Military working dogs retire from the service

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Military working dog sits during retirement ceremony

Military working dog, Lenox sits next to his handler during a MWD retirement ceremony along with two other MWDs on JBA, June 4, 2018. MWD Gina, Lenox and Vivi retired after a combined 28 years in service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jalene A. Brooks)

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VIVI receives an award

Maj. Alex Liggett, 11th Security Support Squadron commander, hooks the Meritorious Service Medal onto the collar of military working dog Vivi during her retirement ceremony on Joint Base Andrews, Md., June 4, 2018. Vivi served JBA for nine years doing explosive detection. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jalene A. Brooks)

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Handler salutes in receipt of K-9s’ award

Staff Sgt. Christopher Dennison, right, 11th Security Support Squadron military working dog handler, salutes Maj. Alex Liggett, left, 11th SSPTS commander, after MWD Lenox received the Meritorious Service Medal during his retirement ceremony on Joint Base Andrews, Md., June 4, 2018. Lenox served 10 years at JBA as an explosive detection K-9. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jalene A. Brooks)

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MWD Gina wears her medal

Military working dog Gina sits by her handler after being awarded the Meritorious Service Medal at the K-9’s retirement ceremony on Joint Base Andrews, Md., June 4, 2018. Gina served JBA as an explosive detection K-9 for presidents and other important visitors.(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jalene A. Brooks)

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Working dog poses with handler

Staff Sgt. Nicole Tyson, 11th Security Support Squadron military working dog handler, poses with MWD Gina after the K-9’s retirement ceremony on Joint Base Andrews, Md., June 4, 2018. Gina began working on JBA in 2009 as an explosive detection K-9. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jalene A. Brooks)

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3 meritorious service medals for retired K-9s

Three Meritorious Service Medals are displayed during a military working dog retirement ceremony on Joint Base Andrews, Md., June 4, 2018. Gina, Lenox and Vivi, three MDWs were ceremoniously retired after a combined 28 years of service. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Jalene A. Brooks)

JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –

Military working dogs Gina, Lenox and Vivi retired after a combined 28 years of service during a ceremony on Joint Base Andrews, Md., June 4, 2018. Each dog was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal for their service to JBA and the United States.

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