509th SFS military working dogs to receive new facility

  • Published
  • By Jennifer Greene
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE Mo.- --  Brig. Gen. Robert Wheeler, 509th Bomb Wing commander; Kyle Wilkins, district liaison for Rep. Ike Skelton; Elaine Horn, mayor of Sedalia; Ray Santee, commercial division manager of Free Country Design and Construction Inc.; and other distinguished guests presented the proud 509th Security Forces Squadron military working dogs and their dedicated handlers a sizable gift, the ground breaking on a new MWD facility, during a ceremony here Sept. 1. 

"This is a critical part of our mission," said General Wheeler. "(Military working) dogs are a big part of what we do; they are our brothers and sisters." 

The current living situation is a cramped one. The working dogs and the handlers are located in one building, which was built in 1950, located near a creek. Insects and snakes have become a wellness problem for the dogs. Despite renovations and upkeep, the building is old and the obstacle course, where the dogs train, has a mole problem. 

"The facility will effect the dog's rest cycle, making it better, said Tech. Sgt. Merl Tilley, 509th SFS kennel master. "In turn, it will mean more work from the dogs."

The new $ 4.1-million facility will be sizable, with three buildings and 9,200 sq. feet of space. The veterinarian clinic will be 20 feet from the kennels, allowing for easier access. The handlers will also have a building better equipped to handle day-to-day tasks, new computers and showers. The dogs will have houses in their building for more comfortable sleeping quarters. 

Many came together to make this project happen, to include: retired Col. Constance Davis, as well as, Ken Nugent, 509th Civil Engineer Squadron, Diane Simon and Frank Sprinkles, Base Community Council members, Eric Arndt, Army Corps of Engineers, and Jay Rudy, resident engineer of the project.

"The new complex will be beneficial to both the dogs and the handlers, said TSgt. Tilley. "Everyone's morale has been boosted by this new complex."