Recently, I had the opportunity to attend the New York premiere of a very special documentary called Zzaslow K427, produced by U.S. Army veteran Robert Ham of HAMMR Productions.
I had already seen this documentary during its very first showing at Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland, but the location — and who I was with — made all the difference. This documentary tells the story of a very special dog, named for a very special man who lost his life less than three miles from where the film was shown, when airplanes became weapons and the War on Terror began. On that day, a cloudless sky became filled by a cloud of falling towers.
As the towers fell, so did the tears of Adam Zaslow, whose father, Ira, was lost that day.
It was not until 2005 that Adam learned of a very special honor that had been given to his father. Ira’s name had been bestowed upon one of a select number of dogs produced by the experimental Transportation Security Administration breeding program, which operated from 2002 to 2012. To show that the dog was one of these special dogs, its name had a double first letter and a unique tattoo number. For Zzaslow, that number was K427.
When these dogs were old enough, the breeding program sought volunteer families to foster them until they were ready to be evaluated for service as either TSA dogs or military working dogs. For Zzaslow K427, that foster family was Suzanne Johnson.
After learning the origin of Zzaslow’s name, Johnson left a small, heartfelt message on Ira Zaslow’s obituary page on Dec. 5, 2005, never knowing what that brief comment would lead to.
Through that message, Adam gained a connection and awareness that his father’s legacy would continue. He learned that this dog, bearing his father’s name, would become part of America’s response to that tragic day.
He also learned that this furry warrior, along with a young Army soldier from Puerto Rico named Juan Colon-Estrada, would serve together over three combat tours and nearly 10 years. Colon-Estrada was Zzaslow’s only handler during his military career.
Adam eventually sought to connect with Colon-Estrada to learn more about their life together. He discovered that when Zzaslow retired, Colon-Estrada adopted him and cared for him until his last day, ensuring he did not cross the rainbow bridge alone.
Adam also learned that, like him, Colon-Estrada carried scars connected to Sept. 11. Adam’s came from the falling of the towers, and Juan’s came from America’s response to those who took them down.
Through the film, the audience is taken on a journey of tragedy and triumph — one of pain, loss, sacrifice, redemption and healing. A single name, once associated with loss, is shown living on in new purpose and service.
That journey culminates in the emotional meeting between Adam and Juan at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, and later at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in New York.
Words cannot express the feelings I had sitting in that Regal Theater on Broadway on Jan. 18, 2026, as the film was shown for the first time in New York as part of the Dances With Films festival.
Early in the creation of the documentary, I had the opportunity to become part of the story myself. While filming at Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland, Robert Ham contacted me to provide a black Labrador retriever as a stand-in for Zzaslow during training sequences. I happened to have an obedient lab at home ready to serve, and I gladly helped.
Having served in this career field for nearly 15 years, I have a passion for history and sharing these stories.
As I learned more about the project, I became more committed to its success. Once the film was complete, I connected with the key individuals involved and helped arrange for them to visit Joint Base San Antonio–Lackland, including a tour of the TSA Canine Training Center and the Department of Defense Military Working Dog School at the 341st Training Squadron.
Following the tour, I helped arrange the first screening of the film at the installation, where Zzaslow K427 was born.
Later, I committed to attending the New York premiere when the opportunity arose. That trip also gave me the chance to take my 11-year-old son to Ground Zero the day before the screening, allowing him to experience the memorial firsthand and better understand the significance of that day.
Sharing that experience with my family, alongside Adam’s family, Suzanne’s family and Robert’s family, is a memory I will treasure forever.
More information about the documentary is available at: https://www.hammrproductions. com/ feature-documentaries/ zzaslowk-427 The filmmakers are currently seeking distribution to share the story with a wider audience and help ensure the legacy of those lost — and those who served — is never forgotten.
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