Admin with reports from Destiny Sweeny l Thursday, March 30, 2017
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE,United States — Jony, a certified explosive detector and member of the U.S patrol team that succeeded in keeping fellow airmen and people around the world safe has retired from the U.S Air Force.
Jony was really excited, always happy to see people and very energetic, Despins said. Even back then, Jony knew what was expected of him and how to do his job, Air Force Staff Sgt. Anthony Despins, a military working dog handler with the 20th Security Forces Squadron said of Jony, his first canine partner.
Jony’s performance during his initial training determined what certifications he received; military working dogs can receive narcotics and explosives credentials as well as certification as a patrol dog.
“All their physical traits: their sight, their hearing, their nose, their speed, their teeth,” Despins said, “[dogs] bring so much to the table — things we can’t do and the equipment we’re provided can’t do.”
“They must be able to listen to commands,” Despins said. “If they can’t do that they’ll automatically be disqualified. Some dogs just don’t have the drive.”
After Despins, Jony served with five other handlers, one of which was Air Force Tech. Sgt. Kevin Edward Davis Jr., the 20th SFS assistant flight chief. The pair were deployed to Afghanistan together in 2013.
“ It is for you that I will unselfishly give my life and spend my nights unrested. Dogs would sacrifice and do anything for their handler,” said Air Force Staff Sgt. Robert Coughlin, a MWD handler with the 20th SFS. “It doesn’t matter what it is. They have no fear of what they go into as far as the danger.”
During one of his deployments, Jony went on more than 60 missions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, finding six explosives and enduring five firefights. Jony also went on seven explosive detection missions with the Secret Service in support of the president and vice president of the United States.
Thanks to Jony’s acute sense of smell, Davis and his team were able to come back home to their families. “Together you and I shall experience a bond only others like us will understand … “They’re wingmen,” Davis said. “Not only are they there through the thick and thin, the good times and the bad times, they’re there to protect and they’re there to watch out for you.
“You can create a facade as you’re going through your day to day,” he said. “However the dog knows; they know when something’s not right or if you feel down or depressed and are just trying to keep a straight face.… If we should meet again on another street I will gladly take up your fight, I am a Military Working Dog and together we are guardians of the night.”
