In honor of a military service dog

[Reba]

Military service dogs are not pets but this was the closest category at AD.

This morning, in the rain, TCS and I joined other Patriot Guard Riders in standing a Flag line for the memorial service of Waldo F033, a career service dog. The memorial service was held in the Air Force base theater, followed by an internment ceremony at the service dog cemetery, also on the base.

After we finished our Flag line duties, we were able to sit in on the memorial service. It was very touching. On the stage, they had the traditional setting for deceased military dogs--his empty kennel carrier, an upturned water/food dish, his leash and collar. There was a large portrait of Waldo on an easel. (He was a good looking black shepherd.) An honor guard of six dogs and their handlers stood around the kennel. Waldo's urn of ashes was sitting on top of the kennel.

Remarks were made by dog handlers, the base Colonel, and the Chaplain. Waldo's handler rang the large bell three times for Waldo's last call home from duty.

A Flag was presented to his handler. Amazing Grace was played by a bagpiper.

After the service, PGR bikers escorted the everyone to the cemetery, which is located on the grounds of the military kennels and training compound. Under a large oak tree, there is a circle of grave markers for the other dogs interred there. PGR stood a Flag line around the tree while the honor guard fired a gun salute.

It was a very sad but dignified morning.

 

[Reba]

From his memorial:

WALDO F033
01 October 2001 - 09 May 2012​

MWD Waldo was a German Shepherd who was whelped in October of 2001. Waldo was accepted into military service on 25 November 2002 after showing the ability and aptitude to meet the strenuous criteria to become a Military Working Dog. On 3 April 2003, while assigned to Lackland Air Force Base, Waldo became a fully certified Drug Detector/Patrol Dog. Waldo arrived at Charleston Air Force Base, Sc, in May of 2003.

During Waldo's career he conducted 2,304 hours of searches, completed 425 hours of detection training, and responded to numerous searches where he found illegal narcotics which in turn gave the base and community a safer environment of all personnel and families. He also conducted over 225 demonstrations for the local comment and annually visited schools during Red Ribbon Week to raise drug and violence prevention awareness. Waldo deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom twice. MWD Waldo embodied the highest standards of the Air Force and is the epitome of a true Air Force Warrior.

 

[Reba]

Waldo, a military working dog assigned to a security unit at Joint Base Charleston, will be laid to rest today in ceremony featuring a 21-gun salute.
On his two deployments to Afghanistan, Waldo, a military working dog assigned to Joint Base Charleston, kept American units safe.

This morning, the 11-year-old German shepherd will be laid to rest with military honors, including a 21-gun salute.

A base spokesperson said the high honor is warranted, even though Waldo stood guard on four legs.

“He is considered an airman,” Lt. Leah Davis, of the public affairs office, said Tuesday. “He supports the mission, just like all of our airmen do.”

Waldo, part of the 628th Security Forces Squadron, passed away March 9. He was about to be adopted but died after a short illness. He had served most of his career at Charleston and was trained to detect narcotics and in installation protection.

Officials stressed Tuesday that dogs are part of the military, and that the working relationship with their handlers is considered extremely close. The pairs are known to share the same sleeping bag on some assignments.

“Military working dogs train, deploy and fight with their handlers, and oftentimes, save lives while performing their duties,” said Rose Alexander, another base spokesperson. “They are ‘veterans’ and have served our nation.”

Immediately following the memorial, a procession led by the Patriot Guard motorcycle escort will proceed to the base’s Military Working Dog cemetery, where Waldo’s remains will be interred.

The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the Joint Base Charleston Air Base Theater.

Joint Base Charleston security dog to get 21-gun salute | The Post and Courier | Charleston SC, News, Sports, Entertainment

 

[Reba]

Waldo

 

[Reba]

Waldo's service

 

[TXgolfer]

So sad and so awesome at the same time

 

[Tousi]

That choked me up. Thank you, Waldo for your service!

 

[Babyblue]

Wirelessly posted

I think it is great that Waldo was honored.

 

[Reba]

This was read at the service:


Guardians Of The Night

Author - Unknown

Trust in me my friend for I am
your comrade. I will protect you
with my last breath When all
others have left you And the
loneliness of the night closes
in, I will be at your side.

Together we will conquer all
obstacles, And search out
those who might wish harm to
others. All I ask of you is
compassion, The caring touch
of your hands. It is for you that I
will unselfishly give my life And
spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together
May be marked by the passing
of the seasons Know that each
day at your side is my reward.

My days are measured by The
coming and going of your
footsteps. I anticipate them at
every opening of the door. You
are the voice of caring when I
am ill. The voice of authority
when I've done wrong.


Do not chastise me unduly For
I am your right arm, The sword
at your side. I attempt to do
only what you bid of me. I seek
only to please you and remain
in your favor.

Together you and I shall
experience A bond only others
like us will understand When
outsiders see us together Their
envy will be measured by their
disdain.

I will quietly listen to you And
pass no judgment, Nor will your
spoken words be repeated I will
remain ever silent, Ever vigilant,
ever loyal. And when our time
together is done And you move
on in the world Remember me
with kind thoughts and tales,
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passed among us
undetected.

If we should meet again on
another street I will gladly take
up your fight, I am a Police
Working Dog and together We
are guardians of the night.

 

[Reba]

Please excuse the poor quality of these photos. TCS was holding the camera with one hand, and a Flag with the other, in the rain.

Waldo's grave

 

[whatdidyousay!]

Waldo

He was a very handsome soldier . How sad and touching . There is a book out about of dogs of 911 . the book is called 'Retrieved' and is has amazing photos of the dogs that are still alive.

 

[Mimsy]

Thank you very much for posting this about Waldo.