Not such a Rocky road ahead

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Laura R. McFarlane
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 17th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog section retired Rocky, a 10-year-old Belgian Malinois, during a ceremony at the base theater here May 9.

During Rocky's nine years of serving, he completed six deployments in support of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and supported the Secret Service.

Capt. James J. Nelson, 17th SFS Commander, spoke about the history of MWDs and their work as sentry dogs.

"The dogs were deployed mostly at night where their superior senses made up for the handlers not being able to see very far," said Nelson. "A former Defense Department MWD program manager once said, 'in Vietnam, no guerilla force has ever penetrated a sentry dog-manned post undetected,' and this is true to this day."

After the retirement of Rocky's security forces badge, Ronnie G. Garcia, Department of Homeland Security Explosive Detection K9 handler and one of Rocky's previous handlers, talked about the year and a half that he was Rocky's handler while serving as an Air Force staff sergeant. He spoke of their first week together, playing ball and going for walks to build rapport. During the second week, Garcia decided to take Rocky out to meet people.

"We walked into the [17th Security Forces] Squadron. There's a trophy case right on the left ... ," said Garcia. "Rocky sees a basketball in the trophy case and goes head first into the plexiglass trying to get the basketball. Not only did he cause a big bang and almost break the plexiglass, but everybody came darting out of their office to see what was going on. Just as quickly as they darted out though, somebody noticed it was Rocky and said, 'oh heck, that's Rocky,' and everyone darted back in their office and closed the door."

Despite some of Rocky's less desirable traits, there is one trait that stands above the rest.

"The greatest thing about a MWD is their unwavering loyalty and Rocky certainly exhibits this trait," said Nelson.

After Staff Sgt. Donald Weaver, 17th SFS MWD handler, handed Rocky to his new owner, Rocky attempted to leave with Weaver and whined after him.

"He's loyal to his handler," added Garcia.

Rocky's ceremony concluded with his last bite, the last time for him to attack the bite suit and a tribute to let him know his mission is complete.

The poem "Just A Dog" by an unknown author pays tribute to dogs and is a lasting reminder of the sacrifices they make in the line of duty.

"Of all these jobs that I do, my most important is protecting you, protecting your life with the risk of losing mine, even though I have never met you."