Incirlik members honor fallen defender

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alex Martinez
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey (AFNS) --  Friends, handlers and fellow military working dogs gathered Feb. 25 at a memorial service for a 39th Security Forces Squadron military working dog who died Jan. 10 due to health complications.

Nine-year-old Ronnie was a member of the 39th SFS for eight years, and has served the wing and its geographically separated units in a number of capacities, including drug prevention efforts and presidential security details.

Staff Sgt. Matthew Clark, a 39th SFS MWD handler, said he was very fortunate to have worked with Ronnie.

"Anything you would want (Ronnie) to do, he would do it," Sergeant Clark said. "You couldn't ask for anything better. "

Sergeant Clark was Ronnie's handler from August 2008 to August 2009.

Speakers highlighted Ronnie's dedicated service, his funny and upbeat personality, the importance of MWDs and the strong bond shared between handlers and their MWD partners.

"It's important to remember Ronnie, his service and the funny things he did," said Lt. Col. Glen Christensen, the 39th SFS commander during the memorial service. "It's also important to remember the service you all give as well."

During the service Ronnie was presented the Air Force Commendation Medal, a riffle volley and a presentation giving Ronnie his last commands and a poem reading.

A plaque for Ronnie was added to the 39th SFS MWD memorial.