Fallen military working dogs receive a somber send-off

  • Published
  • By Air Force Staff Sgt. Sheila deVera
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  It was a solemn service for Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson as the 673d Security Forces Squadron bid farewell to two of their own - fallen military working dogs Jack and Benjo, at Chapel 1 Dec. 15.

"Trust in me my friend, for I am your comrade," said Tech. Sgt. Lealofi Lealofi, Jack's handler, during the service. "I will protect you with my last breath when all others have left you and the loneliness closes in, I will be at your side."

Jack and Benjo came to then-Elmendorf Air Force Base on May 13, 2003 and July 24, 2004 respectively, after completing more than 100 days of Military Working Dog Training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

"A man's best friend is not only true but a reality for Jack and I," Lealofi said. "Jack has been there for me in many ways from just cracking me up when I'm down to missing the family during our deployments," said Lealofi.

Like any military working dogs, both Jack and Benjo were dual-certified in explosive detection and patrol dogs. While assigned to then-Elmendorf Air Force Base, they conducted more than 1,000 hours of search time and 400 foot patrols combined.
"Jack and Benjo could detect a wide range of explosives and kept JBER safe and secure," said Aor Force Lt. Col. Erick Bruce, 673 SFS commander. "They will remain in all our hearts and forever be part of the great long-standing history of military working dogs."

While both deployed to Iraq on separate occasions, Jack discovered over 2,000 pounds of explosives in a set-up trap with an armed anti-personnel mine in June 2006, saving a Soldier's life. Upon his return, Jack received a Bronze Star.

"Jack and I were like clockwork," Lealofi said. "We had a system that was flawless and only we knew what it was.

"We would be conducting searches of more than 300 vehicles a day in the sandbox, or just eating a burger celebrating being alive and we both knew it was magic."

"Most would say Jack was a Samoan Shepherd," Lealofi said. "He was very laid back and mellow like the lyrics in the Bob Marley song - 'Don't worry about a thing cause every little thing gonna be alright.'"

"Because of the way Jack and I conducted business, I knew we were going to be alright and he would always reassure me with his ears up and big brown eyes, and tilt his head and just smile," Lealofi reminisced.

"Jack was more to me than my military working dog.

"He was my partner, my best friend, and a member of our family. Thanks for bringing me home each time we deployed together, and all the great memories we shared," said Lealofi.

In 2006, Benjo and his handler, then-Tech. Sgt. Chad Eagan, braved small arms and sniper fire and explosives to locate 15 weapons caches, 98 mortars and 70 pounds of TNT.

These two warriors will never know how many lives they saved or how many homes they protected. All they did was work, and working was their life, said kennelmaster Tech. Sgt. Christopher Wilson.