K-9 leave kids in awe

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TAMPA, Fla. --  When the students of Tampa Adventist Academy, attended school Dec. 4, it was not a typical school day, as they were treated to a military working dog demonstration from the 6th Security Forces Squadron Airmen from MacDill Air Force Base.

"Anything that allows my students to see discipline, respect and discover the opportunities that are out there, such as the military, I take advantage of," commented Monique Roth, Tampa Adventist Academy teacher." Many of my students don't understand all the possibilities amongst them."

The youngsters eagerly watched in awe of how obedient Alex, 6th SFS MWD, was with his handler Senior Airman Tyler Sexton, 6th SFS MWD handler, and instantly started comparing it to their dogs.

Various abilities were performed during the enactment. Members from the 6th SFS MWD section demonstrated the six phases of controlled aggression, which consists of a false run, a bite and hold, a search, an escort, a standoff and a re-attack.

"It was cool to see how they could get an animal to act basically like a human. It was a great experience," said Laurie Berges, Tampa Adventist Academy student.

This was the first time Tampa Adventist Academy held an event of this nature. It provided an opportunity for 6th SFS MWD section to work with the local community and give the children a front row seat to one aspect of the military.

The performance kept the energetic students fully engaged and transformed their sense of wonder into a new perspective.