A United States Air Force dog, Jony, serving with the 20th Security
Forces Squadron, has retired after nine years, (68 dog years) of
distinguished service.
Jony’s retirement was announced by the U.S. Department of Defence.
Pentagon said in a statement, that Jony retired due to a compressed
disc in his spine, and has been permanently put in the hands of its
handler, Air Force Staff, Sergeant Anthony Despins, a military dog
handler, who met Jony as his first canine partner in 2012.
Pentagon said, “Together, the two used their individual skill sets to
make a formidable team, eventually becoming certified as an explosives
detection and patrol unit to keep people around the world safe and their
fellow airmen out of harm’s way.”
Pentagon further quoted Despins as saying that “Jony was really excited, always happy to see people and very energetic.
“Even back then, Jony knew what was expected of him and how to do his job.
“Jony’s performance during his initial training determined what
certifications he received; military working dogs can receive narcotics
and explosives credentials as well as certification as a patrol dog.
“All their physical traits: their sight, their hearing, their nose,
their speed, their teeth, dogs bring so much to the table – things we
can’t do and the equipment we’re provided can’t do.
“Although the physical traits are necessary for success, it takes
more than just advanced senses for a dog to pass initial training.
“They must be able to listen to commands. If they can’t do that
they’ll automatically be disqualified. Some dogs just don’t have the
drive.”
According to Pentagon, after Despins, Jony served with five other
handlers, including Air Force Sgt. Kevin Davis Jr., and the pair was
deployed to Afghanistan together in 2013.
Pentagon described Jony’s period with the military as a “distinguished service.
“During one of his deployments, Jony went on more than 60 missions in
support of Operation Enduring Freedom, finding six explosives and
enduring five firefights.
“Jony also went on seven explosive detection missions with the Secret
Service in support of the president and vice president of the United
States.
“Thanks to Jony’s acute sense of smell, Davis and his team were able to come back home to their families.”
Davis said that the unwavering faith between military working dogs and handlers is not left behind on the battlefield.
He said, “They’re wingmen. Not only are they there through the thick
and thin, the good times and the bad times, they’re there to protect and
they’re there to watch out for you.”
Davis added that the bond is incomparable to any other.
“You can create a facade as you’re going through your day to day.
However the dog knows; they know when something’s not right or if you
feel down or depressed and are just trying to keep a straight face.”
Air Force Staff Sergeant, Robert Coughlin, another military working
dogs handler with the Squadron, said, “Dogs would sacrifice and do
anything for their handler.
“It doesn’t matter what it is. They have no fear of what they go into as far as the danger.”
Pentagon said Air Force Staff Sergeant Kathryn McCarthy, also a
military working dogs handler, read a poem titled “Guardians of the
Night,” dedicated to military working dogs and their service, and
traditionally read at their retirement ceremonies, in honour of Jony.
At his pulling out ceremony, Pentagon said the sun was rising as Jony
took his “last ride” in a patrol truck around the kennel, allowing him
to say goodbye to his family of handlers, fellow military working dogs
and the base he had worked hard to protect.
“Friends, family and those who may have only known Jony through his
acts of courage gathered to commemorate nine years, or 68 dog years, of
distinguished service.
“Jony barks throughout the ceremony, joining the crowd in celebration of his accomplishments.
“Like so many airmen before him, Jony receives a retirement pin to
symbolise his transition from an active-duty service member to retiree.
“Unlike most airmen, Jony is also presented with a bone to symbolize
his transition from the kennel to the couch, reclaiming his place at the
side of an old familiar friend.
“After nine years of service alongside several partners, Jony’s leash
is relinquished and permanently put in Despins hands, and together the
two go home,” Pentagon said.
According to Despins, Jony is more than a dog.
“I don’t look at Jony as a pet or as an animal. I look at him as more
than that. He’s like my best friend, even though he can’t talk back,”
Despins said.
