MWD retires from McConnell after 62 dog years

  • Published
  • By Airman Erin McClellan
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
A furry member of Team McConnell recently retired from the 22nd Security Forces Squadron after dedicating most of her life to being a military working dog.

Djule was a patrol and explosives detection dog, and along with her time stateside, spent six months deployed to Kuwait in 2013 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. She went through 1,846 hours of detection training and conducted 1,630 detector sweeps in her career. Her retirement ceremony was held Oct. 14.

“Our dogs often teach us; they make us better than who we were before,” said Tech. Sgt. Michael Urqhart, 22nd SFS kennel master. “They undoubtedly have a big impact on the mission. There’s a reason we have them, and there’s a reason they’ve been a part of the military for years and will be for years to come. They make us better people, just as Djule has done for lots of us, so I want to send her off and say thank you—thanks Djule.”

During the ceremony, Djule was presented with a certificate of meritorious service and a letter of appreciation from Maj. John Farmer, 22nd SFS commander, after showing off her years of training by biting a training sleeve for the last time.

“Djule has earned her retirement,” said Farmer. “We’ve got a lot of spoiled pets out there, but this one here didn’t have the easy life. She was whelped for one reason—to be sold to the United States military. These military working dogs are very special, they are a part of our family, and I hope Djule spends the rest of her life on the couch, eating popcorn and watching Netflix.”

The German shepard’s handler then handed over her MWD collar and leash in exchange for regular ones to symbolize her transition from a MWD to a ‘civilian’ dog. She then got to enjoy biting into a large dog bone before being presented with a folded U.S. flag from the base honor guard.

After nearly nine years as an Airman, Djule is ready to spend her retirement just being a dog. She was adopted by Dustin Combs, a former MWD handler.