Kennel Master
Staff Sergeant Roger Waterson distinguished himself by outstanding achievement as Kennel Master, 86th Security Forces Squadron, 86th Mission Support Group, 86th Airlift Wing, Ramstein Air Base, Germany, from 5 August 2020 to 11 January 2023. During this period, Sergeant Waterson led the largest Military Working Dog program in the United States European Command, consisting of 23 members, 17 canines and 11 important law enforcement programs. Sergeant Waterson advanced the United States Department of State's Building Partnerships Initiative by deploying seven teams to protect 98 dignitaries and the Secretary of State while traveling across the European theater, and facilitated the delivery of a two billion dollar aid package in support of the defense of Ukraine. In addition, he developed and implemented the Department of Defense's pilot dog fitness program. He facilitated a 37 joint member team's efforts in developing a comprehensive injury prevention protocol and a canine mobility routine, extending the dogs' life expectancy by an average of three years. Moreover, he steered the United States Central Command's K-9 Liaison program, providing logistical and transportation support to 17 dog teams across all military services. Finally, Sergeant Waterson equipped the Armenian Ministry of Defense with training capabilities to establish the country's first ever organic narcotics detection program. The distinctive accomplishments of Staff Sergeant Waterson reflect great credit upon himself, the 86th Security Forces Squadron, and the United States Air Force.
Military Working Dog Handler
Outstanding achievement while serving as Military Working Dog Handler, 51st Security Forces Squadron, Provost Marshal Office, Headquarters, United States Forces Korea from 9 November 2023 to 15 November 2023. During this period, Sergeant Hoolihan's outstanding performance and dedication to duty enhanced the protection of Key Leaders by means of their Patrol Explosive Detection Dogs. In addition, Sergeant Hoolihan assisted in the planning and rehearsals to synchronize detection sweeps in support of the 48th Military Committee Meeting, the 55th Security Consultative Meeting, and the Defense Ministerial Meeting. His professionalism, ceaseless efforts and contributions resulted in the successful and uninterrupted protection of the Secretary of Defense, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the United States Indo-Pacific Command Commanders during their visit, positively impacting the security for these Key Leaders and strengthening the United States - Republic of Korea alliance. The accomplishments of Sergeant Hoolihan reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Army, and the Department of Defense.
Senior Military Policeman
Recommendation for award, Ft. Bliss, April 1974 - March 1976 (ETS). Specialist Four Michael R. Harris XXX-XX-9845, 591st Military Police Company, distinguished himself through exceptional meritorious service while serving as a patrol/ detector dog handler at USAADCENFB from April 74 - March 76. Throughout this assignment, he demonstrated a selfless devotion to duty, as evidenced in his willing performance of duties beyond normal working hours to ensure the proper accomplishment of his drug detection mission. Ever in demand, he and his dog "General" conducted 220 searches in areas as diverse as Ft. Bliss, Tx, William Beaumont Army Medica Center, White Sands Missile Range, and Holloman Air Force Base. These searches resulted in over 300 times and 220 apprehensions, a record of such distinction the installation newspaper as well as the El Paso media have chosen to spotlight the accomplishments of this duo in pictures and print. A professional fitted with abundant knowledge of kennel operations, outstanding organizational capabilities, and distinguished demeanor with animals, Sp4 Harris willingly and competently accepted duties as kennel master of the Fort Boise dog kennels. A soldier with a maturity and proficiency far in excess of his peers, Specialist-Four Harris' devotion to duty and outstanding achievement at Fort Boise reflects great credit upon himself, the Military Polic Corps and the United States Army.
General and Harris was also featured in the 1984 Guinness Book of Pet Records and many subsequent World Record Books under the heading of the only drug sniffing dog with a 100% record.
Petty Officer Hartman has made a positive impact to the success of the Naval Air Station Sigonella Security Department. Serving as a Team leader for the largest deployable kennel in the European Theatre, being a Veterinary Liaison, and being a Supply Petty Officer, she was instrumental in the training and qualification of departmental personnel as well as the health and well being of all 13 Military Working Dogs. Her dedication to duty and leadership has set her well above her peers. Her most noteworthy accomplishments included:
- As a Team leader and Explosive Driver for the Military Working Dog Explosive Scent Kit, she consistently displayed exceptional competence and depth of professional knowledge in the execution of her responsibilities during Explosive Training evolutions with zero mishaps. She executed 250 hours of training for 13 Military Working Dog Teams resulting in a 100% certification rate. Her initiative and personal involvement were instrumental in the FY12 and FY13 NCIS Security Training Assessment and Assistance site visits.
