Base honors two of its finest

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Laura R. McFarlane
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Karin and Longo, 17th Security Force Squadron military working dogs received a retirement ceremony at the base kennel here, May 14.

As part of the 17th SFS, Karin and Longo protected Goodfellow Air Force Base, the San Angelo community and those who served with them.

Karin, an 8-year-old German shepherd, was assigned to Goodfellow in September 2008 and worked with three handlers since. She assisted with several local authorities including the Tom Green Country jail facility with drug raids. Karin also deployed to Joint Base Balad, Iraq.

"Karin is a true friend and an amazing partner," said Staff Sgt. Tyler Wiseman, 17th SFS MWD handler. "I never thought I would learn so much from a dog."

Longo, a 9-year-old Belgian malinois, was assigned to Goodfellow in January 2006. Longo assisted in numerous health and welfare inspections and assisted the Texas Department of Public Safety in finding narcotics during a traffic stop.

"Longo is my loyal friend and faithful partner," said Senior Airman Donald Weaver, 17th SFS MWD handler. "I can't wait for her to enjoy the rest of her days on my couch."

More than 50 people from the base and the San Angelo community honored the military working dogs as they were relieved from active duty.

Much like the retirement ceremony of their human counterparts, the dogs' ceremony included the retirement certificate presentation, a guest speaker and the retiree speech, although in this case, the retirees barked.

Maj. Dennis Turriff, 17th SFS Commander, paid tribute to police week and recognized the sacrifices security forces and the military working dogs have made.

"Dogs are loyal to the death," said Turriff. "They have no regard for their fate, but they're loyal to their handler. That's what they know."

Leadership joined Wiseman and Weaver on stage for the ultimate toast where each drank from their charged water bowls to honor Karin and Longo for their years of faithful service to the Air Force as noble friends and warriors.