Latest news with #MilitaryWorkingDog
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
Military investigates death of 'warm' and 'compassionate' RAF dog handler after she suffered 'serious injuries' in van collision
The Ministry of Defence is investigating the death of a 'warm' and 'compassionate' RAF Police dog handler alongside the Health and Safety Executive and police. Corporal Rebecca Hudson, 32, died on May 23, five days after she was airlifted to hospital following 'a collision' with a van. Lincolnshire Police said it had attended an incident on 18 May at an RAF site in Kirkby Lane, Tattershall Thorpe, in which a 32-year-old woman suffered 'serious injuries'. The East Midlands Ambulance Service said after receiving a call at 15:23 on 18 May it sent a paramedic, a LIVES emergency responder and an ambulance. The air ambulance also attended. 'One patient was taken to Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham via air ambulance,' it added. An RAF police dog training facility is located on Kirkby Lane, around a mile-and-a-half from RAF Coningsby where Cpl Hudson was based. In a statement, the RAF described Cpl Hudson, from Stourport-on-Severn, Worcestershire, as 'devoted to her dogs and her teammates' and said she would be 'sorely missed'. In a lengthy tribute, the air force said Cpl Hudson was 'renowned for her warm open nature and bubbly personality which would light up a room.' It said she was posted to RAF Waddington in Lincolnshire after completing her training, where she was teamed with Military Working Dog Ina. The pair went on to achieve first place at the station dog trials before Cpl Hudson was posted to RAF Coningsby, also in Lincolnshire, where she was teamed with Military Working Dog Dax. Cpl Hudson once more achieved first place in the station dog trials earning her a place at the RAF Police UK Military Working Dog Trials for a second time. The dog handler was said to be a 'proud home-owner, a gamer and a music lover' who enjoyed karaoke . Group Captain Samantha Bunn, provost marshal and commander air security force, said: 'The tragic loss of Cpl Bec Hudson has been profoundly felt by every single member of the RAF Police. 'Her absence will be felt for many years to come, not just by the dogs she dedicated so much time to, but the whole of the RAF Police.' Flight Lieutenant John Davis, Officer Commanding RAF Police, RAF Coningsby: 'I am deeply saddened by the loss of Bec Hudson. She was not only a dedicated professional but also a genuinely kind and compassionate person who brought warmth and positivity to every day at work. 'Her love for dogs, her strength, and her unwavering support for those around her made her truly special. It's hard to put into words how much she'll be missed. 'She leaves behind an incredible family, and our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time.' Group Captain Paul O'Grady, Station Commander, RAF Coningsby: 'The devastating loss of Cpl Bec Hudson has had a profound impact on the whole Royal Air Force Coningsby team, most keenly felt in the Military Working Dogs Section. 'Bec was one of our brightest and best. She undertook her duties as a RAF Police Dog Handler with commitment and professionalism, and with the joy of someone who was passionate about her task. A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said it was supporting the coroner's office with its inquiries. He added: 'As investigations are ongoing, we cannot comment further at this stage and ask the media and public to avoid speculation as this could cause additional distress to Cpl Hudson's family, friends and colleagues.' The Health and Safety Executive said it would be investigating the incident 'alongside the relevant authorities'. A spokesman said The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HSW Act) applies to the Ministry of Defence (MOD), its agencies and the armed forces within Great Britain.'
