Team McConnell honors late MWD Don

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Erin McClellan
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan.— When picturing an Airman, most people don’t think of them as furry and four-legged, but military working dogs are just as important to the mission as any human Airman.

On Jan. 19, Team McConnell came together to honor the memory of MWD Don, who passed away Dec. 8 after a battle with cancer.

Don was 9 years old and served the Air Force his entire life. He deployed four times to Kuwait and Qatar between 2010 and 2013. He also served on four Secret Service missions across the country during his time at McConnell.

“Don was an amazing dog,” said Michael A. McCauley II, Don’s last handler, who recently separated from the Air Force. “He was one of the friendliest and most obedient dogs I ever had the opportunity to work with. I worked with four dogs total with Don being my last, and he had the best on/off switch. He knew when to be sociable and approachable, and he also knew when it was time to go to work.

“The bond of a handler and his or her MWD is one that is so strong,” he continued. “Don and I only worked together for a short time, but when we worked nights, it was just the two of us, and spending every day and night together in New York [for a 30-day temporary duty assignment] made us much closer. He wasn't just my partner, but my best friend.”

During the ceremony, Maj. John Farmer, 22nd SFS commander, presented McCauley with the Defense Meritorious Service Certificate on Don’s behalf, recognizing his service to his country.
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“We can learn a lot from Don,” said Farmer. “He was loyal to whoever was on the end of the leash. He knew his job, and he was the ideal dog to serve with a new handler; he trained many. Don stood watch over us and protected his people until his last day.

“He never got the chance to retire and live out his days on the couch eating popcorn; however, I’m confident he would’ve enjoyed that,” he continued. “MWD Don was no pet. He was a defender who spent his life in the service of his country.

“Don passed away peacefully in the arms of his handler. He was escorted slowly off the installation in a convoy of his beloved defenders, lights flashing, sirens blaring. He was a great cop and friend. Rest in peace don, your watch is over. You are sorely missed.”