with other honored guests and listen to President George W. Bush and Secretary of Defense, Robert Gates give speeches of appreciation to their honored guests on the south lawn of The White House.

Among the national memorials and monuments visited, Kelly walked through Arlington National Cemetery to pay her respects to the fallen war heroes, including visiting the grave sites of those K9 handlers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Kelly is recognized for organizing and managing the Military Working Dog Memorial project proposed for dedication at Air Force Armament Museum near Eglin Air Force Base, Florida in August 2008. (www.militaryworkingdogmemorial.com)

Kelly is also recognized for organizing and coordinated the Florida “Working Dog and Fallen K9 Handler Tribute” event on February 16, 2008. It was attended by over 250 people from surrounding states, including 20 Military and Municipal Police K9 teams and about 80 “Patriot Riders.”

Kelly’s Florida event featured several speakers and a Commemorative Purple Heart ceremony for Lex, a wounded U.S. Marine Bomb Dog presented by the Commander, Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter 566.

Lex was wounded in action at the time his handler, Corporal Dustin J. Lee of Quitman, Mississippi was killed in action in Iraq on March 21, 2007. Lex was escorted by Dustin’s family who he now lives as a retired veteran in loving peace. The ceremony also honored the attending family members of Sergeant Adam Cann, K9 Handler from Davie, Florida who was killed in action in Iraq on January 5, 2006.