Forbes
08-04-2025
- General
- Forbes
Thrown To The Dogs At Dyess: Not As Bad As You Think
Fire, a USAF patrol dog, has his way with Forbes writer Jim Clash, Dyess AFB, Abilene, Texas, March 28, 2025. As part of my five-day immersion into Dyess AFB operations in Abilene, Texas, last month, I visited the MWD (Military Working Dog) facility, a restricted area where USAF patrol dogs are raised and trained. I was there and experienced up close and personal what it would be like on the other end of a real canine attack. First, we sat down with SSgt Ricardo Roque, MWD Trainer, 7th Security Forces Squadron; SSgt Lucas Johnson, MWD Handler, 7th SFS, and SSgt Juan Lopez, Kennel Master, 7th SFS, for background on how the dogs are managed. Each animal is unique, we were told, with different personalities and temperaments. Most are German Shepherds, but sometimes other breeds are trained, too. Then it was over to the kennel where the dogs are kept. The first one, Amon was wild, constantly running in tight, aggressive circles in his cage, barking loudly. Nepal calmly looked me over with no expression or sound when we visited his cage, a little eerie. Still another, a lab named Baker, seemed friendly, but I was warned that, under no circumstances, should I attempt to pet him through the cage wire, even though he looked passive. Next, it was outside to a wide barbed-wire fenced-in area where the dogs exercise and run off energy. I was fitted with a metal-lined jacket. No head or face covering? I was assured that the dogs are trained only to clamp onto the arms of bad actors, which I was about to be. Then I was introduced to the dog I was about to face: Fire. He was medium-sized, with a no-nonsense face. Forbes writer Clash fitted with a metal-lined jacket by SSgt Lopez in advance of a patrol dog attack, Dyess AFB, Abilene, Texas, March 28, 2025. As a demonstration, Fire was let off of his leash. He sprinted, catching Johnson some 30 yards away, grabbing his arm and quickly throwing him to the ground. Fire firmly stayed clamped to Johnson's arm, and did not let go until given a release command. Impressive. I was up next as the Guinea pig. What was I thinking? Honestly, part of me wondered what I was doing there. I had once tried bull-fighting with the Professional Bull Riders and ended up with three cracked ribs. After that experience, I never trusted wild animals. They are too unpredictable. Before I knew it, though, Fire was given the attack command and immediately charged. He bit hard into my right arm. It didn't hurt so much, as the metal lining in the jacket kept the dog's teeth from penetrating my skin, but the intense jaw pressure sure got my attention. Like with Johnson, Fire hung on firmly until given the command to stand down, which he did immediately. Whoa, what an experience. Respect. (L-R) SSgt Roque, Forbes writer Clash, SSgt Lopez, SSgt Johnson, and Fire, MWD facility, Dyess AFB, Abilene, Texas, March 28, 2025. Depending upon their health, these dogs can be in active service for as long as 10 years, in the U.S. at important political events and such, or in combat conditions overseas. Some are also trained to sniff out explosives and drugs. Many of the animals, believe it or not, when retired are adopted by previous handlers that they were partnered with. Evidently, they make for reliable and sweet pets, extremely loyal to their owners.
Fox News
23-03-2025
- General
- Fox News
K-9 veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan reunited with handler after 3 years apart
K-9 veteran "Frenky," a 10-year-old German shepherd trained in explosive detection and bite work, has been reunited with his handler by the American Humane Society (AHS) after three years apart. The AHS Military Working Dog (MWD) Reunification program brought together Frenky and his handler, Army Staff Sgt. Kristin Vanderzanden, in San Antonio. They worked together from 2017 through 2021, and the K-9 was retired in January. Frenky's first handler was Vanderzanden during his tenure, and the dog was her first K-9. Vanderzanden, one of two drill sergeants for the Army's MWD program, served with the K-9 for nearly 4½ years. Their service together included a nine-month combat tour in Afghanistan and a 10-month combat tour in Iraq. Frenky's composure during a mission with several U.S. casualties after encountering sniper fire and mortar rounds in Afghanistan allowed the MWD to continue searching for explosives. The K-9 became something of a mascot for the U.S. Special Forces team afterward on base for his "sweet, goofy personality," according to Vanderzanden. Bonding beyond protocol, Frenky slept on the floor of Vanderzanden's room during their deployment in Afghanistan instead of his kennel. Vanderzanden and Frenky also completed 20 Secret Service missions together, protecting the president and first lady and several foreign dignitaries. Vanderzanden was reassigned to Fort Drum in northern New York in 2021, separating her from Frenky. In an interview with the AHS, Vanderzanden shared that she was devastated to leave Frenky at Fort Johnson in Louisiana, saying "it was like leaving a child behind." Vanderzanden also said she was "chomping at the bit" to see Frenky again when it was rumored he may retire due to old age. Frenky served with three handlers during his military service but is especially close to Vanderzanden. The reunification program paid for the K-9's travel from Fort Johnson to San Antonio to reunite Vanderzanden and Frenky. AHS will also cover all veterinary costs for the rest of Frenky's life. According to a release, Vanderzanden is excited to give Frenky the opportunity to enjoy being a dog, relaxing on the couch and living in a home instead of a kennel. "Frenky is an extraordinary dog who made invaluable contributions to our country," Dr. Robin Ganzert, AHS president and CEO, told Fox News Digital. "Like his fellow military working dogs, Frenky is an unsung hero who deserves our gratitude and respect. American Humane Society was honored to help give him the reunion and retirement he deserves." According to the program's site, the "American Humane Society honors the lifesaving contributions of all veterans, including the military working dogs (MWDs) who risked their lives courageously serving our country." Frenky will join Vanderzanden's other dog, a German shepherd and cattle dog mix named Cora, as the newest member of the family.
