MWD Dan retires after 9 years in USAF

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Angelique N. Smythe
  • 65th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
LAJES FIELD, Azores --  After nine years of active duty service with the U.S. Air Force, a 65th Security Forces Squadron military working dog has retired.

The 65th SFS hosted a retirement ceremony for MWD Dan March 25 on Lajes Field, Azores.

Dan, a German shepherd, served on Lajes as a narcotics detection dog. He began his career in 2005 at the Department of Defense Dog Training School on Lackland AFB, Texas. Since graduation, he has been a devoted team member to 10 military working dog handlers within the 65th SFS.

"Today we come together to celebrate the life and career of MWD Dan and his dedicated service to our nation," said the master of ceremonies, Staff Sgt. Roland Garcia, 65th SFS MWD handler. "Dan has selflessly served in the U.S. Air Force for over nine years. Today we give merit to our beloved coworker and friend."

The ceremony not only recognized Dan's accomplishments but also honored other military working dogs that have lost their lives in the line of duty and are unable to have retirement ceremonies as well.

"Military working dogs have been a significant asset in military operations - whether they are entertaining the community with demonstrations, conducting checks at base entry control points, keeping drugs and contraband off the installation or uncovering (improvised explosive devices) to save lives," Garcia explained.

Dan's latest handler and trainer within the 65th SFS, Staff Sgt. Lisa Kiesewetter, has worked with him for approximately six months. She described him as very easy going and obedient.

"Like all dogs, Dan received training for bite work and detection," said Kiesewetter. "However, he wasn't really cut out to be a patrol dog because of his very loving personality, so he continued on to become a certified narcotics detector."

Military working dogs have the ability to smell or hear things thousands of times better than humans. In Vietnam they assisted in identifying trip wires before allied forces set them off. In Iraq and Afghanistan they've helped uncover explosives before entering bases, while out on patrols and in hidden caches. They've saved countless lives and taken many weapon arsenals out of enemy control.

"As an MWD handler you work with your dog every day," said Tech. Sgt. Edward Slaughter, 65th SFS kennel master. "He becomes a huge part of your life because you spend all day every day with him. When he performs well in his job and does something great, you get a huge sense of accomplishment and pride within your team."

After arriving to the Azores, Dan adopted the island life and never once left, neither to a deployment or temporary duty assignment. However, he continued obedience and detection training every day.

"You're constantly training," said Slaughter. "The more you train, the greater your team will be. Your dog could save your life or someone else's life; therefore, it's extremely important for him to be reliable within his job."

Military working dogs receive training in basic obedience tasks, finding explosives, drugs or people, and attacking if necessary.

"Even though Dan never left Lajes after being stationed here, we provide him with a retirement ceremony to say thank you for the time he served, as well as to honor all military working dogs that have served and paid the ultimate sacrifice," said Kiesewetter. "It's important to recognize the accomplishments of an MWD's career. They are like any other soldier who's completed their time in service."

Upon retirement, Dan was released to his new partner, Senior Master Sgt. Jason Tranfaglia, 65th SFS manager, and will now serve as a house pet.

"I chose to adopt Dan because he has served his country well, and he deserves to live out the rest of his life without concerns," said Tranfaglia. "Our goal is to retire and relax. Dan has requested a couch for his retirement gift, and he would like to travel across the country with hopes to meet a nice poodle."