Visit the Virginia War Museum Sunday, November 5, at 1 p.m. to hear published author John C. Burnam speak on “The Dogs of War.” Burnam, a scout-dog handler who served as a combat infantryman in the U.S. Army, has written several books on military war dogs and their human handlers. Among Burnam’s books are Canine Warrior, A Soldier’s Best Friend, and Dog Tags of Courage. 

Burnam’s talk focuses on the German shepherds that saved countless lives in the Vietnam War. These dogs were a soldier’s best friend, scouting out land mines, trip wires, and snipers to prevent casualties. Burnam explores the bond that developed between the soldiers and their canine comrades. A retired master sergeant, Burnam served in the Army from 1966 through 1983. He and other dog handlers have been instrumental in changing military policy toward war dogs and in constructing a memorial in their honor. He helped found the National Monument for U.S. Military Working Dog Teams, located at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas. 

Burnam, who conducts speaking engagements throughout the United State and overseas, has been featured in several documentaries and his books have been the basis for movie screenplays. The free lecture is being presented by the Peninsula Jewish Historical Society and the Virginia War Museum, in memory of Sue Anne and Bill Bangel. 

The Virginia War Museum is located at 9285 Warwick Blvd. in Newport News and is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and from noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors and active duty military, and $6 for students (age 7 to 18). Children under the age of 7 are admitted free. Call 757-247-8523 or visit www.warmuseum.org for additional information.