- As a Military Working Dog Handler, she has conducted 1,500 hours explosive sweeps for NAS Sigonella to include barracks inspections, building inspections, and vehicle inspections, which has enhanced the overall safety and force protection of all personnel and Distinguished Visitors onboard the installation.
- Hand selected conduct sweeps with the United States Secret Service Mission for the Republican National Convention in Tampa, Florida; she was attached to the Times Forum Convention Center, successfully completing over 24 hours of explosive detection for both the Times Forum and surrounding buildings as well as 200 vehicle sweeps. She has also completed over 150 hours of explosive sweeps at the Augusta Bay Pier and over 50 hours of Distinguished Visitor sweeps including the Air Terminal DV Lounge with vehicle sweeps for Distinguished Visitor Arrivals.
Sergeant Kane performed over 10,000 vehicle searches and 100 random anti-terrorism measures ensuring the safety of over 1100 Eskan Village residents, defending the largest concentration of westerners in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Sergeant Kane also established a more sufficient work cycle for Military Working Dog section increasing productivity and efficiency of Military Working Dog Teams. Additionally, he was recognized for outstanding performance during Explosive Detection sweeps for General Petraeus and Admiral Mullens. His attention to detail was crucial to ensuring an incident-free venue. Furthermore, his superior performance led to the Military Working Dog section receiving the Security Forces Small Team of the Month award. The accomplishments of Sergeant Kane bring great credit upon himself, the 382nd MP Detachment and the United States Army.
SECURITY DEPARTMENT MILITARY WORKING DOG HANDLER AT NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA FROM OCTOBER 2010 TO AUGUST 2012. PETTY OFFICER MARTIN AND HIS MILITARY WORKING DOG, BUNNY, CONDUCTED OVER 200 HOURS OF WALKING PATROLS, OVER 4,000 SEARCHES OF BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, AND OPEN AREAS, TO INCLUDE OVER 50 BARRACKS INSPECTIONS, 100,000 POUNDS OF MAIL, 1,000,000 POUNDS OF CARGO, AND 3 VESSELS IN DISTRESS ENTERING GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA RESTRICTED WATERS, GREATLY ENHANCING THE SAFETY OF ALL PERSONNEL ABOARD NAVAL STATION GUANTANAMO BAY, CUBA. AS THE PRIMARY DRUG TRAINING AIDS CUSTODIAN AND EXPLOSIVE TEAM MEMBER, HIS EFFORTS WERE VITAL IN COUNTLESS TRAINING EVOLUTIONS. IN ADDITION, AS A MEMBER OF THE SECURITY DEPARTMENT, HE VOLUNTEERED FOR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AND MULTIPLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DEMONSTRATIONS, ENHANCING THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF MWD CAPABILITIES. PETTY OFFICER MARTIN'S EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONAL ABILITY, PESONAL INITIATIVE AND LOYAL DEVOTION TO DUTY REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
SGT Jackson's motivation and attention to detail lead to the consistent success of the Law and Order mission in FOB Ghazni. His willingness to learn from and communicate with the Polish Task Force, White Eagle, facilitated a flawless integration of operations between the two nations. SGT Jackson was a valuable asset to both Force Protection and Law and Order Operations ensuring safety and order for all occupants of FOB Ghazni. Sergeant Jackson's extraordinary efforts and accomplishments during this period reflect credit upon himself, the 382nd MP Detachment and the United States Army.
