Wolf Pack retires 'guardian'

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Amanda Savannah
  • 8th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
KUNSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea --  One Wolf Pack "guardian of the night" will now spend the rest of her days receiving love, attention and treats from one constant companion.

Military working dog Emzy was officially retired during a ceremony June 17 after five years of service at Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea (ROK).

The ceremony began with the sounding of Retreat, welcoming remarks from Tech. Sgt. Andrew Bedell, an invocation from Chaplain (Capt.) Dennis Deguzman, and the reading of the poem, "Guardians of the Night," by Staff Sgt. Jeffrey Tomkiewicz. Military working dog Rico and his handler Staff Sgt. Ryan Troester, 8th Security Forces Squadron, accompanied Sergeant Tomkiewicz for the reading.

Lt. Col. Robert Frederiksen, 8th SFS commander, spoke about Emzy and her service here.

"Emzy was born August 2002 and entered the military working dog program on 9 February 2004," Colonel Frederiksen said. "After completing her training at Lackland Air Force Base, (Texas), the Department of Defense Military Working Dog School, on 21 January 2005, she was assigned to Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea. She served with nine handlers while assigned to the Wolf Pack."

Colonel Frederiksen then noted many of Emzy's achievements during her service here, including her skills during the 2009 Gunsan City and Kunsan Air Base air show, where she ensured a secure environment for 3,000 Korean visitors and 34 ROK and U.S. aircraft, valued at $1 billion. She also provided security for numerous distinguished visitors, including the ROK Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Secretary of the Air Force and the Air Force Chief of Staff.

"She was a loyal companion to each of her handlers. She was fiercely protective of her handlers and her fellow defenders," Colonel Frederiksen said. "The only thing she asked for in return was some kibble, a Kong [toy] and the love of her handler. Emzy, we thank you for your service to the Wolf Pack, the ROK and our Nation, and wish you a wonderful retirement. You've earned it."

During the ceremony, Emzy was awarded an achievement certificate for her service as Patrol Dog, 8th Security Forces Squadron, from Jan. 21, 2005, to April 16, 2010. According to the certificate, Emzy conducted more than 700 random antiterrorism measures totaling over 500 hours, ensuring the security and safety of $2.75 billion in wartime assets and 3,700 Wolf Pack personnel. She played a crucial role in 20 Operational Readiness Exercises and four Pacific Air Forces Operational Readiness Inspections by performing combat patrols and manning listening and observation posts. Finally, her superb performance was instrumental to the Military Working Dog section being recognized as "best seen to date" for patrol tactics during the Pacific Air Forces 2009 Operational Readiness Inspection, which contributed to the wing receiving an overall "Excellent" rating.

Although Emzy has been retired from service since April, her official ceremony was delayed until the process was complete to transfer her to her final companion, Col. Janet Deltuva, 8th Medical Group commander. Colonel Deltuva presented Emzy her achievement certificate and accepted Emzy's retirement certificate and a gift from the 8th SFS Military Working Dog section handlers on her behalf.

"Since I have had Emzy, I have been asked two main questions," Colonel Deltuva said.

"The first question is, how I came to adopt her. I've always been a very big animal lover, and every time I met a handler and their dog, I always asked if I could pet it," she said. "I was always told, 'Ma'am, he's working; ma'am, she's working.' Until I attended a change of command ceremony here in July, when I got the answer, 'Yes ma'am, you sure can. She's going to be retired,' and I said, 'I want her.'

"The second is, how has life been with her," the colonel continued. "I am enjoying life with her. She's extremely smart and has many unpredictable behaviors. The first time I was doing sit-ups in front of her, she held me down. And I've learned, military working dogs don't go around furniture, they go over it, under it, or sometimes even through it."

Colonel Deltuva thanked everyone before the ceremony concluded.

"Thanks to Falcon (8th Mission Support Group commander Col. Patrick Clements), Sheriff (Colonel Frederiksen), the 8th SFS (Security Forces Squadron) and all the handlers at Kunsan for making this a big day for Emzy," she said.