Tale or is it Tail PING
Posted on 08/06/2005 3:34:44 PM PDT by SandRat
CAMP HURRICANE POINT, AR RAMADI, Iraq (August 6, 2005) -- Shawn M. Gallagher routinely puts his life on the line to support the ongoing war on terrorism, but he doesn’t let the risks get him down.
“It’s an adventure out here for me,” said Lance Cpl. Gallagher, “and I enjoy it.”
Each day the 21-year-old from Fairfax, Va., takes to the streets of the Al Anbar capital with Marines of 1st Battalion, 5th Marine Regiment and conducts security and stabilization operations in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Gallagher has maintained a high level of motivation throughout his deployment, which is now pushing four months and more than halfway finished. He said he’s been able to maintain his zeal because of his partner, Youry, a four-year-old Belgiun Malinois.
“It’s easier being out here with my dog,” said Gallagher, who’s a military dog handler from Marine Corps Air Station, Iwakuni, Japan and a 2002 Westfield High School graduate.
Gallagher and Youry deployed here in May and were attached to 1st Battalion, 5th Marines to support OIF.
“I don’t get very homesick because of him,” said Gallagher on the companionship provided by his short, brown-haired colleague and four-legged friend. “I’ll play with him and exercise him. When I am having a bad day, he cheers me up. My job is great because I get to play with a dog and have companionship.”
Gallagher and Youry seldom have much playtime, however, because they’re always on the go. The two are often the frontline defense against insurgents transporting weapons and explosives into the city. They work for hours at the infantry battalion’s vehicle check points, where they search vehicles entering the city.
Youry “sniffs out” explosives, explosive making material, grenades, rockets, and even rifles and ammunition, explained Gallagher. Youry picks up on the scent of residual gun powder, which is what he’s been trained to detect.
Gallagher and Youry also accompany infantrymen on patrols and other missions. The team recently hit the streets with Marines from Company A for what proved to be a large undertaking.
The Marines cordoned off a portion of the city’s market place in an attempt to capture insurgents. Gallagher and Youry searched more than 100 vehicles during the two-hour operation.
Gallagher’s job, though fun and exciting, “can be hard sometimes,” he said. “(Youry) is like a little child. He can’t tell me when he’s tired or hurting so I have to constantly remain alert to his needs.”
Gallagher’s mindfulness prompted him to improve Youry’s abilities to work under the scorching Iraqi sun.
“I could tell he was struggling to work when we first got here,” he explained “He wasn’t use to the heat.”
Gallagher placed his dog on a light physical training program to help him get acclimated.
“I started taking him out on half-mile-runs once a week to get him in shape,” he said. “He needed to get in better shape for the many missions we do. It didn’t take long for him to get in good shape. Before, he’d be breathing so hard that he wasn’t sniffing well, which is counterproductive because his whole purpose is to smell and find explosives.”
Gallagher continues to take his dog on afternoon runs within the confines of the camp here. The site is a morale booster for many of the Marines.
“It’s cool seeing them jogging together,” said Lance Cpl. Michael S. Fisher, a squad automatic gunner with 1st Squad, 2nd Platoon, Company A. “In a way, seeing a dog out here and patting him is a little reminder of home.”
Gallagher and Youry will return to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan in November when they finish their seven-month OIF deployment, which is Youry’s second and Gallagher’s first.
“I’m a boot compared to him,” Gallagher said, laughing. “He’s been here more than I have.”
Tale or is it Tail PING
Ping!
As Charles Shultz said, "Happiness is a warm puppy."
God Bless them both
Great pictures. Thanks for the story.
(Not that I blame him a bit, but the dog sure does look funny with no fur.)
Malinois are among the best of working dogs. I knew one who was owned by a woman in a wheelchair. He would not let anyone near her without permission. Serious dogs who love a mission.
Thanks for serving our country and get home safe.
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