In memory of Alan, war dog and faithful partner
SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, GERMANY -- Members of the 52nd Security Forces Squadron mourn the lost of military working dog, Alan, who was put down with his handler by his side May 14. Alan suffered from Degenerative Myelopathy of his spine an autoimmune disease where the canine's immune system attacks their central nervous system. Alan, a German Shepherd, was accepted into the Air Force in Sept. 1999. He was one of the first MWD’s to serve in Iraq at the start of the war and was featured on an episode of Animal Planet. Alan is pictured above with his handler then Staff Sgt. Cleophus Gallon during May 2004 in Fallujah, Iraq. Alan was forever faithful and served with honor. (US Air Force photo)