I am often asked how such a cute puppy, such as myself, got a name like Kolchak. It is common for a Borzoi (as we are known now) to have a Russian name reflecting our heritage from Russia. Here's how I got Kolchak XVI.
Mom and I collected the photos and the rest is attributed as best we could.
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The first mascot, a pure bred Russian Wolfhound (as we were known until 1936), was presented to the regiment in 1929. He was named after Admiral Alksandr Vassilyevich Kolchak, a White Russian Army commander who fought the Bolsheviks alongside the regiment in Siberia. It is said that Adm. Kolchak, after witnessing the regiment march over 1,000 miles over difficult ground in frigid Siberian temperatures in pursuit of the retreating Bolsheviks in the Siberia Campaign, alluded to the regiment having the endurance and tenacity of Wolfhounds.
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Admiral Alksandr Vassilyevich Kolchak
(Thankfully we bear no likeness to each other!)
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Kolchak I, and his successors, are more than a mere mascot. They personify both the name, Wolfhounds, by which the 27th Infantry is known throughout the Army, and the tenacious and ferocious fighting nature of the regiment.
The Regiment has a reputation of utter ferocity in combat and gentle compassion in peace. Our enemies have felt the ruthlessness of the Wolfhound's bite, our friends have found us to be loyal and steadfast, and the innocent have found the Wolfhounds are second to none in compassion. (See PeaceBridge, among other references, for more information on Wolfhound compassion.)
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A Kolchak with two children from Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan
visiting the regiment at Schofield Barracks, Hawai'i, USA.
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Wolfhound compassion:
Hugh O'Reilly with a child at the Holy Family Home in Osaka, Japan.
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Pasted from http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-vetscor/861975/posts (dated March 2003)
Where does a four footed Wolfhound march in a Parade? You won't find the answer in FM 22-5, Drill and Ceremonies or the old Infantry Drill Regulations, but the famous Wolfhound Regiment has it's present mascot, Kolchak XI lead the procession.
The first mascot, a pure bred Russian Wolfhound, was presented to the regiment in 1929. He was named after Admiral Aleksandr Vassilyevich Kolchak, who fought the Bolsheviks during the regiments stay in Siberia. Sergeant John Martin -- who served with the regiment in both the Philippines and Siberia -- took charge and promised to have "Kolchak" at all gatherings of the regiment.
Wolfhounds were used in ancient times as hunting dogs in Russia. The Russian aristocracy later used them for coursing wolves and other game. They were imported into the United States in the late 1880's and given the name "Borzoi" in 1936. Kolchak, and his 10 successors are more than a mere mascot. They personify both the name, Wolfhounds, by which the 27th Infantry is known throughout the Army, and the tenacious and ferocious fighting nature of the regiment.
Kolchak II entered service in 1939. He was often found rooting on Wolfhound athletic teams and marched with the regiment in all ceremonies. The Cossack hat or Shaktoes, belt and boots worn by the color guard may have been designed to please Kolchak II as well as the spectators at ceremonies who approved of the colorful trappings of a colorful regiment.
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Kolchak II circa
Downloaded from Facebook page of:
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Same photo as above, uncropped version.
Kolchak leading the procession, as it should be.
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The current mascot is Kolchak XI. Kolchak X retired to the care of his handler, Staff Sergeant White of the 1st Battalion Scouts.
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I am the 15th Kolchak - there was no 13 as some think that number to be unlucky. Some of us serve longer than others. We come in a variety of colors, sizes, and temperaments, but all of us have the same job - representing and supporting the 27th Infantry Regiment.
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A photo of a Kolchak photo hanging in D Quad.
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That's most of what Kolchak XV and our mom had to say about it. Not much has changed.
Thanks for being curious about my name, me, and what I do.
No Fear!
Kolchak XVI
King of the Wolfhounds
Thank you for your service.
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