Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Lind, 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron, stands by her retired military working dog Bak during the MWD memorial ceremony May 17 at the Air Armament Museum. Bak, who served two deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, retired in March and was adopted by Sergeant Lind. He was honored at the event with a ceremonial snack. The ceremony was just one of the events happened for Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
A gust of wind unfurls the Air Force flag as it stands beside the “combat kennel” at the site of the Military Working Dog memorial ceremony May 17 at the Air Armament Museum. The ceremony honored MWDs and civilian K-9 unit for their service and remembered those who’ve fallen. The ceremony was just one of the events happened for Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Military Working Dog Bak watches as Lt. Col. Ken Baker, 919th Mission Support Group, performs “Amazing Grace” on his bagpipes during the MWD memorial ceremony May 17 at the Air Armament Museum. Bak, who served two deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, retired in March and was adopted by Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Lind, 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron. The ceremony was just one of the events happened for Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
A security forces Airman stands with his military working dog behind the MWD memorial monument during a ceremony May 17 at the Air Armament Museum. The ceremony honored MWDs and civilian K-9 unit for their service and remembered those who’ve fallen. The ceremony was just one of the events happened for Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Bak, a retired military working dog, receives a congratulatory meal during the during the MWD memorial ceremony May 17 at the Air Armament Museum. Bak, who served two deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan, retired in March and was adopted by Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Lind, 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron. The ceremony was just one of the events happened for Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Maj. Michael Borders, 96th Security Forces Squadron commander, speaks to the crowd during the Military Working Dog memorial ceremony May 17 at the Air Armament Museum. The ceremony honored MWDs and civilian K-9 unit for their service and remembered those who’ve fallen. The ceremony was just one of the events happened for Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
Lt. Col. Ken Baker, 919th Mission Support Group, performs “Amazing Grace” on his bagpipes during the Military Working Dog memorial ceremony May 17 at the Air Armament Museum. The ceremony honored MWDs and civilian K-9 unit for their service and remembered those who’ve fallen. The ceremony was just one of the events happened for Police Week. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)
5/18/2011 - EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Military and civilian law enforcement dogs were honored and remembered during a ceremony at the Military Working Dog memorial at the Air Armament Museum, May 17.
The ceremony, hosted by the 96th Security Forces Squadron, was just one of the events taking place during National Police Week. MWDs, K-9s and their handlers from Eglin, Hurlburt Field and four law enforcement agencies attended the ceremony to pay their respects.
"The MWD is a special breed that shares a special bond with their handlers and the community," said Staff Sgt. Brandon Hardy, 96th SFS. "MWDs serve many roles throughout their career from protecting heads of state including the president, counter drug operations and force protection. K-9s are out on the road each night maintaining order in the community or fighting the war on drugs."
An empty kennel with a bowl and leash were placed in front of the memorial during the ceremony.
The kennel remains empty as a reminder of their selfless sacrifice, dedication to duty and unwavering bond to their handlers, Sergeant Hardy told the crowd. The leash and choke chain symbolize they are no longer bound to this world and may roam free amongst their fellow K-9s.
A recently retired MWD from Hurlburt Field was honored at the ceremony. After retirement, MWD Bak was adopted by his handler, Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Lind, 1st Special Operations Security Forces Squadron.
MWD Bak had six handlers in his six years of service and deployed twice in support of Operation Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. He was honored with a meal presented by Hurlburt kennel master, Tech. Sgt. Ron King, 1st SOSFS.
"I wanted him to give him a chance just to be a dog and enjoy his retirement," said Sergeant Lind. "He deserved some stress-free years away from the kennel, he certainly earned it."
The names of the six MWDs who'd given their lives in service to the nation were read aloud - Beto, Sarah (Hurlburt), Banto, Warco, Bowy and Max (Eglin.)
Maj. Michael Borders, 96th SFS commander, spoke specifically about the "beautiful" bond between the MWD and handler. He said most people will never experience such a strong and powerful connection.
He told the story of a Marine Corp. handler, Pfc. Colton Rusk, who was killed by a Taliban sniper in Afghanistan in 2010. When the Marine went down, his MWD partner, a black Labrador named Eli crawled on top of him. The dog was later adopted by his family.
The ceremony closed out with Eglin's kennel master, Tech. Sgt. Gary King, 96th SFS, reading a poem titled "Just a Dog" by Christina Sudduth and the playing of "Amazing Grace" on the bagpipes by Lt. Col. Ken Baker, 919th Special Operations Wing.
"It's important to hold ceremonies like this because K-9s don't get the recognition they deserve for what they do," said Sergeant King. "We do this to honor them because we owe it to our partners to say thank you."
Comments
6/6/2011 9:09:17 AM ET As a C-141, C-17 Loadmaster I have had the privilege of transporting K-9's and their handlers to many locations around the globe. The bond the K-9's have with their handlers is nothing short of phenomenal. These Dogs are a gift from God and deserve the respect and dignity shown to them during these ceremonies. Thank you to all who made it possible to recognize these heroes.
Msgt John Blakeney, Thompson Field Jackson Ms.
5/20/2011 11:16:45 AM ET I was once in the Air Force stationed at Hurlburt Field. I thoroughly enjoyed reading your story not only since I was stationed in the area, but because I am a dog lover and truly respect them. I always enjoy reading stories on military dogs. Thanks again for doing a great job on this story.
Susan Dillman, GettysburgPA
5/19/2011 4:34:47 PM ET It is about time. We honor every who for whatever and these guy's for years have saved civilian as well as military lives. I would love to adopt a retired dog and give him his peace time, he so earned. He is a veteran too. Just think, he works - he eats and doesn't talk back. How great is that. He is also loyal to the death. If I had a place, i would be honored to have one share my life. Thank you, K-9 for everywhere.
cathlene, United States
5/19/2011 4:21:40 PM ET This is a beautiful tribute to the USAF K-9s. Thank you for publishing it so we would know about it. God bless the USAF
