Ceremony to be held for fallen K-9

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Collin Schmidt
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BAST, Mont. --  The bond between a dog and their handler can be one of the most special relationships a military member can come across. For those who are lucky enough to work with these animals, their companionship can make a bad day good and the good days even better.

For one of Malmstrom Air Force Base's military working dog handlers, the memory of his K-9 holds a special place in his heart. Tom, as the loving K-9 was called, recently passed away after serving at Malmstrom for more than four years.

"We were almost like best friends," said Staff Sgt. Kyle Kottas, 341st Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler. "Tom loved people and was a very happy dog. I was his trainer for two years and every day I looked forward to coming into work and spending time with him."

Tom was born Jan. 6, 2008 and entered service in February of 2010. During that time, he helped his trainer safely complete dozens of random antiterrorism checks, housing patrols, vehicle and building checks, and bomb searches.

With every task he was given, he completed his mission swiftly and effectively, and as a team, the trainer and K-9 duo accomplished tasks that helped keep Team Malmstrom members safe.

"He was loved by everyone in our shop," said Kottas. "When you have a friend like that, there is no other bond like it. He was there for me through the rough times and the good times as well. I'm going to miss him."

The 341st SFS will hold a memorial ceremony for Tom at 4 p.m. on Jan. 16 at the Grizzly Bend.