Semper K9 is honored to announce the acceptance of Thunder into our Service Dogs for Veterans program. Thunder is a German Shepherd donated to our program by the Morgan Family. Thunder is named in memory of Col. Ralph C. Balcom, United States Air Force.

Ralph Carol Balcom was born on December 24, 1933, in Seattle, WA, to parents Evelyn and Ralph William Balcom. Col. Balcom courageously flew F-105 Thunderchiefs with the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron out of Korat during the Vietnam War. On his 96th out of 100 missions. He has two brothers, Bruce and Keith. Keith also joined the Air Force and flew F-100s Super Sabres during the Vietnam War. Ralph was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Washington in June of 1955. He was also a member of Chi Psi Fraternity. He enjoyed music and singing, as well as golfing and a good glass of whiskey.

He was shot down on May 15, 1966, and still remains MIA.His love and wonderful sense of humor are missed every day.

If you would like to make a memorial gift in memory of Col. Balcom to benefit Thunder’s training & expenses, please visit http://donate.semperk9.org.

If you are interested in sponsoring Thunder’s training & his veteran, please contact Shannon Schultz at shannon@semperk9.org.