Marauders rebuild K9 memorial

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Airmen from the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron stand behind the rebuilt Security Forces K9 memorial here Dec. 28, 2014. The original memorial, dedicated to Tech. Sgt. Jason L. Norton and Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy, was damaged in a vehicle accident in September. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Jared Marquis/released)

Marauders rebuild K9 memorial

Published Jan. 5, 2015
By Tech. Sgt. Jared Marquis
386th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs

SOUTHWEST ASIA -- With the help of the 386th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron, members of the 386th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron rededicated a memorial here Dec. 28, 2014, honoring two fallen defenders.

The original memorial, dedicated to Tech. Sgt. Jason L. Norton and Staff Sgt. Brian McElroy, was damaged in a vehicle accident in September.

Both Airmen were deployed to Iraq from Elmendorf Air Force Base, Alaska, when their vehicle struck an improvised explosive device near Taji, Iraq, in January 2006.

Marauder’s worked together to rebuild and improve the memorial.

“The memorial was important to all of us in the K-9 section because we feel that at times these dogs aren't praised enough for all their hard work,” said Staff Sgt. Juan Hinojosa, 386th ESFS. “The (military working dog) program is a vital asset to completing the Air Force mission, whether it’s at a deployed location or in garrison.”

The memorial itself is surrounded by rocks designed in the shape of a dog paw, at the corner where Norton and McElroy streets converge. The original plaque was in front of the paw.

“These MWD's deserve all the recognition possible for all the abilities they provide,” Hinojosa said. “By providing this memorial recognizes all the MWD's and past handlers who have served.”