MWD Ronni retires

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Victoria Boyton
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

Military Working Dogs provide additional base security through narcotics and explosive detection.

MWD Ronni P835, 4th Security Forces Squadron, retired during a ceremony, June 11, 2019, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base after nine years of service.

Ronni arrived to Seymour in July of 2011, since then he has deployed twice, had four different handlers and participated in more than 40 Secret Service missions.

The retirement ceremony included a “final ride” for Ronni, the presentation of the 4th SFS MWD medal and a ceremonial “last bite” on a bite suit.

Maj. John Paul Adrian, 4th SFS commander, spoke during the retirement

ceremony, stating Ronni still had his full tail and both of his eyes when they first met.

“MWD Ronni’s tail was removed after an accident involving another MWD,” said Tech. Sgt. Sergio Hernandez, 4th SFS kennel master.

Additionally, Ronni’s eye was surgically removed due to pain it was causing him.

“Although Ronni has only one eye and no tail, he remains in high spirits,” said Senior Airman Maegan Priestley, 4th SFS MWD handler.

“He’s a big goofball. He doesn’t act his age,” added Priestley.

Attendees had the opportunity to both pet and give dog treats to recently retired Ronni.

Retirement plans for Ronni include living with his previous handler, SSgt Nicholas Armstrong, 4th SFS MWD handler, who stated “He’s going to have a good life. He

put in nine years of his life, I’m going to try and make the rest of them the best they can be.”