The loss of a service member is already tough enough……….but when it comes to the one closest to you…your friend…your partner…. the one you depend on…that loss is unspeakable. This video is of a Military Working Dog Memorial Service  taken June 1st, 2012 in Kandahar Afghanistan.  The service is for Nina (depicted below) and another MWD, Paco. If you have information on Paco please share in the comment section. I was unable to find anything.

Nina’s handler, Sergeant Wilker, writes: MWD Nina was born 16 September 2007, was assigned to the 6th Military Police Detachment Kennels at Fort Rucker, Alabama at the age of 3. As soon as she arrived she was loved by everyone. Nina showed great potential.  MWD Nina and her handler deployed to Afghanistan October 1, 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom 11-12 and was attached to the Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force (CJSOTF). MWD Nina was attached to 2 Seal Teams and an ODA team. MWD Nina conducted over 75 missions in support of the CJSOTF. MWD Nina confirmed one IED and found 2 explosive caches. MWD Nina saved many lives and fought for our freedom everyday.

I first knew that Nina and I had a connection when she accidentally bit me during bite training. She came off and laid next to me with this “I’m so sorry” look on her face. Nina was my second dog in my K9 career. We trained hard every day and pushed each other past our limits. Nina loved everyone and taught me how to be humble. She was always there for me and others when we needed a little morale boost. When Nina would work hard and do her best at her job she made all of us proud. Nina had a lot of heart and when she received her reward she would walk around proud. Nina wanted to go everywhere and see everything, we were inseparable. You helped me grow and learn more every day. I thank you for the wonderful opportunity that I received to be able to be your handler. I love you Nina and will miss you a lot but will never forget you. MWD Nina, you are and always be in our hearts.

 U.S. Navy Master at Arms 2nd Class Sean Brazas and MWD Sicario. MA2 Brazas was killed in action30 May 12 in Afghanistan. MWD Sicario survived.

On May 24, Marine Corporal Keaton Coffey was killed during his second tour of duty while conducting combat operations in Helmland province, Afghanistan. He was to be married in July. His MWD survived the attack.

 In case you missed or want to revisit prior weeks. Here are the links.

Military Dog Picture of the Week. (May 30th, 2012) SGT Rex Retires!

Military Dog Picture of the Week. (May 23th, 2012) Welcome Home Marines!

Military Dog Picture of the Week. (May 16th, 2012) K9 Trials!

Click here to subscribe and receive my weekly blog posts directly to your email. You don’t want to miss a thing!

The Guardians of the Night

Author Unknown

Trust in me my friend, for I am your comrade.
I will protect you with my last breath.
When all others have left you and the loneliness of night closes in,
I will be at your side.

Together we will conquer all obstacles,
and search out those who wish to do harm to others.
All I ask of you is compassion,
and the caring touch of your hands.

It is for you that I will unselfishly give my life
and spend my nights unrested.
Although our days together may be marked by the passing of the seasons
Know that each day by your side is my reward.

My days are measured by the coming and going of your footsteps.
I anticipate them at every opening of the door.
You are the voice of caring when I am ill,
The voice of authority when I have done wrong.

Do not chastise me unduly,
for I am your right arm,
the sword at your side.
I attempt to do only what you bid of me.
I seek only to please you and remain in your favor.

Together you and I shall experience
a bond only others like us will understand.
When outsiders see us together,
their envy will be measured by their disdain.

I will quietly listen to you and pass no judgment,
nor will your spoken words be repeated.
I will remain ever silent, ever vigilant, ever loyal.

And when our time together is done
and you move on in the world,
Remember me with kind thoughts and tales.
For a time we were unbeatable,
Nothing passed among us undetected.

If we should meet again on another street
I will gladly take up your fight,
I am a Military Working Dog.

We are the guardians of the night.