9/29/2012 – JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO – LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) — A Belgian Malinois became the first military working dog honored by the 341st Training Squadron for her heroic actions while assigned to a U.S. Special Forces unit in Afghanistan.
Layka, an almost 3-year-old female, was recognized Sept. 12 at Joint Base San Antonio – Lackland, Texas, for saving several Coalition Forces team members during a June 4 special operations mission.
Layka had been dispatched to clear a building of explosives and help look for enemy combatants after a brief fire fight.
During her search, the dog was ambushed by one of the assailants. Layka received multiple gunshot wounds to the abdomen and a limb, which later had to be amputated.
Love the Belgians! Our 9 year old retired military dog spent 5 years in Iraq. Mirza is a joy for us and think she enjoys her new life. Congratulations to Layka for a job well done. Hope she has a good retirement.