Military Dog Bronze Statue Unveiled at Camp Lejeune

Cpl. David M. Sonka Honored

On September 7, 2015 the command's Multi-Purpose Canine kennel was renamed in honor of Cpl. David Sonka.
"Sonka, a multi-purpose canine handler attached to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion. Sonka, 23, and Staff Sgt. Eric Christian, 39, were killed May 4, 2013, in Farah province, Afghanistan, in an insider attack when an Afghan soldier turned his weapon on the Marines. Sonka's working dog, Flex, was also killed in the attack, reportedly in an attempt to save the Marines." 
(quote from MarineCorpsTimes )

The life-size bronze statue of a Special Operations K9 depicts an alert multi-purpose canine, just like Cpl. Sonka's K9 partner Flex, who is ready to jump into action.

New life-size bronze statue of a Special Operations K9 graces the entrance. Photo by Glenn Beine.

The dedication ceremony was featured in the news and media.
Article from K9 Cop Magazine:

K-9 Cop Magazine

Military dogs have a special place in my heart. Every statue I create depicts bravery, loyalty and spirit of these four-legged heroes. It was my honor to create this bronze statue.

Bronze statue of a Marines Special Operations Command K9 by Lena Toritch. Photo courtesy of  Combat Canines

 More photos of my military K9 statues : Military and Service Dog Statues by Lena Toritch

SOF K9 Memorial Statue

  Bronze Military Dog Statue Of A Special Operations K9 Soldier

 I have finished my new bronze dog statue-a Special Operations Force K9. The statue depicts  Belgian Malinois wearing full tactical gear..The dog is shown waiting for his handler, alert, energetic but sitting patiently as well trained dogs are.

This K9 memorial statue is cast in bronze and will be dedicated on July 27 at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina. I can't post photos of the bronze yet, but I can let you peek into my studio, were I spent many hours researching and getting to know these incredible "super dogs"

Post update: See photos of the new SOF K9 Memorial Bronze Statue on my website:   http://lenatoritch.com/project/sof-k9-military-dog-statue/


Lena Toritch Master Sculptor. Creating SOF K9 Memorial Statue from Young Fine Art Studio, Inc on Vimeo.

For more information on the statue unveiling and for directions to the Museum please visit SOFK9 Memorial website  http://www.sofk9memorial.com/statue_unveiling__celebration-1

How to Order a custom bronze military dog statue or K9 memorial:
Call Young Fine Art Studio (801)359-2451 or email for a free quote.

For more information on customized bronze statues and custom statue ordering process visit;
Custom Bronze Statues and Sculptures By Lena Toritch

Custom dog statues and dog portraits at a glance visit:
Custom Dog Statues and Portraits by Lena Toritch