100th SFS MWD War remembered by handlers, base

  • Published
  • By Karen Abeyasekere
  • 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
RAF MILDENHALL, England --  Military Working Dog War died in May, and a memorial ceremony in his honor was held June 23 at the RAF Mildenhall Chapel. 

Airmen from the 100th and 48th Security Forces Squadrons attended the ceremony. Squadron commanders and others from RAFs Mildenhall and Lakenheath, also came to pay their respects to the 11-year-old German Shepherd who served both his country and RAF Mildenhall. 

War was a narcotics detector dog and patrol dog, and amassed almost 9,000 work hours and more than 3,600 hours of search time. 

Two of his former handlers shared memories of their canine partner and friend. 

Staff Sgt. Phillip Bradt, 100th SFS MWD handler, and War's last handler, said his partner's death hit him hard. After War died, Sergeant Bradt said he couldn't summon the strength to walk into the kennel housing area with the dogs. 

"For about two or three weeks I couldn't step into the area, because it was just too hard," he said. "When I did manage to, the sound was incredible - complete silence. I've never heard the kennels that silent. 

"The dogs just looked at me as if they knew ... and I believe they did. Something wasn't right ... something was missing - that something was War." 

Sergeant Bradt said War was a special dog who made coming to work easy - even on the tough and bad days. 

"I'll forever remember coming in, and as soon as War set eyes on me, or heard my voice, he was ready to go. And when I say 'ready', I mean ready! It was difficult to even put his collar and leash on him," he said. "I'd have to wait for a few minutes, just for him to calm down a little, though that sometimes didn't work, because he was so excited. 

"But it was always fun - no matter what, he would cheer me up. His character and antics have made him known worldwide. Quite a few people from my last base, and even my last deployment, knew and loved War. I feel his loss was not only a loss for myself, but for everyone." 

The proud handler said he always saw War as more than just a dog. 

"He was my partner - and most of all, my friend." 

In addition to his security forces partners, War spent a lot of time with his kennel assistant, Debbie Black, who also fed and looked after him and the other military working dogs. 

Ms. Black took care of War for six-and-a-half years, and said she had a very strong bond with him, so when she was called and told the news of his sudden death, she was inconsolable. 

"War was an amazing dog; he was extremely intelligent, handsome, amenable and always willing to please," she said. "He was the most obedient dog and had a very impressive recall to heel, where he would spin around, running backwards, before sitting next to his handler. He loved to work, and often wouldn't eat his morning feed because he was so keen and excited to go out with his handler." 

Ms. Black said it's impossible not to get attached to the dogs, and that losing one of them is very painful. 

"Even though it's been six weeks since he died, it's still difficult to go into the kennels and see his kennel run empty. He was the noisiest dog - always barking to get attention - and it's so quiet in the kennels, without him. War was a special dog, and I miss him very much," she said. 

Master Sgt. Matthew Haydel, 100th SFS Operations Section, was another of War's handlers, and partnered him from 2002 to 2004. 

When Sergeant Haydel first arrived at RAF Mildenhall in 2001, he was assigned to another dog, Ronnie. When War's handler left, he became responsible for both dogs, before becoming handler to War alone. 

The former handler said all dogs are different, just like people, and have their own personalities, likes and dislikes. 

"I've (worked with) 10 dogs and War was by far the best dog I ever handled. He just had a very cool personality, and a way about him. He was fun to work with, was very intuitive and picked things up very quickly. He was a great dog to handle. 

"Though War wasn't the most aggressive dog, he was the complete package as far as I'm concerned. He responded very well to commands, and you really didn't need to do too much with him - he was on his own wavelength." 

Sergeant Haydel said he remembers sitting with War on several occasions, having a conversation with him. "It seemed like he understood everything I was saying to him; he was a very animated dog. It was like he took everything in - he understood everything." 

During his time at RAF Mildenhall, MWD War had four positive alerts for hashish and marijuana. 

"He always had his nose to the ground, was alert, and always aware of his surroundings. You knew when he was on odor - his tail would start going, his ears would go back and he'd snort," Sergeant Haydel said, recalling the memory. "I especially enjoyed doing demonstrations with him, showing him off to the public. War was very responsive to hand commands and the kids really enjoyed watching him." 

As War's handler, Sergeant Haydel said he spent a lot of off-duty time with his canine partner. 

"I'd do training with him and make sure he got some exercise. The dogs are just like normal pets - they enjoy socialization, and they enjoy playing ball games. War really loved chasing a ball or a cone," he said. 

"Sometimes I'd come in just to groom him or give him a bath; other times I went running with him - we'd run a couple of miles, because he liked to eat!" 

Sergeant Haydel said he remembered War as a very warmhearted, smart, intelligent dog who'd do anything for you. 

"He enjoyed his job and his handler, and he liked to play. He was just a great little partner, and he's one dog that I'll always remember. 

MWD War achieved many accomplishments during his 11 years, including detecting two Iraqi nationals attempting to enter RAF Mildenhall as stowaways on a heavy goods vehicle at the main gate. He also took part in Operation Liberty Bowl, the largest joint United Kingdom and Air Force Office of Special Investigations counter-drug operation, working more than 26 hours to date. His work caught 27 offenders, which led to 13 courts martial. 

Also, during the post-Sept. 11 responses, War assisted his explosive detector dog counterparts by searching numerous vehicles and facilities. He conducted foot patrols of the base perimeter and listening post operations and worked 27 hours straight, Sept. 11, 2001. 

"If I ever step into a kennel master position again, I'll definitely measure other dogs by him - he set the standard," said Sergeant Haydel. "I don't think they make them like that any more. He was definitely a unique little guy."