DVIDS – News – Mission accomplished: The legacy of military dog ​​Tek

Among the defenders of Yokota Air Base, Tek will be a name not soon forgotten. Tek was not only a defender of the 374th Security Forces, but also a highly trained military working dog in the U.S. Air Force.
MWDs have a rich history and are an integral part of the work of the U.S. Armed Forces, past and present. Their diverse roles over the last century have ranged from detecting explosives and drugs to apprehending suspected criminals. Equipped with keen senses and unconditional loyalty, K-9s work alongside their human handlers every day to ensure the safety and success of military operations.

Like all Airmen, all K-9s begin their careers at Joint Base San Antonio in Texas. They are assigned to the 341st Training Squadron and begin a 120-day training program to prepare for duty. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, all dogs are trained in the MWD training program, whether they are obtained from other approved breeders or born and bred directly in the national puppy program.
MWD Tek was officially certified for explosive detection by the U.S. Air Force in January 2019. The eager two-year-old Belgian Malinois officially began service with the 374th Security Forces Squadron at Yokota Air Base in August of that year, providing security and law enforcement at the Pacific Air Forces’ largest airfield.

About three years later, in 2022, Senior Airman William Hepp V and Tek met for the first time. Fresh out of dog handler school and new to Yokota, Hepp faced the daunting challenge of working with Tek, who, while now experienced in his job, was notorious for his reputation as a “psycho dog.” Despite facing warnings and concerns from experienced handlers and superiors, Hepp remained optimistic.

“Hearing that he was a ‘psycho dog’ was a little nerve-wracking,” he explained. “But I’ve always loved animals, so I never believed what I heard from others about him to be the whole truth.”

According to the American Kennel Club, the Belgian Malinois is “a world-class working dog that forms an unbreakable bond with his human partner.” It goes on to say that “problems arise when this people-oriented dog is under-employed and neglected,” and that was the case with Tek. Six months without a handler had only increased his anxiety and restlessness, and Hepp’s first hurdle was getting his new partner back in shape and ready to work. Countless hours of consistent training and discipline finally brought out the parts of Tek’s personality and potential that had remained hidden.

“His previous handler did a phenomenal job with him and it was my job to get everything back on track,” Hepp said. “He was actually a very relaxed dog. He acted like he was retired all the time and loved any attention he could get.”

This joint effort and perseverance laid the foundation of trust and respect between the two and paved the way for an extraordinary partnership that would last for the next two years. Hepp and Tek worked dutifully side by side, securing $4.3 billion worth of Department of Defense assets and assisting with 20 visitor screenings, including visits from Air Force One and the Director of National Intelligence. In addition, they conducted 200 random anti-terrorism actions, conducted over a thousand foot patrols and 400 access control presence patrols, and ultimately received a letter of appreciation and three awards from Yokota leadership.

“I always felt like I could take care of myself. He was reliable day after day,” Hepp said. “Their loyalty is forever, so military dogs try to act as if everything is OK, even when it isn’t.”

Neither enemies, dangerous missions nor strenuous work schedules could stop the indomitable team of Tek and his dog handler.

The only thing that slowed the duo down was cancer.

“He had cancer all over his body and his joints were terrible, but he didn’t want to go or give up,” Hepp said. “In the end, we had to make the call – for his sake.”

MWD Tek made his final flight in June 2024. Hepp, other MWD leaders, and members of the 374th SFS gathered and paid their last respects to the hero with gentle caresses and quiet words of comfort. He was surrounded by love and respect in his final moments.

“I think everyone has this image of Tek being a silly dog,” Hepp noted. “I hope the memories of him remain for those who had dealings with him.”

The partnership and trust between Tek and Hepp had been carefully built through rigorous training and countless patrols. Their bond was permanently cemented in the quiet moments they spent after work playing tug of war, relaxing on the sofa together and simply enjoying each other’s company. Over time, Tek became more than just a MWD. ​​He was a loyal partner and a source of comfort, only reinforcing the timeless truth that dogs really are man’s best friend.