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A Brave Dog's Last Deployment

  • Published
  • By Chief Master Sgt. Jim Dowell
  • 64th Air Expeditionary Group
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  At a small unit in Southwest Asia, a patrol dog named Charlie goes on patrol and sniffs out bombs. Charlie, however, is not your typical military working dog.

"Charlie is an amazing dog, currently on his seventh deployment" said Senior Airman Rashawn Taylor, 64th Expeditionary Security Forces Squadron. "He instinctively knows what to do, and it's a pleasure working with a K-9 with his level of expertise."

Charlie's high level of expertise was earned on the battlefield. Deployed to Afghanistan in February 2011, Charlie and his former handler, Staff Sgt. Benjamin Seekell, were returning to base from a foot patrol outside the wire when they were struck by a bomb, injuring both of them. Seekell suffered a severe leg injury and multiple shrapnel wounds; Charlie endured shrapnel wounds and burst ear drums.

Both were awarded the Purple Heart decoration by President Barack Obama. Seekell recovered from his wounds, including an amputated left leg, and returned to duty and world-wide deployable status. Charlie also recovered from his injuries before rejoining Seekell.

When Seekell received new deployment orders, he realized that as his squadron's military working dog trainer, he needed to send Charlie with a different handler. Newly graduated dog handler Senior Airman Rashawn Taylor was paired with Charlie for the upcoming deployment to Southwest Asia.

"Charlie is an independent dog," Taylor said. "He's trained for patrol and explosive detection. As a new dog handler, I believe Charlie trained me, and not only made me a better handler but a better person."

Seekell, now at 4th Security Forces Squadron, Seymour Johnson AFB, N.C., agreed.

"Like any bond formed, it takes time to develop, but once it takes hold it is far from ordinary," Seekell said. "You can experience the full spectrum of emotions with your dog, from happiness to sorrow and everything in between. Their successes are your victories and their failures your responsibility. They are a unique kind of partner."

Taylor trusts in Charlie's training and experience.

"Charlie protects me, obeys my every command without second guessing, because he puts his trust in me and knows I will protect him," Taylor said. "I trust him more than I trust most humans ... when Charlie says the room is clear, it is clear."

When Charlie's current tour of duty concludes, he'll return to Seymour Johnson AFB to officially end his service as a patrol dog. Afterwards, he will be permanently teamed with Seekell for a well-earned retirement.