WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – March 13 is National K9 Veterans Day, designated to observe the service and sacrifices of American military working dogs throughout history.
Col. Patrick Miller, 88th Air Base Wing and installation commander, plans to honor the commemoration by visiting the 88th Security Forces Squadron to hand out treats for the K9s here at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
“The dogs play a very important role to the unit by providing explosive and narcotics detection for all of Wright-Patterson,” said Staff Sgt. Lacey Bockman, an 88 SFS handler. “We also provide a psychological deterrent by doing walking patrols that help prevent crime from happening on base.”
At Wright-Patterson AFB, there are six military working dogs in the kennels run by Master Sgt. William Riney, kennel master at 88 SFS.
MWDs play a vital role regarding WPAFB security with their primary mission being detection.
“The biggest contribution to Wright-Patterson is their detection capability and prevention of threats of an (improvised explosive device) onto the base,” Riney said. “They also provide a psychological deterrent just by their presence. If someone attempts to bring something onto the installation, seeing the dog could be the factor that makes them turn their vehicle around.”
The kennels at WPAFB are Air Force Materiel Command’s No. 1 tasked unit when it comes to supporting the Secret Service for presidential and vice presidential visits to the Midwest, according to Riney.
Normal day-to-day work for the K9s would be to conduct duties with the handler, such as random antiterrorism measures, vehicle sweeps and walking patrols.
“The dog is required to do specific detection and patrol training to advance their skills on a daily basis,” Riney said. “The biggest joy for the MWD every day is just spending time with the handler and continuing to build that bond.”
“They get to be with the handler and the interactions they share is what motivates the dog,” he said, “along with getting to play with his/her favorite toy.”
Just like Airmen and other service members, MWDs reach retirement at one point or another. According to Riney, most K9s serve anywhere from eight to 12 years.
(*This article includes 10 photos)
