Mission complete but not forgotten

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jonothan Geren
  • 86th Security Forces Squadron
RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany --  The 86th Security Forces Squadron K-9 section is a bit quieter today after the loss of one of their K-9 heroes, Military Working Dog Boyke/F460.

Boyke was laid to rest Nov. 18 due to a deteriorating health condition. He served as an explosive detector and patrol dog for the entire Kaiserslautern Military Community since May of 2004.

While assigned to the Ramstein kennels, he provided thousands of hours of service for dignitaries such as the U.S. president, vice president, secretary of state, secretary of defense, joint chief of staff, U.S. Air Forces in Europe commander, and all other personnel visiting and residing in the KMC.

Boyke had six assigned MWD handlers throughout his life at Ramstein, and left an impressionable mark on just about all of them.

"Boyke had the type of personality that kept handlers on their toes at all times," said Tech. Sgt. Jonathan Geren, MWD trainer. "He was known as the 'Grumpy Old Man' of the kennels and constantly, despite his health, kept handlers on edge while feeding him or walking by, just to prove he still had it."

Boyke amassed seven temporary duty assignments in his six and a half years assigned at Ramstein that include Kenya, Turkey, Oman, Tanzania, Bosnia, and two trips to Iraq.

"His dedicated service and eagerness to complete the job will always be remembered by those who had the honor of serving with him, as he was a true veteran to the United States military," said Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Tharp, 86th SFS MWD kennelmaster.

To you MWD Boyke, the 86th SFS K-9 section says: "Thank you for your dedicated service, you will be sincerely missed."

It is always sad to lose a friend, relative or even a pet, but some working dogs can be adopted out when their service is complete. Information on the process of adopting retired military working dogs can be found at www.militaryworkingdogs.com.