JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
The atmosphere was visibly solemn as defenders from the 11th Security Forces Group stood at attention on Joint Base Andrews, Maryland, Oct. 28, to pay their respects to two decorated American heroes.
An Afghanistan veteran, and the other a vital part of JBA security, both left ‘pawsitive’ impressions on their coworkers.
“Military working dogs are a vital asset to Air Force operations and are considered essential for detection of explosives and narcotics due to their sense of smell being 20 times more powerful than a human’s,” said Staff Sgt. Derek Scrivener, 11th Security Support Squadron military working dog handler. “The dogs are highly skilled and can be used as attack dogs when necessary.”
MWD Riso was born Oct. 23, 2006, and began his career in the Air Force Dec. 7, 2007. Riso was certified for narcotics detection before starting his career at JBA. Riso worked with nine handlers over a span of 10 years, providing security and multiple positive narcotics detections, and was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 and 2012. MWD Riso passed away Oct. 3, 2016 due to medical conditions.
His wingman, MWD Kart, was born Nov. 7, 2007 and was accepted into the Air Force in January of 2008. Kart was certified for explosive detection before starting his career at JBA, where he worked with seven handlers in seven years. MWD Kart provided security for copious amounts of high-profile events and distinguished leaders and visitors from around the world. Kart was retired from duty June 13, 2016, and was adopted by Tech Sgt. Jake Twaddle, where he enjoyed civilian life until he had to be put down Oct. 6, 2016, due to medical complications.
“It didn’t matter what we were doing, whether it was driving around base seeing the vet for a checkup or spending hours inspecting car after car at the search pit,” said Tech Sgt. Codi Carter, Pentagon military security force team leader. “No matter what, he was always happy.”
The Military Working Dog Adoption program, enacted by Congress in 2000, allowed adoption of retiring dogs to law enforcement agencies, former handlers and other persons capable of caring for the dogs. This program gives the dogs an opportunity to live life as a normal dog, and allowed Kart to live his last days to the fullest.
“Our MWD’s are truly one of a kind,” said Tech. Sgt. William Stone, 11th SSPTS MWD section kennel master. “From seeking our intruders, enforcing zero drug tolerance to protecting people and resources from explosives, these MWD’s faced the most difficult tasks with no fear. All they want is to keep their handler safe and make them happy and we are truly thankful for all they do.”