Wounded warrior marches on

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Keavy Rake
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE N.C.-- --  A 4th Security Forces Squadron wounded warrior reunited with Charlie, his military working dog, Aug. 19.

Staff Sgt. Benjamin Seekell returned to receive the security forces guidon from Pope Field Airmen and represent the 4th Security Forces Squadron as they begin their leg of the Security Forces 9/11 Ruck March to Remember.

Seekell lost his left when he stepped on a landmine outside Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan, in early May. Charlie, working beside Seekell, was wounded when he took shrapnel to his hind quarters. Members of 4th SFS have brought Charlie to Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C., to visit his handler on several occasions.

Seekell is eager to return to his job as a military working dog handler, a job he regards as the best in the military.

"I'm a father first and foremost," Seekell said, "but it's really been a rewarding experience."

The job of a military working dog handler can range from protecting installations and patrols to simple kennel care. He hopes to return to work by late October.

Seekell understands the reality of deploying again.

"From my time in the service I learned there is nothing you can't do if you put your mind to it", Seekell said.

Currently no Airman has deployed as an amputee and there is a possibility he will be the first if he deploys again.

"I don't ever want to hear somebody say they can't do something," Seekell said. "If you want to do something- you just got to put forth the effort."

The 4th SFS is hosting the 2,182-mile march involving 14 other security forces squadrons. The march began July 12 at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, and will end at ground zero, New York, Sept. 11 in time for the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks.