Security forces say farewell to four-legged partner

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Nathan Broshear
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  Staff Sgt. Pablo Martinez's best friend retired from active duty July 27. Instead of bringing him a plaque or other token, Sergeant Martinez threw him a rubber ball attached to a nylon rope. It was the perfect gift.

Dolfy, a military working dog for the 82nd Security Forces Squadron here, received all the honors and accolades one might expect for a retiring human security forces troop, including a Meritorious Service Certificate and retirement papers.

Tech. Sgt. Buffie Verhagen, the squadron's kennel master, said the picture-perfect long-haired shepherd's presence on the force will be missed.

"He's an amazing dog ... gentle and obedient, but he's all business when it comes to explosive detection and patrol duty," she said. "If he did not have these medical ailments, I know he'd gladly work for the rest of his life as a military working dog."

Dolfy was medically retired from active duty because of a degenerative back disorder which hinders him from performing patrol duty and other tasks. Although his condition causes him a significant amount of pain, Sergeant Martinez said Dolfy’s duty always overrode the discomfort.

"Dolfy will work all day for a few minutes of playing with his ball or a good scratch," he said. "There's no slowing him down, but searching high and low all day will certainly hurt him. This retirement is the most humane thing to do."

The dog is headed for a life of rest and relaxation – with the Martinez family.

"He's going from being a military working dog, to being just a normal family dog," Sergeant Martinez said. "We're going to spoil him rotten."

Sergeant Martinez and his wife are looking forward to the newest addition to their home. Until 2000, working dog handlers could not adopt dogs that were retired from active duty. But under a program that screens retiring working dogs, Sergeant Martinez was able to bring home this companion and protector for his family.

During his five and a half years of military service -- 38 and a half in dog years -- Dolfy has served in a variety of deployed locations including Saudi Arabia, Mexico, and Austin, Texas.

Dolfy has searched vehicles, luggage, packages and buildings for some of the most high-profile leaders in government.

"In Austin, Dolfy helped to enhance the safety of (first lady Laura Bush during her) visit to the city," the sergeant said, "and he's been directly involved with several visits by the president and vice president of the United States."

One particular mission was of special importance. During the Unity of the Americas Conference in Mexico, Dolfy helped protect the site for the presidents from every country in North and South America.

"We were responsible for securing President Bush's vehicle and the buildings, and checking gifts that were presented to dignitaries such as (Mexico) President Vicente Fox," Sergeant Martinez said. "Dolfy seemed to understand that his job was important, and he gave 100 percent every day."

At Dolfy's retirement ceremony, Sergeant Martinez said that human military members work for their country and monetary compensation. Military working dogs, however, devote their service for their favorite toy and compassion from their handlers.

"I used to reward Dolfy for detection duty with this rubber ball only after he completed his tasks. Now he can play all he wants," Sergeant Martinez said during Dolfy's retirement ceremony.

With that, Sergeant Martinez presented Dolfy with the white rubber ball used to motivate him to protect countless men and women from harm.

"Thank you my friend," he said. "The U.S. Air Force and the United States of America thanks you." (Courtesy of Air Education and Training Command News Service)