MWD retires after lifetime of service

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kathleen D. Bryant
  • 23d Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  He fought alongside his brothers and sisters in arms to accomplish the mission and was considered a wingman, partner and friend throughout his Air Force career.

After working 10 years with 10 different handlers, Military Working Dog Ficko's friends, co-workers and family gathered together to celebrate as he retired from active duty Sept. 15, here.

His career started when he entered training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas in August 2005 and was later assigned to the 23d Security Forces Squadron at Moody in September 2005 as a certified explosive dog.

"Ficko has, without a doubt, proven his worth to the 23d Mission Support Group," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Lyndsay Gebhart, 23d SFS MWD handler. "He supported multiple United States secret service missions, [to include] providing explosives detection and security for the president and vice president of the United States. [He deployed twice] to Al Udeid Air Base, Qatar in 2011 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and to Thumrait Air Base, Oman in support of Operation New Dawn."

After a full career, Ficko developed arthritis in both knees and a condition called Lumbosacral Spine, a deteriorating spine disease.

As a result, he went through a transition period from being an explosives detection dog to becoming a part of a family while he was on category-4 status.

During that time, he awaited retirement approval and adoption by his last handler of more than a year, Staff Sgt. Renee Mansour, 23d Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler.

"After he was [placed in category-4] status, I started a socialization [program] with him," said Mansour. "I would take him out in everyday settings. We would walk around to get him used to not working."

Normally, the option for adoption is given to the final handler first and if they want the MWD they go through an adoption process.

"[Mansour] really wanted Ficko, so she filled out all the paperwork telling what was in her house and showed the means of which she had to take care of him," said Gebhart.

Ficko finally went home with Mansour on Aug. 25, after receiving approval for retirement and adoption.

"The first day he had no qualms about jumping up on the couch," said Mansour. "He wanted every single toy at one time, so when he'd have [three toys] in front of him he'd try to shove them all in his mouth.

"Now that he realizes he's in his forever home he's just - lazy," Mansour added. "All he does is sleep. We'll go outside to play and after 10 minutes he'll be at the back door [like he's] saying 'I'm done! It's too hot out here.'"

After a lifetime spent as an active-duty member, Ficko will continue to be a wingman, partner and friend to his new family.