WHAT IS PROJECT K.I.T.T. ?
Project K.I.T.T., an acronym for K-9's Involved in Targeting Terrorism, is a not-for-profit fund which receives donations
for the purpose of purchasing needed equipment and supplies for Military Working Dog (MWD) teams stationed in
Iraq, Afghanistan, the Horn of Africa, and other areas of the world in response to the war on terror. All funds received
are totally earmarked for the purchase and shipping of these items.
BACKGROUND
Project K.I.T.T. was started by Alan Kalfus, a recently retired Florida police K-9 handler and trainer. Alan retired in 2005
with his then five-year-old K-9 partner, "Kitt".
K-9 "Kitt", a German Shepherd Dog imported from the Czech Republic, was a one-of-a-kind police K-9, having an
excellent disposition and able to get along with everyone, including children and other animals, but was an awesome
working dog as well. In his short career, K-9 "Kitt" was responsible for numerous felony and misdemeanor
apprehensions, including many for possession of narcotics. Additionally, K-9 "Kitt" was responsible for the seizure of
nearly $100,000.00 in drug money as a result of his narcotic detecting ability.
On January 13, 2009, K-9 "Kitt" passed away suddenly and unexpectedly after
undergoing cancer surgery, at the age eight.
To keep his name and memory alive, Project KITT was initiated.
K-9 "Kitt"
HOW DOES PROJECT KITT WORK?
Alan has been in e-mail contact with MWD handlers in
Iraq and Afghanistan, and has received lists of needed
equipment and supplies which the military does not provide.
Such items as long leads, collars, dog goggles ("Doggles"),
dog booties and dog treats are needed, as are various toys, such as tennis balls and "Kongs", used for rewarding the MWD for a task well done. Additionally, detector dog handlers have
received both red and white marker flags, which are used to mark danger areas, or areas which had been cleared for the safe travel of troops.
506 ESFS Military Working Dog Section, Kirkuk Air Force Base, Iraq
HOW CAN YOU ASSIST IN THE PROJECT?
By sending a donation to "Project KITT, at 3238 SW Cohutta Street, Port St. Lucie,
FL 34953-4646. Checks are to be made payable to PROJECT KITT.
NOTE: At this time donations to "Project KITT" are NOT tax deductible.
Additional information on Project Kitt, or a list of currently needed equipment, can be
obtained by contacting Project KITT at the above address, by e-mail at Mine Detecting Dogs
westfork2@netzero.net , or by telephone at: 772.201.5747. US Army - 49th MDD
Afghanistan
Project KITT News
MILITARY WORKING DOG HANDLER KILLED IN AFGHANISTAN
A MWD handler, Petty Officer 2nd Class Sean Brazas, a member of a
unit deployed to Afghanistan which had received equipment from
Project KITT, was killed in action on May 30, 2012. Petty Officer 2nd Class
Brazas' unit was ambushed and attempted to make a hasty helicopter retreat. As
Petty Officer Brazas was assisting a fellow soldier into the helicopter he was
shot and killed. He leaves behind a wife and a 13-month-old daughter.
REST IN PEACE, BRAVE WARRIOR
SECOND PROJECT KITT BENEFIT HELD AT BAMBOO CAFE, NAPLES, FLORIDA ON FLAG DAY JUNE 14, 2011
NAPLES, Fla. (January 14, 2011) - In honor of Flag Day, Tuesday, June 14, 2011, and Military Working Dogs (MWDs),
Bamboo Café French Home Cooking hosted the second "Canine Companion Dinner" to benefit Project KITT (K-9’s
Involved in Targeting Terrorism).
Prizes were awarded for the most patriotic dog. "FOR FOOTED FRIENDS", a Naples dog supplies and food store,
donated two prizes for the best canine costume, one valued at $150.00 and one at $100.00. Project KITT wishes to
thank Janet and Rose, co-owners of FOR FOOTED FRIENDS, for their generous donations. This year, over $500.00
was raised for Project KITT from the sale of Project KITT T-shirts, raffles and the sale of the special Project KITT drink,
concocted by the Bamboo Café bartenders.
Project KITT also wishes to again thank Lisa and Phillipe Boet, owners of the Bamboo Café, in Naples for their
hospitality.
To see an entertaining slide series of the 2011 benefit, CLICK HERE , the click on "Start Slideshow" in the upper right
hand corner of the link. Thanks to Gary Iverson for his hard work on the slideshow.
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PROJECT KITT BENEFIT HELD IN NAPLES, FLORIDA IN 2009
On Thursday, July 2, 2009, a benefit was held for Project KITT at the Bamboo Cafe in Naples, Florida. The evening
event included a three-course dinner, a raffle, patriotic bandana sales and a "Most Patriotic Dog" contest. Those
attending the dinner were encouraged to bring their dogs as well, and the restaurant was filled with humans and their
canine partners.
Nearly $500.00 was raised at the event for Project KITT. We wish to thank Lisa and Philippe Boet, owners of the
Bamboo Cafe, for their hospitality, and for allowing us to hold the event at their restaurant, and Project Kitt board
member Linda Tanner for spearheading it.
