Fallen military working dog laid to rest

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Charles V. Rivezzo
  • 7th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The 7th Security Forces Squadron bid farewell to one of their own as they honored military working dog Sam during a fallen soldier memorial March 8, at the Hanger Center here.

Sam was nine years old when he was relieved of duty due to his age and health-related issues.

"Trust in me my friend, for I am your comrade," said Staff Sgt. Patricia Eckles, 7th SFS canine handler during the memorial. "I will protect you with my last breath when all others have left you and the loneliness closes in, I will be at your side."

After completing more than 100 days of Military Working Dog Training at Lackland AFB, Texas, Sam arrived at Dyess Air Force Base in August 2003. Like most military working dogs, he was dual-certified in explosive detection and patrols.

"He was a security forces member and earned his badge just like his fellow defenders," said Maj. Patrick Bass, 7th SFS commander. "He was the epitome of what people envision of a military working dog: strong, ferocious and heroic. He proudly served his country as a member of the United States military."

With nearly ten years of service, Sam's resume boasted many high-profile jobs, including seven Secret Service support missions. While on these missions, Sam ensured visits by President Barack Obama, former President George W. Bush and other government officials were safe and incident free.

In addition to his assistance to the Secret Service, Sam supported many overseas contingencies, including Operations Enduring Freedom, Desert Shift and Iraqi Freedom.

"His presence and extreme hard work provided an invaluable blanket of security for thousands of deployed service members, and millions of dollars in Department of Defense resources," said Staff Sgt. Erica McRell, 7th SFS canine handler.

"Sam dedicated his life to protecting handlers and serving the needs of the 7th Security Forces Squadron, 7th Mission Support Group, 7th Bomb Wing, 9th Bomb Squadron, 317th Airlift Group and U.S. Air Force," McRell added. "He served his country faithfully and to the fullest extent of his capabilities. Sam was the epitome of the security forces Military Working Dog sections motto, 'Faithful, Fearless and Forever.'"

"Although you are no longer here with your fellow defenders on earth, we know you are in a better place, and god is your handler now," Bass said. "The clouds of heaven are your playground ... enjoy it defender."