A triumph of training for the 82d SFS Published Nov. 30, 2023 By Airman 1st Class Katie McKee 82d TRW Public Affairs SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- A ribbon cutting ceremony marked the completion of the $1.3 million project for the new Security Forces Military Working Dog facility on Nov. 29, 2023, here. After a year-long wait, this facility was meticulously designed to ensure the MWDs and handlers have a state-of-the-art-facility to continue training. The primary focus will be on narcotics and explosives detection ensuring the safety of the base and military operations. Maj. Luke Richardson, 82d Training Wing Security Forces Squadron Commander; Brig. Gen. George T.M. Dietrich III, Installation Commander; Staff. Sgt. Jesse Ledbetter, Kennel Master and Staff Sgt. Rafael Del Real, Military Working Dog Handler, cut the ribbon Nov. 29, 2023, at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The ribbon cutting ceremony marked the completion of the $1.3 million MWD facility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Katie McKee) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Maj. Luke Richardson, 82d SFS Commander, gave opening remarks and welcomed special guests Brig. Gen. George T.M. Dietrich III, 82d Training Wing Commander, and Chief Master Sgt. Rey D. Schultz, 82d TRW Command Chief. “This facility represents the sweat, the training and the preparation for our war-time mission,” said Maj. Luke Richardson. “It is with gratitude that we open this new obedience yard.” After the ribbon cutting, Senior Airman Angel Martinez, handler, and MWD Dock, three-year old Belgian Malinois, put the obstacle course to test as Dock ran through a tunnel, jumped hurdles, climbed the double stairs and gracefully completed the dog walk. Martinez and Dock then displayed how the MWDs are trained to attack on command with a dog bite demonstration. “We’ve been waiting for this course for a long time, and we’re extremely happy to have it completed,” said Martinez. “We’ve been using different locations to do training like the soccer fields, softball fields or anywhere else on base. We are humbled to have something like this.” U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog Dock, a three-year old Belgian Malinois, runs during the bite demonstration Nov. 29, 2023, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The Security Forces Squadron held a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of the $1.3 million MWD facility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Katie McKee) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res For the first time in over a year, the kennels are fully staffed with six MWDs with two of them deployed with their respective handlers. Chief Master Sgt. Rey D. Schultz, 82d Training Wing Command Chief, speaks with Staff Sgt. Tyler Storms, Security Forces, and Senior Airman Angel Martinez, Military Working Dog Handler with MWD Dock Nov. 29, 2023, Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The Security Forces Squadron held a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of the $1.3 million MWD facility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Katie McKee) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res U.S. Air Force Military Working Dog Dock, a three-year old Belgian Malinois, lays on the turf of the new facility Nov. 29, 2023, at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The ribbon cutting ceremony marked the completion of the $1.3 million MWD facility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Katie McKee) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Angel Martinez, Military Working Dog Handler, and MWD Dock ran the new obstacle course Nov. 29, 2023, at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas. The Security Forces Squadron held a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the completion of the $1.3 million MWD facility. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Katie McKee) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res