Ellsworth loses four-legged comrade

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Steven Wilson
  • 28th Bomb Wing public affairs
ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. --  The 28th Security Forces Squadron mourned one of its own Jan. 29 when Military Working Dog (D114) Marco, due to a series of debilitating health complications, was gently put to sleep by the veterinarian assigned to care for Ellsworth's MWDs.

According to security forces, Marco could not keep food down and was on a constant regime of pain medication when his health began to rapidly deteriorate.

Maj. Thomas Segars, 28th SFS commander, said MWDs have long been an important weapon in the base defender's arsenal.

"MWDs are a critical component of the force protection mission entrusted in today's military, and many MWDs have been credited with saving countless lives while deployed and at home station," he said. "Their role as a force multiplier, and one of deterrence, is not one we take lightly.

"Our handlers continue to rely on their partner's keen sense of smell for detection, whether it's for narcotics or explosives," Major Segars said.

Staff Sgt. Curtis Locke, 28th SFS MWD handler and installation patrolman, said he'll never forget his furry partner.

"We experienced a bond only others like us understood," he said. "For the short time we had together, we were vigilant, unbeatable and unstoppable."

Sergeant Locke said he and Marco deployed together to Kuwait in 2007, where he was quickly a favorite dog in the kennel section because of his unique personality.

One of Marco's traits was his endless supply of love for people.

"In his eyes, 'close' was not close enough," Sergeant Locke said. "It started with a soft nudge, followed by a head in your lap until he literally knocked you over and laid on top of you."

When the decision was made by SFS leadership and the veterinarian to end Marco's suffering, the squadron got permission from Marco's doctor to "spoil him rotten."

"Marco ate steak, liver, beef, potato chips, donuts, frosted flakes and, his favorite, butterscotch pudding," said Staff Sgt. Codi Carter, 28th SFS MWD handler. "We let him indulge in all those yummy delicious things the vet tells you not to feed your dog."

Sergeant Carter said members from the unit pitched in and bought Marco a comfortable bed for his kennel so he could rest easily before the procedure.

"We made sure he loved every second of those last two-and-a-half days with us," Sergeant Carter said. "Marco left us happy. He will be missed greatly by all those who were blessed with knowing him."

Major Segars agreed and said Marco was an "integral part of the security forces family" through the course of three deployments and other high visibility taskings, which included support operations involving the president of the United States.

"MWD Marco was not only a security forces working dog, he was our friend, our brother and our comrade," Major Segars said. "He will be missed."