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A rare occasion: 2 MWD retirements in 1 day

Staff Sgt. Jonathan Toro, 92nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, salutes Maj. Kevin McMahon, 92nd SFS commander, during a MWD retirement ceremony Nov. 12, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Toro relinquished command of MWD Helena as she retired from active duty. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Colonel Matthew Fritz)

A rare occasion: 2 MWD retirements in 1 day

Staff Sgt. Adrianne Archuleta, 92nd Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, accepts the leash for MWD Helena, from Maj. Kevin McMahon, 92nd SFS commander, during a MWD retirement ceremony Nov. 12, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. The passing of the leash from current handler to new owner is the final act that symbolizes a MWD’s transformation from active duty to retirement. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Colonel Matthew Fritz)

A rare occasion: 2 MWD retirements in 1 day

Maj. Kevin McMahon, 92nd Security Forces Squadron commander, Staff Sgt. Jonathan Toro, 92nd SFS military working dog handler, and Master Sgt. Brandon Tillman, 92nd SFS MWD handler, stand with MWD Helena (left) and MWD Bonno (right), during a MWD retirement ceremony Nov. 12, 2015, at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash. Both of the MWD’s have served the 92nd Security Forces Squadron from 2007 to 2015, each specializing in different fields. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Colonel Matthew Fritz)

A rare occasion: 2 MWD retirements in 1 day

Published Nov. 13, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous
92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- Two Military Working Dogs retired at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash., Nov. 12. Maj. Kevin McMahon, 92nd Security Forces Squadron commander, said MWD retirements are very rare to witness and that many Security Forces members will go their entire career without seeing one, let alone two in one day.

MWD Bonno and MWD Helena both served the 92nd Security Forces Squadron from 2007 to 2015, and each specialized in different fields.

"We are going to miss Bonno and Helena," said McMahon. "We consider them our brothers and sisters in arms, warriors and confidants."

They serve as partners performing law enforcement and security operations and have travelled the globe supporting numerous Air Force initiatives and joint operations.

"The MWD is an Airman, they have been combat proven," said Master Sgt. Brandon Tillman, 92nd SFS MWD kennel master. "The dogs are considered friends. They wouldn't hesitate to give their life to protect their handler or fellow comrades."

The passing of the leash from current handler to new owner is the final act that symbolizes a MWD's transformation from active duty to retirement.

"This Airman may look unconventional, but they are every bit as dedicated to the Air Force and their fellow Airman as you or I," concluded Tillman.

Although after retirement it is usually a handler who will adopt the dogs, anyone can apply to adopt a MWD.