JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
Military working dogs guard and protect military personnel with courage, loyalty and honor. When a canine is injured and needs an x-ray, the Diagnostic Imaging Flight sometimes provides assistance. In an effort to show their appreciation for the canine unit at Joint Base Andrews, Airman 1st Class Ayla Ballard, a Phase II student assigned to the Diagnostic Imaging Flight at the 779th Medical Group, joined with other members of her flight to sponsor a fundraiser to gather treats and toys for the working dogs.
"During my Phase I training, I served as a leader of the White Rope Program, a community service group which helps to promote esprit de corps among students. I've always enjoyed community service but discovered an even greater passion for getting others involved. I thought a fundraiser for the canine unit would be a good way to create interest among patients and staff," said Ballard.
"To get started, I contacted the 316th Security Forces Canine Unit to explain that the Radiology staff wanted to sponsor a fundraiser to show our appreciation for the dogs and their handlers. We were told the dogs could use treats and toys in lieu of money. I then joined with other members of my flight to coordinate the collection process through poster and e-mail advertisements," said Ballard.
Five large boxes of dog treats and toys were donated, by patients and staff at the 779th Medical Group, from Feb. 15-29. Donations were collected at the Radiology clinic front desk. Three members of the Diagnostic Imaging Flight, Airman 1st Class Ashley Kennedy, Airman 1st Class Ayla Ballard and Staff Sgt. Alesha Rowland delivered the boxes to the Joint Base Andrews dog kennel on Feb. 29 and were invited to observe a working dog demonstration. Both Rowland and Kennedy volunteered to don protective jackets so the dog handlers could demonstrate how a working dog is expertly trained to chase, grab, hold and release a person on command.
"Meeting the dogs, seeing the kennels and watching a demonstration was an unexpected but very enjoyable experience. I know that Rowland and Kennedy thoroughly enjoyed being chased by the dogs as a part of the demonstration. I believe the goal of the fundraiser was achieved and I appreciate all the donations," said Ballard.
Military Working Dogs have been used by the U.S. Military since World War I. Dogs, along with their volunteer handlers, train in teams as scouts, trackers, sentry, mine, tunnel and water detection of hostile forces. Today all branches of our Armed Forces utilize Military Patrol Dogs specialized in Drug and Bomb/Explosive detection.
The canine unit at Joint Base Andrews provides a tremendous service. The treats and toys are a small token of our appreciation for all the working dogs and their handlers.