Fallen canine service member memorialized

  • Published
  • By Amy Rollins
  • Skywrighter staff
The life of military working dog "Lujza" was all too brief, but her memory was given a full and proper tribute, her handler said.

The 88th Security Forces Squadron (88 SFS) at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base gathered to memorialize its fallen servicemember Aug. 14 in the supply bay of the 88 SFS, Bldg. 295.

Lujza, a 2-year-old German shepherd, was a drug/narcotics detection and patrol dog who died of intestinal torsion recently, much to the grief of Staff Sgt. Jacob Utley, her handler.

The memorial ceremony included readings, a flag-folding ceremony, the playing of "Taps" and a missing dog display of an empty crate, leash and photos of Lujza.

"Although I lost my partner, I can rest assured that she was honored with the utmost reverence," Utley said. "She was a loving and eager-to-please partner."

Lujza started her drug and narcotics training in March 2013 at the Department of Defense Military Working Dog School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas.

She arrived at Wright-Patterson AFB in November 2013, Pritchett said.

She performed her mission mostly on base but had one temporary duty assignment at Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind.

Whiler there she was credited with one narcotic "find."

"Lujza was here for a very short time, but she showed a lot of potential," Maj. William Englebert, 88 SFS commander, said. "Like other military working dogs, she was willing to pay the ultimate price and die in service to her country.

"She will be missed, but her legacy lives on."

Englebert also noted the "incredible bond" developed during the seven months Lujza and Utley, her sole handler, worked together.

"They became a team," he said.

Englebert also acknowledged Utley's wife, Amber, during the ceremony and consoled her for the loss of Lujza.

"The families of dog handlers know this is a loss to them; it's a family affair," he said.