Incredible !! Dog Retires From Army After 68 Years Of Service !

A United States Air Force dog, Jony, serving with the
20th Security Forces Squadron, has retired after nine
years, (68 dog years) of distinguished service.
Jony’s retirement was announced by the U.S.
Department of Defence.
Pentagon said in a statement, that Jony retired due to a
compressed disc in his spine, and has been permanently
put in the hands of its handler, Air Force Staff, Sergeant
Anthony Despins, a military dog handler, who met Jony
as his first canine partner in 2012.
Pentagon said, “Together, the two used their individual
skill sets to make a formidable team, eventually
becoming certified as an explosives detection and patrol
unit to keep people around the world safe and their
fellow airmen out of harm’s way.”
Pentagon further quoted Despins as saying that “Jony
was really excited, always happy to see people and very
energetic.
“Even back then, Jony knew what was expected of him
and how to do his job.
“Jony’s performance during his initial training determined
what certifications he received; military working dogs
can receive narcotics and explosives credentials as well
as certification as a patrol dog.
“All their physical traits: their sight, their hearing, their
nose, their speed, their teeth, dogs bring so much to the
table – things we can’t do and the equipment we’re
provided can’t do.
“Although the physical traits are necessary for success,
it takes more than just advanced senses for a dog to
pass initial training.
“They must be able to listen to commands. If they can’t
do that they’ll automatically be disqualified. Some dogs
just don’t have the drive.”
According to Pentagon, after Despins, Jony served with
five other handlers, including Air Force Sgt. Kevin Davis
Jr., and the pair was deployed to Afghanistan together in
2013.
Pentagon described Jony’s period with the military as a
“distinguished service.
“During one of his deployments, Jony went on more than
60 missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom,
finding six explosives and enduring five firefights.
“Jony also went on seven explosive detection missions
with the Secret Service in support of the president and
vice president of the United States.
“Thanks to Jony’s acute sense of smell, Davis and his
team were able to come back home to their families.”
Davis said that the unwavering faith between military
working dogs and handlers is not left behind on the
battlefield.
He said, “They’re wingmen. Not only are they there
through the thick and thin, the good times and the bad
times, they’re there to protect and they’re there to watch
out for you.”
Davis added that the bond is incomparable to any other.
“You can create a facade as you’re going through your
day to day. However the dog knows; they know when
something’s not right or if you feel down or depressed
and are just trying to keep a straight face.”
Air Force Staff Sergeant, Robert Coughlin, another
military working dogs handler with the Squadron, said,
“Dogs would sacrifice and do anything for their handler.
“It doesn’t matter what it is. They have no fear of what
they go into as far as the danger.”
Pentagon said Air Force Staff Sergeant Kathryn
McCarthy, also a military working dogs handler, read a
poem titled “Guardians of the Night,” dedicated to
military working dogs and their service, and traditionally
read at their retirement ceremonies, in honour of Jony.
At his pulling out ceremony, Pentagon said the sun was
rising as Jony took his “last ride” in a patrol truck around
the kennel, allowing him to say goodbye to his family of
handlers, fellow military working dogs and the base he
had worked hard to protect.
“Friends, family and those who may have only known
Jony through his acts of courage gathered to
commemorate nine years, or 68 dog years, of
distinguished service.
“Jony barks throughout the ceremony, joining the crowd
in celebration of his accomplishments.
“Like so many airmen before him, Jony receives a
retirement pin to symbolise his transition from an active-
duty service member to retiree.
“Unlike most airmen, Jony is also presented with a bone
to symbolize his transition from the kennel to the couch,
reclaiming his place at the side of an old familiar friend.
“After nine years of service alongside several partners,
Jony’s leash is relinquished and permanently put in
Despins hands, and together the two go home,” Pentagon
said.
According to Despins, Jony is more than a dog.
“I don’t look at Jony as a pet or as an animal. I look at
him as more than that. He’s like my best friend, even
though he can’t talk back,” Despins said.