MWD served with distinction

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Ellgen
  • 66th Security Forces Squadron
HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- --  The 66th Security Forces Squadron lost a valued member last month when Military Working Dog Mix was euthanized Jan. 9 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

Born in October 2005, Mix graduated from the Explosive Detection and Patrol Training course in June 2006. He was then assigned to Hanscom Air Force Base where he provided security forces with critical explosive detection and law enforcement capabilities - most notably during deployments.

"During a deployment in 2012, Mix helped discover a suspected bomb-making cache in Kuwait that helped maintain installations security," said Staff Sgt. Daniel Koski, 66th Security Forces Squadron, Mix's Military Working Dog Handler during that deployment. "In addition, Mix has supported more than 150 Secret Service missions that provided protection to the President of the United States and other senior government officials for more than eight years."

Closer to home, Mix discovered an explosive residue in a vehicle attempting to enter Hanscom AFB in 2010. Although it was later determined to be non-threatening, his actions confirmed his mission effectiveness and reliability.

"Throughout his career, Mix performed his duties faithfully -- most handlers agreed that he actually had a sense of humor," said Koski. "He also embodied 'work hard, play hard,' as one moment he would be feverishly searching for explosives and the next moment he would be trying to lounge human-like in a chair when the task was completed, grinning through his muzzle after doing a good job."

Koski was Mix's handler for three years and looks back at their work together with fondness.

Even in the harshest environments and extreme temperatures, Koski was impressed that Mix never faltered in his duty and could be relied on to push through fatigue to accomplish any mission.

"Truly a man's best friend, Mix and I were inseparable during our deployment to the desert and other assignments we had," added Koski. "Mix was never distracted from performing his assigned duties and protecting senior U.S. and international leaders despite the climate."

Now assigned to the kennel's newest working dog, Koski hopes that his newest "partner" is as dedicated as Mix was.

"Mix's contributions and dedication to the safety of our nation will not soon be forgotten," he said.