WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- A retirement ceremony for Morgen, a military working dog with more than eight years of service, was held Feb. 24 at the 88th Security Forces facility on Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. The retirement was followed by his adoption by former handler Staff Sgt. Pablo Gonzalez.
Morgen, a German shepherd, was born Dec. 8, 2013, and entered military working dog training in January 2015 at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. After graduating from training, he was assigned to the 88th Security Forces Squadron at Wright-Patterson in September 2015.
Lt. Col. Nicole Schatz, 88th Security Forces Squadron commander, spoke of Morgen’s accomplishments.
Morgen was assigned and helped train ten handlers. He has performed well over 100 K9 demonstrations, thousands of hours of random antiterrorism measures, walking patrols, vehicle searches, VIP sweeps and numerous other duty-related jobs, protecting the resources and community of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base.
Lt. Col. Nicole Schatz, 88th Security Forces Squadron commander
“Morgen was assigned and helped train ten handlers,” said Schatz. “He has performed well over 100 K9 demonstrations, thousands of hours of random antiterrorism measures, walking patrols, vehicle searches, VIP sweeps and numerous other duty-related jobs, protecting the resources and community of Wright-Patterson Air Force Base,” said Schatz.
Additionally, Morgen provided explosive detection capabilities for the United States Secret Service on 22 missions in direct support of the president and vice president of the United States.
Tech. Sgt. Bryce Bates, 88th Security Forces Squadron kennel master, recalled his experiences with Morgen.
“Morgen was our biggest dog at 102 pounds, but he is a really good dog; he is super friendly,” Bates said. “I think I learned the most about dog training from Morgen because his head was full of stubbornness. He made me a better handler.”
Gonzalez was a military working dog handler with the 88th SFS and was partnered with Morgen as his first dog in the position upon his arrival to the unit in Aug. 2019. The team deployed to Kuwait in 2018 for six months and Niger in 2021 for seven months. Gonzalez separated from active duty in 2022 and is now serving as an Air Force reservist.
Gonzalez drove from Georgia to reunite with Morgen a few hours prior to the ceremony, giving the two time to reconnect and to allow Morgen’s excitement to subside.
“Morgen has always been a family member, and knowing he is coming home with me gives me peace of mind,” said Gonzalez. “I want to thank Mission K9 Rescue and the veterinary staff at Wright-Patterson for their support and for keeping Morgen healthy.”
Following the ceremony, Morgen travelled with Gonzalez to his new home in Georgia, where he can relax and enjoy his new family and retirement.