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Rusty Prince
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BREED: German Sheppard.
WHELP DATE: 15 January 1981, Sacramento, Ca. USAF INDUCTION DATE: Feb 1982
USAF EUTHANASIA DATE: 29 Sep 1989
USAF OFFICIAL REASON: Hip Displasia (Genetic). ------------
Unlike the old Sentry Dogs, Kona was, through the course of time, assigned to protect many handlers and this he did with such intensity that it took its toll on his hips and therefore his life.
The animals loyalty, intelligence, and protective nature often stunned even seasoned handlers who came in contact with him. The only dog that came close to this level of intelligence was ficitional (Lassie). Where Lassie was trained , Kona literally learned, and adapted quickly on his own.
Whether climbing the ladders to the sentry towers around Clark (bad for the hips), investigating tunnels on the flightline, or traversing six inch slick concrete pipes high over a wash, Kona was intense when it came to patrolling. Kona exhibited such a remarkable discipline that his handler worked him off leash the majority of the time. Kona served in the 3rd Security Police Group, SPOK, Clark Air Base, Philippines. He is gone now physically but those whose entrusted their safety to him, will never forget his service and friendship.
The associated rank and "fruit salad" above are a K-9 tradition. MWDs always outranked their handlers and were afforded the training and medal recognition of their handlers as well.
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