Action line 81212 - Air Force Accolade

  • Published
  • By Anonymous
  • 39th Air Base Wing public affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Accolade:

Working at the 39th Air Base Wing, I've seen my fair share of Action Lines. All too often they only seem to focus on the negative and never seem to give kudos to those who truly deserve it. I would like to do just that!

Although this is an Action Line, it may sound more like an editorial to praise the unsung heroes of our Veterinary Clinic. First, I need to give a brief history of what led me to write this Action Line.

I've been in the Air Force for almost 18 years now and for more than 16 of those, we've owned the most loyal and loving dog anyone can ask for. She's been with us on more than eight moves, was there when my kids were born and ultimately made a two day, five-flight trip to Incirlik. Truly a member of the family!

Recently I had to make the painful decision to "put her to sleep" because of her age and medical condition. This was probably the hardest thing I've ever had to do, but thanks to Capt. Katheryn Hanson and Staff Sgt. Ellena Garcia of our Veterinary Clinic, this most unhappy occasion turned out to be something which gave my family not only closure, but also great pride in our Army "brother's in Arms."

To begin with, Capt Hanson and SSG Garcia came to my home on a Friday evening, obviously on their own time. They comforted and counseled my family as they described what they were about to do and how there would be no pain involved. When the time came, they calmly and respectfully told me it was over and that "she was now in a better place." I can't express how much this meant to me and my family! They never once treated this situation as if it was "just part of the job" or "our feelings weren't important," but with all the dignity my dearly departed family member deserved. They then quietly left the room to give my family time to grieve in peace, returning only to retrieve my loyal family member. I handed her to them and with the dignity and respect I've only seen by the Honor Guard which presided over my father's funeral, gave us a hug and "marched" out of my house without saying another word.

I know some people may say that this was only a dog, but to us, she was a dear member of my family who will be truly missed. Without people like Captain Hanson and Sergeant Garcia, we never would have been able to say goodbye to such an important and loyal family member with such dignity, honor and respect 16 years and eight months deserves!

Thank you from all of my family!