Memorial Service held for military working dog at Fairchild

Published Jan. 12, 2012
By Scott King
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- A memorial service was held at the Deel Community Center here Jan. 5 for a 92nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog.

"Lucky" died of cancer last September at age 10 after surviving five tours of duty in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan.

Lucky, a Belgian Malinois, was assigned to Fairchild in July 2003 and worked with nine handlers throughout his career. He had a reputation as the hardest-hitting among the eight dogs stationed here. He was also known for his keen nose and tenacious personality. He was cool under fire and could close on a fleeing suspect very quickly.

His latest handler Staff Sgt. Chris Fall, 92nd SFS MWD handler, will miss his companionship.

"His loss is pretty tough, Lucky was the greatest dog I have ever worked with. He was strong, tough and extremely good at his job," Fall said. "I will never forget Lucky and the service he gave to his country."

While deployed, Lucky was instrumental in saving lives and protecting property.

"During his five deployments, Lucky located and responded to suspected terrorists," said Maj. Garon Shelton, 92nd SFS commander. "In one incident, he located three magnetic detonators containing one pound of explosives saving the lives of countless personnel."

In another incident, Lucky and a squad of soldiers survived an improvised bomb attack on a road in Iraq.

During his time stateside, he provided protection for presidential, vice presidential and congressional visits. Lucky was also called out on 31 emergency events locally, including bomb threats.

Lucky became well known in the media following his survival from two previous bouts of cancer, and he also received a Hometown Heroes award from the American Red Cross in 2010.

"Lucky served our squadron, our wing and his nation very well," Garon said, "He will be sorely missed."