LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas –
Nearly 300 people gathered at Lackland July 29 to pay tribute to six military working dog handlers who were killed in combat operations between June 16, 2010 and Jan. 12, 2011.
A solemn ceremony at the 341st Training Squadron, home of the Department of Defense Military Working Dog School, honored the six fallen heroes: Army Staff Sgt. James R. Ide, Army Sgt. Zainah C. Creamer, Marine Cpls. Jeffrey R. Standfest and Max W. Donahue, and Marine Lance Cpls. Colton Rusk and William H. Crouse IV.
Service members from their respective military branches carried personalized placards, representing each of the six handlers, to a spotlighted center stage during the ceremony. Each placard included a picture of the deceased and the date the handler was killed in action.
"The men and women who serve as military working dog handlers are the tip of the spear in protecting our combat forces and our nation," said Maj. William Roberts, 341st TRS commander. "They walk ahead of the patrols searching for planted explosives. They enter the unknown searching for threats, and they confront danger and restore order.
The six placards are now displayed inside the squadron auditorium, alongside seven other placards, which represent the 13 MWD handlers who have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan to date.
Mounted on a memorial wall inside the auditorium, the placards are there as a reminder for future graduating MWD handlers to see.
"We ask a lot of these young men and women, and they answer the call with honor and valor," said Roberts.
"It's important for those who will follow in the footsteps of heroes to know of those heroes, and that they too will serve with honor and distinction."