Fort McPherson and Fort Gillem said goodbye to one of its dedicated Soldiers when military working dog Staff Sgt. Basco was laid to rest Feb. 25 at Fort Gillem.

In a solemn ceremony, Basco, a patrol and explosive detection dog, was interred by his handler, Sgt. Daniel Martin, a U.S. Army Garrison Directorate of Emergency Service dog handler, and by Lt. Kevin Campbell, Military Working Dog kennelmaster.

"Basco was a great Military Working Dog," Martin said. "He was also a great partner. People tend to debate whether our pets or military working dogs will be waiting for us in heaven. The important thing is that while Basco was here, he made a difference. Basco was a blessing."

"I believe that every military working dog whose leash I've held over the years has been a blessing from God because I've asked for such," Martin added. Basco, a German shepherd, was 6 years old when he died from mesenteric torsion (twisted intestines).

"Unfortunatley, Basco's time on this earth was not as long as we hoped it would be," said Martin. "His death had come as a surprise to us all. (It was) completely unexpected. Basco is a reminder to us to prepare and be ready. Basco showed us how to live with his energy and selfless service."

Martin finished his partner's eulogy saying, "Basco gave a lot to the communities of Fort McPherson and (Fort) Gillem. He gave countless hours of training and working. He lived to serve and he did this happily."