366th SFS retires a true dog of war

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Megan P. Lyon
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Through the trenches of both world wars, the jungles of Vietnam and the deserts of the Middle East, military working dogs have been at the side of their military handlers, facing the same dangers and sharing the same triumphs. Now one of Mountain Home's MWDs will be facing a new challenge: retirement.

Astor, 366th Security Forces MWD, or "old man" as many Airmen at the kennel affectionately call him, is retiring just months from his ninth birthday due to age and health concerns that stem from the demanding physical standards required for MWDs.

"MWDs and their handlers share a special bond," said Staff Sgt. Jason Jeffrey, 366th SFS MWD trainer and acting kennel master. "Many MWDs have surrendered their lives to protect their handlers and help safeguard American military men and women."

After his retirement, Astor will be adopted by his handler, Staff Sgt. Heath Hinton, 366th SFS.

"We've worked together for about six months, and when I heard they were retiring him, I volunteered to adopt him," said Sergeant Hinton. "I want to give him a good home after he leaves the service."

Astor has served with the 366th SFS's Gunslingers since 1999 as a patrol certified and explosives detection certified MWD. In addition to the four deployments under his collar, he has served in direct support of the president of the United States by providing security for former President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush.

"On average most MWDs work for about nine years," said Staff Sgt. William Washer, 366th SFS MWD handler. "It depends on the health of the dog."

Prior to MWDs leaving the service, they undergo de-aggression training to ensure the safety of both the dog and owner.

"It's pretty common for handlers to adopt a MWD," said Sergeant Washer. "The dogs did their time, just like the rest of us. They deserve to retire into a safe and comfortable home."

If an MWD doesn't retire with a handler or get adopted by another family, the dog will return to San Antonio to be a trainer dog at the 341st Training Squadron, Lackland AFB, Texas, to train a new generation of MWDs to be used for patrol and drug and explosive detection.

"Astor will live out the rest of his days in the comfort of a warm, loving home with the knowledge his service has provided a safe and free America," said Sergeant Jeffrey. "The men and women of the 366th SFS would like to give Astor a heartfelt thank you for his service. He will be missed."

"The only thing Astor will be certified in now is couch dog; maybe I'll teach him to find the remote," added Sergeant Hinton.