Image Gallery: January 2009
06 March 2009
Canines round up medals
Thursday 5 March 2009 was a very special day indeed for the Explosive Detection Dogs (EDD) of the 2nd Combat Engineer Regiment (2 CER) who were recognized for their years of dedicated service on operations.
Four current serving EDD’s and one EDD KIA in Afghanistan were awarded ADF Trackers and War Dogs Association (ADF TWDA) medals for War Dog Operational Service and Four Year Service.
This was the inaugural award of medals to EDD from the ADF TWDA who received permission in 2008 to design and issue medals for dogs that have served their country overseas.
CO 2 CER, LTCOL Joel Dooley awarded the medals in a Regimental parade near the 2 CER Regimental Headquarters.
“This is a significant occasion recognizing the service these dogs provide to the nation. Their service is a reflection of the dedication and professionalism demonstrated by the their handlers,” LTCOL Dooley said.
The handlers proudly stood fast by their EDD’s as LTCOL Dooley awarded the gongs before around 20 members of the ADF TWDA, all ex-serving dog handlers from previous conflicts, and a throng of Brisbane media.
EDD, Razz who was KIA on 1 September 2007 was awarded posthumously with her medals received by handler LCPL Craig Turnbull.
After the parade LCPL Turnbull reflected on the times he had with Razz and said that she was part of his family.
“She was a wonderful dog. A top EDD that was very intelligent. She was a family member to me and I’ll never forget her.
Without doubt the star of the day was EDD Mandy who raised her paw to shake hands with the CO after the award. Mandy retires shortly after 6 years of service including operations in the Solomon Islands.
President of the ADF TWDA, LTCOL George Hulse (Retd) highlighted that dogs like Mandy and the other EDD awarded do an exceptional job.
“These dogs are superbly trained, so are their handlers. We need to recognize their service and these medals from the Association are part of that recognition.
Today's Army EDD provide support to the Australian Defence Force and Civilian Government Agencies in the detection of improvised explosive devices, explosives, ammunition and weapons.
Military working dogs have been used for centuries as messengers, combatants, for security, and more recently as mine and explosive detection dogs.
EDD’s are trained to locate their targets- bombs, weapons, explosives- and communicate this to their handlers.
They have supported almost every major event in Australia in recent times including Expo 88, Sydney Olympics, CHOGM, Rugby League World Cup 03, Melbourne Commonwealth Games and other, smaller, policing operations. EDD’s and their predecessors, the tracker dogs, have deployed overseas to Vietnam, Somalia, Bougainville, East Timor and to Afghanistan where they currently still serve.
Three Explosive Detection Dogs have lost their lives on active service in Afghanistan in recent times. We will never forget them. Thanks EDD’s.
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