MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- The 23d Security Forces Squadron held a memorial service for military working dog Yysoi at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, June 30, 2021.
Yysoi was assigned to the 23d SFS as an explosive detection dog and passed away from surgery complications on May 20, 2021.
“I have so many great memories,” said Staff Sgt. Cristina Rodriguez, 23d SFS military working dog handler. “Yysoi was my first dog and just from the start, he was super eager to work, and after a while of working with him, he became super loyal to me.”
Rodriguez and Yysoi continued to build their relationship while both deployed in Niger, Africa.
“I was excited to go anywhere with him,” Rodriguez said. “It was the first time we would really be on our own. We were together all of the time and becoming more of a solid dog team. It was super fun, and he was awesome out there. I really enjoyed it.”
Maj. Thomas Matechik, 23d SFS commander, said the bond between handler and dog is sacred and is built upon mutual trust and respect.
“[He] was known for always positioning himself between his handler and anything he perceived as a threat,” Matechik said. “If Yysoi and his handler were going to face danger, they would face it together, but Yysoi would be out in front.”
Although some would say that Yysoi was more aggressive than most, he was a very loyal and courageous dog.
“Yysoi was literally born into the Air Force,” Matechik said about Yysoi’s distinctive service. “We all voluntarily chose to serve – he’s been doing it his entire life.”
Military working dogs can develop great focus since they train from such a young age.
“If you saw him work, he was intense,” Rodriguez said. “He was always so eager to do everything and to please his handler and make me happy. He was so protective and loving as well – I love him.”
Although Yysoi passed too early, his service will live on through the memories of those who served with him.
“Yysoi was fortunate to share his time with human partners who cared for him and respected him,” Matechik said. “He lived to make them happy and earn a reward. He was a hero, and he was one of our best. He will truly be missed.”