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DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. - A lone airman and his
service dog responsible for training Afghan forces and
keeping Army special operations forces safe from improvised
explosive devices, brought home more than just himself and
his companion.
Staff Sgt. Jason Spangenberg, 436th
Security Forces Squadron, military working dog handler, was
presented the Bronze Star Medal March 4, 2014, for his
support of Army special operations forces during his
deployment to Afghanistan in 2013.
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U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jason Spangenberg, 436th Security
Forces Squadron dog handler, poses with Col. Rick Moore, 436th
Airlift Wing commander, his dog, Rico, and members of his unit after
receiving the Bronze Star Medal March 4, 2014, at Dover Air Force
Base, Del. Spangenberg supported Army Special Operations forces in
more than 100 combat mission during his deployment. (U.S. Air Force
photo by Senior Airman Jared Duhon)
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Spangenberg was
originally awarded the Army Meritorious Service Medal, but
it was upgraded to the Bronze Star Medal by Maj. Gen. Austin
S. Miller, Special Operations Joint Task Force-Afghanistan,
commanding general.
"It was a very humbling
experience," said Spangenberg. "I was just doing my job."
As humble as Spangenberg may be, others recognized the
importance of the work he accomplished. Spangenberg's
support of Army special operations forces in more than 100
combat missions and discovering more than 100 pounds of
explosives over a period of four months shows Spangenberg
had a unique opportunity and proved he was up to the task,
said Lt. Col. Joel Briske, 436th SFS commander.
"I
think it is pretty cool that he was a lone airman deployed
with Army special operations," said Briske. "He operated at
such a level that he was recognized by a two-star general.
That doesn't happen often. To have your Army Meritorious
Service Medal upgraded to the Bronze Star Medal speaks of
his character and his commitment to the combat mission in
Afghanistan."
The Bronze Star Medal was presented to
Spangenberg for the successful completion of difficult tasks
he and his military working dog, Rico, accomplished.
Spangenberg and Rico taught more than 300 Afghan local
police on counter improvised explosive device tactics and
techniques.
"He is experienced and knows his job,"
said Tech. Sgt. Adam Fike, 436th SFS kennel master and
Spangenberg's supervisor. "Getting the Bronze Star Medal is
an amazing achievement. Where he was stationed is pretty
rough, so I'm glad that he made it back safe and sound and
that he was recognized for his accomplishments."
Unfortunately, during Spangenberg's deployment his shoulder
was injured and required surgery.
"My shoulder was
dislocated after an IED explosion hit our Humvee," said
Spangenberg. "I went as long as I could, but after getting
back from deployment, I had to get surgery."
Because
of his injury, Spangenberg is no longer assigned to Rico.
But, this hasn't stopped him from continuing to train others
who have taken his place.
"Because of his injury, he
is in charge of training," said Fike. "With his deployment
experience, he is teaching our guys different techniques to
search. The good news is he should be back to dog handling
in the summer."
Spangenberg said working with the
Army special operations forces was life-changing and said he
thoroughly enjoyed his deployment.
"It was awesome.
It is what we dream of as K-9 handlers," said Spangenberg.
"I did and saw a lot of cool things, as well as having fun
while doing my job."
By U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jared Duhon
Provided
through DVIDS
Copyright 2014
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