Forward Operations Base Falcon, Iraq-? One of the operational teams that will be in operation in Baghdad over the next several months is a Canine and Human team, a military dog handler and his four legged assistant. Along with other military dog handler teams they will be working to help patrol Baghdad and keeping it safe for citizens and soldiers alike.
Army Staff Sergeant James Harrington is a military Policeman and a military dog handler. He is a member of the 1st Special Troops battalion, 4th Infantry Division, 1st BCT and he patrols with his dog, Ryky. Together they work to patrol the communities and streets around South Baghdad and the Rashid District.
While on Patrol they look for weapons, insurgents, and help Iraqi Forces respond to different alerts regarding insurgency, or criminal behavior. Harrington is part of the 947th Military Police detachment, and his 3 year old Canine Belgian Malanois partner have worked together on more than 25 finds, and 50 missions since they first reported to Iraq in October 2007.
Together they have found a number of different ammunition caches, and several hollowed out areas that different amounts of explosives were discovered. His dog, Ryky is very friendly, not a trained attack dog. Her specialty is seeking out explosives, so Harrington is able to allow his dog to be sociable. It is a big morale booster to both his dog and the other soldiers, alike.
Our Catholic Church Kids group would like to send Ryky and other police dogs some toys. Can we do that?
We are sending Tootsie Pops to many APO address at FPO and FOB bases. The 351st Military Police from Ocala and Tallahassee Florida are going to be receiving some…please let us know if we can send some to you all.