Photo By Senior Airman Whitney Laine | Military Working Dog Oxigen sits beside Staff Sgt. Thomas Newman, 92nd Security Forces...... read more read more
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“The MWD retirement ceremony shows respect and recognizes the years the MWD has dedicated to their country,” said Staff Sgt. Justin Benfer, 92nd SFS kennel master. “They are service members just like us, have served their time and deserve a ceremony to honor their commitment to their country.”
During the ceremony, Oxigen received a certificate of Meritorious Service and a letter of appreciation from Maj. Cameron Maher, 92nd SFS commander, for her devotion to duty during a critical time in America’s history.
Oxigen was also recognized by the reading of the poem “Guardians of the Night,” a military tradition since the Vietnam War. To cement Oxigen’s retirement, the traditional passing of the leash was conducted to symbolize her transformation from active duty to retirement.
During the passing of the leash, the kennel master relinquishes control of the MWD to the new owner. Oxigen was adopted by her last handler, Staff Sgt. Thomas Newman, 92nd SFS MWD handler.
“We are told not to treat the dog like a human, but when it comes down to it, she is my best friend,” Newman said. “We have worked side-by-side for two years and have formed a really close bond.”
While serving, Oxigen was assigned to three different handlers in support of various North Atlantic Treaty Organization and Department of Defense operational missions. She dedicated more than 207 hours conducting explosive sweeps, United States Secret Service support and Department of State coverage for multiple dignitaries.
Additionally, Oxigen executed more than 2,500 random antiterrorism measures, safeguarding 26,000 military and civilian personnel, supporting law enforcement, security and integrated defense missions.
“Military working dogs allow us to effectively accomplish our job, enforce our standards and the law to ensure everyone is complying with what is needed for the mission,” Benfer said.
| Date Taken: | 12.05.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 12.14.2017 14:08 |
| Story ID: | 258941 |
| Location: | FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 53 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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