K-9 Search and Rescue Training Program supports Soldier in transition

K-9 Search and Rescue Training Program supports Soldier in transition

By MaryTherese Griffin, Warrior Care and Transition

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Warrior Transition Unit at Fort Riley, Kansas has many helpful adaptive reconditioning programs and events to offer their Soldiers in transition, but there's one in particular that stands out: the K-9 Search and Rescue Training Program.

The program has given U.S. Army Sgt. Jonathan Custodio a fresh start to his transition. "I was honestly in denial. I thought I could heal and come back," the 91B Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic said regarding the severe nerve damage in his left leg he sustained from a gunshot wound at his home in Fort Riley, Kansas in January of 2017. "After a lot of time I finally came to terms with the fact my leg will never be what it was."

Even though he is preparing for his medical evaluation board, he is determined to keep a positive outlook and focus on what he can do with dogged determination. One thing he's found he can do is participate in the K-9 Search and Rescue Training Program offered at the Fort Riley WTU.

The K-9 Search and Rescue Training Program teaches Soldiers the basic steps of directing commands toward canines through the State Urban Search and Rescue guidelines such as, ground search, tracking signals, and search dog handling; which in turn helps Soldiers with their cognitive skills as they make quick decisions in direction and leadership. The program also helps Soldiers socially by having them interact with other individuals and canines plus it provides an emotional connection with the dogs and a new appreciation for the abilities of man's best friend.

Kersey Henderson, Custodio's recreational therapist, says he is a star student and sees his participation in the program as more than therapy. "Custodio has been exceptional in the program. Not just in general interest, but he has helped [the program's director] a lot."

Custodio feels the program has helped him get closer to his goal of being a certified K-9 Task Force Handler and working with [the Federal Emergency Management Agency]. "This program is an activity that has visual results. Watching the dogs actually perform the training that we participate in is very satisfying."

Custodio plans to continue participating in the program and learning as much as he can training dogs. In addition to being a certified K-9 handler for FEMA, Custodio hopes to one day become a K-9 handler for the U.S. Marshal Service.