Honoring Arco

A memorial service was conducted to honor a 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dog named Arco in the Freedom Chapel at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Nov. 12, 2013. Arco served in the Air Force for more than three years as a narcotics and patrol K-9. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)

Honoring Arco

Members of the Ellsworth Honor Guard post the colors in a memorial service conducted in the Freedom Chapel at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., Nov. 12, 2013. The event was held to honor a 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dog named Arco who served in the Air Force for more than three years as a narcotics and patrol K-9. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Zachary Hada/Released)

Spouse Appreciation Day

Staff Sgt. Mark Sidle (right), 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dog handler, calls off his dog, Arco, during an apprehension demonstration on a decoy, Senior Airman Jared Poe, 28th SFS military working dog handler, done as part of Spouse Appreciation Day at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D., May 10, 2013. The demonstration showcased the way that Ellsworth defenders use military working dogs to apprehend suspects and provide security for the base. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alystria Maurer/Released)

Honoring Arco - defender, companion

Published Nov. 22, 2013
By Senior Airman Zachary Hada
28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs

ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE, S.D. -- The day after people around the area and across the nation honored our nation's veterans, Airmen and family members gathered to pay their respects to a fallen comrade - Arco, a 28th Security Forces Squadron military working dog, during a memorial service in the Freedom Chapel, Nov. 12.

After succumbing to kidney failure on Oct. 28, Arco's remains were cremated and given to Staff Sgt. Brian Turney, 28th SFS MWD handler.

During his three-year career, Arco trained and served as both a narcotics detection and patrol dog at Ellsworth and deployed with his handler to Bagram, Afghanistan in 2012.

Capt. Karlton Edison, 28th Bomb Wing chaplain, initiated the ceremony with an opening invocation, during which he spoke about the bond people share with their canine companions.

"When we have relationships with each other, we sometimes put up protective defenses and barriers," Edison said. "On the other hand, with the canines we love, we have no need to be defensive."

After the invocation, Staff Sgt. Brian Turney and Tech. Sgt. Mark Sidle, 28th SFS MWD handlers, were invited on to the stage to share the fondest memories of Arco.

Turney talked about his experiences working alongside Arco, emphasizing that it was both rewarding and challenging.

"He trusted me as much as I trusted him," Turney said. "It was not a smooth beginning when we first began training. We had our hands full. He taught me a lot about patience and hard work and while Arco was stubborn at times, his personality made up for any shortcomings."

Turney said that he will miss deeply miss his partner, adding that he is honored to have had the opportunity to work with such an amazing partner.

Sidle explained that in his short time with Arco, he learned to be a better handler and gave credit to Arco for making his job easier.

"The things I will miss most are his wide smiles and the sheer excitement he showed," Sidle said. "He was very obedient and performed his duties excellently. I will forever be grateful for every moment I had by his side."