48th SFS member retires from RAF Lakenheath

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jessica Donnelly
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  Lackland Air Force Base is where his Air Force career began and the initial training that lead to becoming a Warrior Airman was instilled. He worked hard, fought for what he believed in and at the end of the day, relaxed with a belly rub.

Whiskey, 48th Security Forces Squadron explosive protection military working dog, is retiring this year because of medical reasons after serving more than six years at RAF Lakenheath.

"It's a shame because his nose is still fantastic, he listens very well and has a strong bite," said Tech. Sgt. Chris A. Beavers, 48th Security Forces Squadron kennel master.

Whiskey, a German Shepherd, still loves to run and play even though his hips are failing. He will chase a ball and bring it back until his rear legs begin to give out and he has to rest. However, Whiskey can no longer handle doing the MWD training course.

Sergeant Beavers explained that Whiskey has not participated in a deployment. However, Whiskey has provided outstanding support to RAF Feltwell and RAF Lakenheath.

"His main tasks include gate support, search pit, perimeter checks, foot patrols and searching the housing areas," said Staff Sgt. Kristyne Feldman, 48th Security Forces Squadron MWD handler. "He's also helped in London in support of Condoleezza Rice and also presidential support."

When Sergeant Beavers asks Whiskey if he is ready to go to work, Whiskey immediately perks up. He starts getting hyper and whining to go.

"He loves work. He's excited to come out of his kennel everyday," said Sergeant Feldman. "That's what he lives for; he lives to do the job."

At first sight, Whiskey looks aggressive; he is a big dog and bares his teeth even as he is getting his belly rubbed. However, he has become primarily an office pet.

"He has some medical problems with his back hips and it's to the point that if we keep working him they are going to keep deteriorating until he won't be able to walk," said Sergeant Beavers. "Whiskey's been a really good dog and I'm sad to see him go."

The retirement ceremony for Whiskey is slated for later this year. 48th SFS Airmen are waiting to hold the ceremony until after Whiskey's retirement package is reviewed by a board at Lackland AFB.

Sergeant Feldman, Whiskey's last handler for about a year, explained that she is planning on adopting Whiskey after he has been officially retired.

She added, "He's such a loyal dog and he will stick right next to you no matter what."