Rico, a military working dog with the United States Air Force, served for eight years with his handlers, Tech Sgt. Matthew Salter and Staff Sgt. Jason Spangenberg, in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
He completed more than 100 combat missions and even earned the Bronze Star with Spangenberg for finding more than 100 pounds of explosive material. He trained local Afghan police officers. He was loved by his handlers, his unit, and everyone that came in contact with him.
Rico retired from service as a military working dog in 2016 and lived as a family pet — and family member — with Spangenberg since. Unfortunately, Rico began suffering from canine degenerative myelopathy, and Spangenberg was forced to make the tragic decision to say goodbye to his friend and partner, having him put to sleep.
On Rico’s last day, Spangenberg and Salter were joined by the 436th Security Forces Squadron, military working dogs and their handlers, and others to pay their respects and give Rico his “last call” at Dover Air Force Base.
Spangenberg carried Rico in his arms through a gauntlet of service members giving their final salute as they entered the veterinarian clinic.
His handlers said It was the only fitting way to bid farewell to Rico, the brave military working dog and fellow Airman.