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Six legs are better than two

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Alyssa C. Miles
  • U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs
BAGHDAD, Iraq --  The security of those living and working within the International Zone here can be contributed to the safety measures put into place by the servicemembers who use their two legs to patrol the streets daily, and one member who patrols on four. 

Tech. Sgt. Eric Mendez, military working dog handler deployed with the 143rd Military Police Detachment, and his 7-year-old German Sheppard, Jaso, have patrolled the IZ during the last three months. While the duo's primary mission is explosive detection and suspect apprehension, they may also be called upon to provide immediate response to incidents or accidents that occur within the IZ until the Iraqi army arrives. 

"Every day is a little different," said the Woodhaven, Mich., native. "We go to various incidents - from assaults to traffic accidents." 

Sergeant Mendez and Jaso teamed up more than a year ago at their home station, Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. 

"We have a good relationship," the sergeant said. "We had to build rapport - just like you do with any new relationship. We've been working pretty well together for the past year." 

Jaso has proven to be a good wingman to Sergeant Mendez. 

"Jaso and I have responded to several assaults in progress," Sergeant Mendez said. "Having Jaso with me has de-escalated situations without further incident. We've conducted several explosive sweeps of areas after indirect fire attacks in the IZ. Doing this ensured the safety of emergency response personnel and U.S. Coalition Forces." 

In addition to his furry companion, Sergeant Mendez's back-up here consists of Soldiers deployed from the 26th Military Police Detachment out of Fort Hood, Texas. Sergeant Mendez feels the security of the forward operating bases within the IZ is sustained by the efforts of both the Air Force and the Army. 

"It's a combined effort," Sergeant Mendez said. "We definitely have different points of view, but we work together to complete the mission." 

Army Sgt. Steven Mariani of Bedford, Texas agrees. 

"The best part of the deployment is working with the Air Force and being able to see how they do business," said Sergeant Mariani. "There are always stereotypes amongst us in the different branches. Working along with the Air Force, all the stereotypes go out the window. We're all here working on the same mission, and we're here to accomplish it." 

Sergeant Mariani is also satisfied with the effect the Army and Air Force's efforts are having on the local Iraqi authorities. 

"Every day we work together with the Air Force is another day closer to the Iraqis taking over the International Zone, which will eventually have us all back home with our families," the Army sergeant said. 

With his responsibilities here wrapping up, Sergeant Mendez will be taking the best part of his job back home with him. 

"I love animals, and being able to take one to work every day is the best job for me," he said.