ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. — Military Working Dogs are a vital part of functional military teams, on and off the battlefield. MWD’s are trained to perform actions humans cannot, specifically duties like detecting explosives and drugs, finding lost or missing team members and patrolling areas with amplified senses. But in order to accomplish their mission and keep teammates safe, these four-legged Airmen must be taken care of too.
“Our mission goes so much further than just the security of the base,” said Staff Sgt. Cory Stoudemayer, a MWD trainer assigned to the 97th SFS. “But in order to accomplish our mission, we have to keep our facilities in top shape first.”
Some of the biggest renovations made to the kennels were: an entirely new air conditioning system designed to keep the dogs acclimated to the current temperature outside, a new wash station, veterinary rooms refurbished from old kennels and sound proof ceilings inside the kennels to prevent dog barks from echoing.
“By keeping this facility up to date, we are essentially keeping our dogs, handlers and teams working at the highest possible level that we can,” said Staff Sgt. Kenneth Holt, a MWD trainer assigned to the 97th SFS. “We need to be as ready as possible for anything that comes our way, and that means having the best equipment available to care for our teams.”
Airmen from the 97th Civil Engineer Squadron, 97th Contracting Flight and 97th Force Support Squadron assisted by donating extra work time to help build a better workspace for the dogs and their handlers. Additionally, the 97th Comptroller Squadron and the 97th Medical Group aided in the renovations through donations and construction.
