'Hero' celebration honors last Eglin nominee

  • Published
  • By Jasmine DeNamur
  • Team Eglin Public Affairs
EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The last of Eglin's Red, White and Blue heroes was honored Aug. 13 during the second annual summer celebration at the Destin HarborWalk.

Tech. Sgt. Andy Shoemake is the non-commissioned officer in charge of the 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron's Military Working Dog Track. He was recognized in the city's Red, White and Blue Celebration not only for his accomplishments on Eglin, but also for his valor spanning beyond the installation's border.

"Sergeant Shoemake is a natural leader who has unparalleled skills and an immense dedication to his job wherever he is serving," said Maj. Benjamin Jacobson, 96th Ground Combat Training Squadron commander. "He is an exceptional mentor for our young troops, is selfless and trustworthy, to name a few, and works hard to get the job done."

Sergeant Shoemake began his military career in security forces before he transitioned to a military dog handler three years after entering the Air Force. His career has taken him to myriad locations, from state-side assignments to overseas sites like Korea, Qatar, Albania, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Iraq.

Back home, he develops training tactics, techniques and procedures for military working dogs through Brave Defender, Air Force Material Command's security forces regional training center. The program, one of six in the Air Force, provides ground combat skills training for security forces Airmen.

"Sergeant Shoemake has been in the squadron less than a year and has incorporated his vast knowledge and deployment experience into the training here," said Major Jacobson. "He can easily personalize the 'black and white' curriculum, adding a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the training."

The canine school is very unique in its training techniques. His exceptional skills have enhanced the course not only for the military working dogs, but for the students as well, said Major Jacobson.

For Sergeant Shoemake, working alongside his four-legged protectors is career satisfaction at its best.

"I get paid to play with dogs. What's better than that?" said Sergeant Shoemake. "I always wanted to serve my country. I only planned on serving for four years and here I am, 14 years later, loving every bit of it."

His years of experience paid off during a year-long deployment supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2007 through 2008. During an attack on his convoy, he sustained a concussion as a result of his vehicle getting struck by rocket-propelled grenade. Despite his injury, he was able to clearly identify insurgent forces, directing his gunner to the attackers and successfully thwarting further enemy fire.

For these efforts, Sergeant Shoemake was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. In fact, he was the only Eglin servicemember to carry the honor in this year's 12-week celebration.

"It's not every day you meet an Airman who has a Bronze Star," said Jim Wood, Destin city councilman. "This event was something I didn't want to miss."

The second annual summer event paid tribute to military heroes from Destin's neighboring military installations, recognizing Eglin, Hurlburt Field and Duke Field Airmen Thursday evenings from June to August. The celebration featured a patriotic choir group, World War II themed dance team and T-6 Texan aircraft flyovers and always ended with a fireworks display over the Destin harbor.