MWD Sgt. Mina - F735
In the world of Military Working Dogs, few names carry as much weight and reverence as MWD Mina. A sleek Black Labrador Retriever with a nose for danger and a heart of gold, Mina redefined what it meant to serve on the front lines.
Today, we look back at the incredible life of a dog who saw more of the world’s conflict zones than most humans ever will.
Eleven Tours of Duty
While most K9s retire after four or five deployments, Mina was an anomaly of endurance and skill. Carrying the service number N151, he completed a staggering 11 combat tours across Iraq and Afghanistan. Serving as a Specialized Search Dog (SSD), his primary mission was to work off-leash, ranging far ahead of infantry patrols to detect improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Every step he took was a step that saved the lives of the Marines and Soldiers walking behind him.
"The Old Man"
Mina earned the affectionate nickname "The Old Man." The moniker was a tribute to his stoic, veteran presence. In a theater of war where faces were constantly changing, MWD Mina was the constant—a calm, grey-muzzled professional who had been "in country" longer than almost anyone else on base.
A Final Resting Place
After his final tour in 2012, Mina traded the heat of the desert for a well-earned retirement. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 14.
To honor his lifetime of service, MWD Mina was interred with full military honors at the Michigan War Dog Memorial in South Lyon on May 5, 2013. His service there included a color guard, a flag line, and the playing of "Taps," ensuring this hero received the dignified farewell he earned over eleven tours of duty. He remains a legend in the K9 community, leaving behind a legacy of thousands of lives saved.
1999-2013
US Army - MDD
2 Tours in Bosnia / 9 tours in Afghanistan
He was my partner on the battlefield and my best friend
R.I.P.
"Old Man"
CM
Black Labrador Retriever - Mine Detection Specialist
Assigned to the Engineer Canine Company, 5th Engineer Battalion, 4th
Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, 1st Infantry Division, stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Mo.
Adopted by SGT. Corey McCourt and his mother June Etlinger
Interment with full military honors scheduled
Sunday May 5, 2013 at 2:00 PM at the
Michigan War Dog Memorial
Eleven Mile and Milford Road in Lyon Township, Michigan