Specialist Hinomi dedicated over 1,500 hours to operations on the drug enforcement task force, Operation Alligator, aiding in the detection and eradication of illegal drugs rendering the surrounding community a safer place. He was recognized with a letter of Appreciation from the Commander for outstanding professionalism and phenomenal duty performance for actions taken during a building alarm response. He ensured a systematic and detailed facility search was completed to render the building secured. Additionally, Specialist Hinomi was recognized as top performer in his class and awarded the TOP DOG AWARD during explosives and narcotics detection for exceptional handling abilities while attending the military working dog handler school. His commendable performance is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
HE EXPERTLY LED AND SUPERVISED 22 JUNIOR MASTERS AT ARMS AND 13 MILITARY WORKING DOG TEAMS. AS THE DEPARTMENT'S LEADING CHIEF PETTY OFFICER, HIS LEADERSHIP HELPED ENSURE THE SUCCESS AND SAFETY OF NAVAL STATION JACKSONVILLE'S AIR SHOW WHICH HAD AN ATTENDANCE OF OVER 500,000 MILITARY AND CIVILIAN SPECTATORS ALONG WITH VIP GUESTS. HIS LEADERSHIP DRAMATICALLY IMPROVED OPERATIONAL READINESS CONTRIBUTING TO SEVERAL SUCCESSFUL HIGH PROFILE EVOLUTIONS BEING COMPLETED WITHOUT INCIDENT. HE EXPERTLY LED A TEAM OF 5 MILITARY WORKING DOG HANDLERS TO EARN RECOGNITION AS THE TOP RATED KENNELS IN THE SOUTHEAST REGION. ADDITIONALLY, HE VOLUNTEERED FOR AN INDIVIDUAL AUGMENTEE ASSIGNMENT TO HONDURAS AND LEFT THE KENNELS THERE IN BETTER CONDITION THAN WHEN HE ARRIVED. PETTY OFFICER NEILSON'S EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONALISM, UNRELENTING PERSEVERENCE, AND LOYAL DEVOTION TO DUTY REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
During this period, Sergeant Robert Paulson deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom where he executed raids with Special Operations Forces and aided in the capture of four high value Al Qaeda operatives. His expertise and decisive actions after locating an Improvised Explosive Device saved the lives of his seven-member team. The raid culminated in the destruction of an enemy cell and uncovered intelligence which led to locations and identities of other insurgent factions. In addition, Sergeant Paulson continued to display exceptional leadership as the only Sergeant in the unit certified as a Platoon Leader. As Platoon Leader, Sergeant Paulson managed operations for his 30-person platoon and was responsible for the overall security of $1.5 billion in war fighting assets. Sergeant Paulson also simultaneously performed duties as a Patrol Narcotic Detector Dog handler and assisted German Polizei with a marijuana seizure. Finally, as testament of his leadership, Sergeant Paulson was selected as the platoon-level Non-Commissioned Officer of the Year for 2012. His commendable performance is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.
Since 2010, Fire Investigator Coopersen has been the only Dog Handler for the Fort Stewart Fire Department. Fire Investgator Coopersen and his K9, Lucky, made a significant impact in the investigations into the cause and origin of numerous fires, not only in Hinesville but with outside agencies throughout Georgia and South Carolina. He dedicated many arduous hours in the care, training and deployment of his partner, Lucky. Though his personal sacrifice and dedication, he and Lucky have made countless positive detections in the cause and origin of fires leading to many arrests and prosecutions for arson. They have become well respected in the local and state Fire communities and have represented the Fort Stewart Fire Department honorably. Their professional approach to fire safety and public education is in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflects great credit upon himself, the department, and the United States Army.
A MILITARY WORKING DOG HANDLER AT STRATEGIC WEAPONS FACILITY ATLANTIC, KINGS BAY, GEORGIA. PETTY OFFICER SIMMONS DEVOTED OVER 40 HOURS TO THE MILITARY WORKING DOG SELF-HELP PROJECT. PETTY OFFICER SIMMONS DEDICATED HIS ON- AND OFF-DUTY TIME TO THE RENOVATION OF THE KENNEL FACILITIES, SAVING THE UNITED STATES NAVY OVER $10,000 IN REPAIR COSTS AND VASTLY IMPROVING THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE MILITARY WORKING DOGS. PETTY OFFICER SIMMONS' EXCEPTIONAL PROFESSIONALISM, UNRELENTING PERSEVERENCE, AND LOYAL DEVOTION TO DUTY REFLECTED GREAT CREDIT UPON HIMSELF AND WERE IN KEEPING WITH THE HIGHEST TRADITIONS OF THE UNITED STATES NAVAL SERVICE.
