Memorial held for military working dog

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Travis Harsha
  • 60th Security Forces Squadron commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Arko, an 8-year-old military working dog assigned to Travis, died from natural causes in his kennel Nov. 27. A memorial service was held for him Jan. 24 at the Military Personnel Flight auditorium.

Arko served with the 60th Security Forces Squadron for almost seven years as an explosive detector and patrol dog helping provide a secure operating environment for Team Travis and various deployed locations.

Born Feb. 18, 1999, Arko entered the Air Force in June 2000. After training at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Arko was assigned to Travis in November 2000. He had a total of six handlers with Staff Sgt. Kevin Hughes, his final handler, logging the most time (three years) on leash.

Arko deployed six times, totaling three years, in support of the Global War on Terrorism. 

"Arko served with distinction and was one of Travis' finest," said Lt. Col. Travis Harsha, 60th Security Forces Squadron commander. "Often working in blistering heat in a war zone, Arko cleared areas for dignitaries and detected numerous weapons caches and terrorists, keeping us safe and secure. He will be sorely missed."