Three Military Working Dogs retire

Published Feb. 13, 2015
By Kimberly Woodruff
Staff Writer

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Three of the 72nd Security Forces Squadron's Military Working Dogs retired Feb. 5 in a special ceremony held at the 552nd Air Control Wing's Fannin Hall.

Honorees were MWDs Buli J238, Jacky J455 and Rex J458.

The MWDs came to Tinker between 2004 and 2005 and specialize in explosive detection, drug detection and patrol. Between the three, they logged nearly 4,800 hours of search time both here and abroad.

Col. Todd Vician, 72nd Mission Support Group commander, fondly recalled his initiation into the K-9 corps when, during training, he ran and MWD Eelijah caught up to him and brought him down.

The colonel said the Military Working Dog has served in battles of war from the doughboy in World War I, in WWII and every conflict since then.

"There is 25 years of combined service between Buli, Jacky and Rex," said Colonel Vician. "There have been nine deployments and nearly 20 Secret Service missions between them, but it is the bond between the handler and the dogs that makes them successful."

Colonel Vician said he's watched the teams over the past year and a half, and is amazed by their teamwork and dedication to succeed.

"I'd put (the handler and dog teams) at par with the best of any Wingman we have in the Air Force when it comes to protecting each other," he said.

The formal retirement portion of the ceremony recognized each dog's contributions to the U.S. Air Force, culminating a long and distinguished career in the service of his country.

Buli, a German Shepherd, was almost four months old when he joined the Air Force in June 2004. He came to Tinker in January 2006. Buli has been deployed on multiple occasions in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. His keen detection ability prevented the loss of countless Soldiers' lives, according to his retirement citation. Additionally, Buli's expert skills were instrumental while performing 927 hours of random anti-terrorism measures securing eight restricted and 62 controlled areas on Tinker Air Force Base. He was also selected on 11 occasions to support the president, vice president and other foreign heads of state.

Jacky, a German Shepherd, was a year old when he joined the Air Force in August 2005. He came to Tinker in December 2006. He was deployed once to Kandahar Air Base in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, where he used his keen detection ability to locate narcotics and deter terrorist acts. Additionally, Jacky's expert skills were instrumental while performing 632 hours of random anti-terrorism measures, locating illicit drugs on the installation on four separate occasions.

Rex, also a German Shepherd, was a little over a year old when he joined the Air Force in August 2005. He came to Tinker the following year. He has been deployed in support of Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. While deployed he was able to disrupt Improvised Explosive Device operations and prevented the loss of lives. He has performed 927 hours of random anti-terrorism measures on Tinker Air Force Base.

"As security forces, we lose the marvel of the MWDs and what they can do," said Capt. Daniel Land, 72nd SFS Operations officer and presiding officer over the ceremony, adding that his 3-year-old is "amazed by it."

"These dogs have no idea the impact they have on a base," Captain Land said. "

"Unfortunately, the Air Force still labels the dogs as equipment, but they are an incredible piece of equipment. I would say they are much more than equipment and we are grateful for what they do."

The captain said the dogs are loyal to the mission and motivated to work.

"Their motivation is the little red toy and the affection of their handler, and they work hard to get it -- their loyalty is unmatched," he said. "They don't have the ego we have and they'll go on multiple missions to work and do what we ask of them, without complaint."

Captain Land is happy to see the dogs who began their training as puppies, finally get to have a puppyhood where they can relax on the couch and be petted.

Buli is going to be with his new family, Jake and Holly Perry. Jacky will be with Renee Atkins, his former handler, and Rex will live with his former handler, Staff Sgt. Brett Jones.

Colonel Vician said the Air Force receives about 1,000 requests each year to adopt MWDs and people can be on the list for up to a year before they are able to adopt.

"That speaks to the temperament and training of the dogs, and to the public appreciation of the dogs," he said.