31 SFS ceremony for military working dogs

The audience stands during the national anthem at a military working dog memorial and retirement ceremony, June 22, 2015, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The memorial was held for MWD Lea, who passed away recently. Attendees paused to honor her memory before a poem was read by her handler. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cary Smith/Released)

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31 SFS ceremony for military working dogs

Military working dog handlers from the 31st Security Forces Squadron stand during a MWD memorial and retirement ceremony, June 22, 2015, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The memorial was held for MWD Lea, who passed away. The handlers stood beside Lea’s crate and personal items while U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Ramsey, 31 SFS MWD section NCOIC, gave a speech to the audience. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cary Smith/Released)

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31 SFS ceremony for military working dogs

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Damian Schlussel, 31st Security Forces Squadron commander, speaks at a military working dog memorial and retirement ceremony, June 22, 2015, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The memorial was for MWD Lea, who passed away. Tora, another MWD, retired at the conclusion of the ceremony. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Cary Smith/Released)

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31 SFS ceremony for military working dogs

Published June 24, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Cary Smith
31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy -- The 31st Security Forces Squadron hosted a military working dog memorial and retirement ceremony, June 22, 2015, at Aviano Air Base, Italy. The memorial was held for MWD Lea, who passed away recently. U.S. Air Force Senior Airman William Shine, Lea's handler, recited a poem after a brief description of Lea's seven years of service. The ceremony concluded with the retirement of another 31 SFS MWD, Tora.