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'Retiree' adopted by good family

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Marleah Miller
  • 11th Wing Public Affairs
AIR FORCE DISTRICT OF WASHINGTON --  Ben is a special breed of Airman whose Army and Navy friends showed up in packs to support his retirement from active duty Sept. 8 at the Bolling Air Force Base Club, in Washington, D.C.  He had only served 11 years before retiring, but Ben spent his career as military working dog, dual-certified as a patrol and narcotics-detector, so it goes without question that although he "didn't reach 20," his discharge was honorable.
 
At Ben's side for his retirement stood his new family, J.T. Gabriel, chief executive officer and founder of a non-profit organization that supports military K-9 troops worldwide, and her daughter Casey, who were received approval to adopt Ben in July. 
 
"Ben displayed outstanding dedication to duty and loyalty to his unit and the Air Force by using his exceptional detection skills, providing more than 900 hours of narcotics detection," said Tech. Sgt. Timothy Evans, kennelmaster at Bolling Air Force Base. "As the premier narcotics canine in the unit, he was selected to deploy to Texas to assist the United States Customs and Border Protection, where he detected and prevented 300 pounds of marijuana from being smuggled into the U.S. in one month."
 
Ben also worked 32,000 hours of law enforcement, foot patrols and resource security. During his time at Bolling, Ben kept employees, residents and visitors safe.
 
Lt. Col. Allan Conkey, 11th Security Forces Squadron commander, presented Ben's medal and retirement orders.
 
"This ceremony represents the culmination of an outstanding career," he said. "I have a particular fondness for the military working dog section and what they bring to the fight."
 
Colonel Conkey also touched on the proud history of the military working dog program, mentioning that military working dogs have been assigned to the front lines since World War I.
 
"Today we celebrate not only a decade of service, but also a successful integration of Ben into a civilian life," he said, " J.T. didn't just open her heart; she opened her home to care for Ben for the rest of his life."

Since J.T took Ben into her home, the pair has been busy promoting the program with parades, county fairs and festivals. They've also been part of radio shows, television interviews and Veterans' Appreciation Day, to raise awareness for the program and collecting donations to send to deployed MWD teams around the world. J.T. also hopes to raise awareness for the military working dog adoption process.

Before Public Law 106-446 was passed in fiscal year 2001, handlers only were allowed to adopt military working dogs unsuitable to work for the Department of Defense. Later, outside law enforcement agencies and other persons capable of humanely caring for these dogs were allowed to adopt MWDs. Those wanting to adopt, must fill out an application found at http://www.lackland.af.mil/units/341stmwd/index.asp.
 
"All handlers want to see their dogs adopted," said Senior Airman William Grymes, 11th SFS K-9 handler. "It represents success at the end of the road."
 
Ms. Gabriel expressed her gratitude to both the 11th SFS and MWD teams throughout the world.
 
"Every day I wake up and thank God that I'm an American," Ms. Gabriel said. "My second prayer is for all of the men and women serving our country around the world. I promise you that Ben will get lots of love and we will do you proud; being ambassadors for the military working dog programs around the world."
 
For more information on Ms. Gabriel, her non-profit organization and how you can help, and the latest news on Ben, visit www.k9soldiers.org.