Team Osan honors life of MWD

by Airman 1st Class Alexis Siekert
51st Fighter Wing Public Affairs

1/7/2013 - OSAN AIR BASE, Republic of Korea -- Team Osan defenders came together to commemorate the life of military working dog, CChaos, the second oldest in the Department of Defense, in a memorial Dec. 20, 2012.

"Military working dogs are a special breed that share a bond with their handler and the community like no other," said Senior Airman Bassard, 51st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler. "The MWD serves many roles throughout their illustrious careers. They protect heads of state, including the president of the United States, participate in overseas contingency operations, conduct counter drug operations and perform force protection missions."

CChaos was a 12-year-old Belgian Malinois who spent more than 11 years in active service with the Air Force, 10 of which on Osan Air Base. He passed away on Nov. 2.

"He still had the fire in his eyes and drive in his mind the day he died," said Lt. Col. Jason Beck, 51st SFS commander. "He was ready to go to work but his body would not cooperate. I would like to say this to MWD CChaos D036, 'Thank you for your commitment, service, loyalty and trust. You will always be in our hearts and in our memories. Rest in peace, defender.'"

Tech. Sgt. Eric Morales, 51st SFS military working dog handler, had the opportunity to work with CChaos on his last tour to Osan from 2008-2009.

"MWD CChaos executed his commands with honesty, and with the greatest dedication and excellence I've ever seen in a MWD," said Morales. "In the K-9 world, CChaos commanded respect and became a living legend at Osan Air Base."

To prove his worth, CChaos helped capture 64 Uniform Code of Military Justice violators, Morales said.

"The most honorable trait that he had was how he would stand by me even as we were posted so very far away from backup or any type of help," Morales said. "He put his life in my hands and I trusted him with mine. Unfortunately, everything that has a beginning has an end and we are here to celebrate the live of MWD CChaos. A life that exemplified the Air Force core values through honesty, dedication and excellence. So rest easy, buddy. I am proud to have called you my partner. "

"We are honored to have served with and beside MWD CChaos," said Master Sgt. Christopher Cook, 51st SFS MWD kennel master. "Though our hearts are broken, we can walk with our chests full of pride for having him on our team. Indeed he was a force to be reckoned with. He is a legend."