Click on the following link for photos of the event:
LIST OF "PROJECT KITT " CONTRIBUTORS (As of January 10, 2021)
Noble and Patty Hendrix - Palm City, FL/Seven Devils, NC
Sue Heys - Berlin Heights, OH
Samantha Mabrouk - Fort Pierce, FL
Joy Annunziato - Boca Raton, FL/Forestport, NY
Karen and Hal Weiner - Oceanside, NY
Mrs. Yvonne L. Clark - Naples, FL
Maria Del Rio Giles - Naples, FL
Linda Tanner/Gary Iverson - Bonita Springs, FL
Sally and John Price - Naples, FL
Donna P. Wilson - Fort Myers, FL
Donald A. Schrauf - Norwalk, OH
Geraldine and Phillip Tafoya - Port Saint Lucie, FL
SSG Amy L. Meyer, US Army (Military Working Dog handler)
Richard and Judy Buttine - Jupiter, FL
Lisa & John Walsh - Bonita Springs, FL
Ms. Dionne Miller - Naples, FL
Helen "Peep" Stevens - Ft. Myers, FL
Bill and Diane Hollister - Bonita Springs, FL
Lisa Beever - North Fort Myers, FL
Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert Ford - Naples, FL
Lindsay M. Swab - Auburn, NY
Ladies of the Elks, Lodge # 2742 - North Ft. Myers, FL
Marcella J. Wanagiel - Lakewood, NJ
Bonnie Valvano - North Fort Myers, FL
Mr. & Mrs. Don Cochran - Cape Coral, FL
Ellen M. & Raymond Depelteau - South Hadley, MA (2)
Carol A. Jones - Lee Center, NY
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 10127, North Fort Myers, FL
Veterans of Foreign Wars Men's Auxiliary, Post 10127 - North Fort Myers, FL
Catherine & Alan Niemczyk - North Fort Myers, FL
Alain & James Quesnel - South Hadley, MA
Jean & George Sinko - North Fort Myers, FL (2)
Wild Bunch 4-H - Alva, FL
Martha Hammond - North Ft. Myers, FL
Carol Van Vlack - North Fort Myers, FL
Bill & Marilyn Banfield - Cape Coral, FL
Audna J. & Catherine C. Niemczyk - North Fort Myers, FL
Mike & Ruth Rigby - Cape Coral, FL
Colette Johns, Volunteer Specialist, Hope Health Care Services - North Fort Myers, FL
Sandra L. and Alistair A. Potts - North Fort Myers, FL
Brad Keselowski Racing, LLC - Mooresville, NC
Brian and Patricia McHugh - Cape Coral, FL
Elizabeth and James Bunting, Sr. - Naples, FL
Rita L. and Thomas A. Albanese - Apopka, FL
Marlene F. and Richard J. Merfeld - Cape Coral, FL
Lisa and Joe Crouch - Cape Coral, FL
Eastside Animal Hospital - Ft. Myers, FL
Michael and Janet Johnson - Bonita Springs, FL
Julie A. Moore - North Fort Myers, FL
Phyllis & Marco Beja - Sunrise, FL
Barbara Wood - Punta Gorda, FL/Lancaster, VA
Colonial Dental Group, Drs. Campbell & Catlin - Fort Myers, FL
Kaaren Koroly - Port Saint Lucie, FL
Rhonda and Paul Hanna - Port Saint Lucie, FL
Elizabeth and Mark Wilson - Fort Pierce, FL
Jessica Nichols - Fort Pierce, FL
Kathy Pearce - Okeechobee, FL
Judy Biasella - Port Saint Lucie, FL
Linda Davi - Fort Pierce, FL
Chris Blackwelder - Fort Pierce, FL
Terry Miranda - Fort Pierce, FL
Susan and Marty Sloane - Stuart, FL
Kathleen and Bruce Patterson - Aurora, IL
Robert McCormick - Fort Myers, FL
Patricia Blevins - Englewood, FL
Anita and Taylor Simpson - Orlando, FL
Alecia Valzone - Vero Beach, FL
Jean M. Sinko - North Fort Myers, FL
The following listed ladies donated homemade dog blankets to be sent to Military Working Dogs in Afghanistan:
Martha Hammond - North Fort Myers, FL
Sally P. Smith - North Fort Myers, FL
Omega Zachma - North Fort Myers, FL
Connie Buchholz - North Fort Myers, FL
Robbyn Spears - Cape Coral, FL
Penny Vaught - North Fort Myers, FL
Joyce and Arthur DeVries - Port Saint Lucie, FL
Shirley L. Dacey - Port Saint Lucie, FL
The following individual donated Christmas "Goodies Bags" to be sent to Military Working Dogs as well.
Boatswain's Mate Chief Vaught (US Coast Guard, Retired) - North Fort Myers, FL
THE FOLLOWING PERSONS HAVE GREATLY ASSISTED "PROJECT KITT" BY SOLICITING FOR
DONATIONS, HEADING UP FUND RAISING EVENTS AND LOCATING MILITARY WORKING DOG
UNITS FOR "PROJECT KITT" TO ASSIST:
Linda Tanner (Past Board Member - Project KITT) - Santa Fe, NM
Martha Hammond (Board Member - Project KITT) - North Fort Myers, FL
Natasha Kloeker - Seoul, South Korea
