NBK Military Working Dogs show off for local Girl Scouts

Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Sarah Christoph | 200304-N-BC190-2067 SILVERDALE, Wash. (March 4, 2020) Master-At-Arms 3rd Class Paulina Palazuelos, a Military Working Dog handler assigned to Naval Base Kitsap, gives her MWD, "Turbo" a reward after performing basic attack techniques during a canine unit demonstration. Part of the exhibition highlighted Palazuelos' and Turbo's attack techniques, while MWD handler Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Kady Huesman, also assigned to NBK, and her MWD "Daja", showcased basic search techniques. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Sarah Christoph/Released)  

SILVERDALE, WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

03.04.2020

Story by Petty Officer 3rd Class Victoria Galbraith 

Naval Base Kitsap

Story by
Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Victoria Foley

SILVERDALE, Wash. - Military working dogs from Naval Base Kitsap's canine unit showcased their capabilities during a Girl Scout troop meeting March 4, at the Bonefish Community Center here.

The event was held for a local girl scout troop for them to learn about the military working dogs within the area in an entertaining and friendly environment.

The demonstrations gave the girls a better sense of the dogs' capabilities and how they contribute to NBK's security, as well as providing an opportunity for additional training.

"I think this demonstration is very important for the girls because we are an all military girl troop and each girl here has at least one parent that works on base," said Jamie Van Matre, Girl Scout Troop 41917 co-leader. “It’s a huge deal to be able to work with our military working dog handlers and see what they actually do. I think this is a very special moment for them to experience something you wouldn’t normally see day to day.”

During the demonstration, Master-At-Arms 3rd Class Paulina Palazuelos, a Military Working Dog handler, and her MWD "Turbo", performed attack techniques, while MWD handler Master-at-Arms 3rd Class Kady Huesman, and her MWD "Daja", showcased basic search techniques.

“A lot of the girls’ moms and dads are deployed right now,” said Sara Hobson, Girl Scout Troop 41917 leader. “They have a really hard time when their parents are gone, but a lot of the moms have said the Girl Scout meetings help.”

The inclusive, all-female environment of a Girl Scout troop creates a safe space where girls can try new things, develop a range of skills, take on leadership roles, and just be themselves.

• Date Taken: 03.04.2020
• Date Posted: 03.06.2020 15:02
• Story ID: 364618
• Location: SILVERDALE, WASHINGTON, US
• Hometown: NAVAL BASE KITSAP-BREMERTON, WASHINGTON, US