However, behind every working dog, there is an even more disciplined dog handler who always places his dog and mission before himself.
Meet Pfc. Benjamin E. Murphy, a dog handler assigned to the Tactical Explosives Detection Team, 2/10 Security Forces Assistance Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, Fort Drum, N.Y.
Murphy was a 26-year-old native of Austin, Texas, when he joined the Army in 2011. His first mission was to graduate from One Station Unit Training for Calvary Scouts at Fort Knox, Ky.
"I knew what was going on in the world," said Murphy. "I felt I was getting older and I wanted to help out before it was too late."
After graduating OSUT, Murphy made the move to the North Country where he was assigned to 1st Platoon, Troop B, 1st Squadron, 89th Cavalry Regiment, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mtn. Div., Fort Drum, N.Y.
Training hard to meet his unit's mission requirements, Murphy was thrown a curve ball prior to deployment. He had been selected to attend a two-part dog handler's course held in Peru, Ind., and Yuma, Ariz.
"I really appreciate the opportunity and would have volunteered if I had the chance," said Murphy."I don't want it to sound like I was 'volun-told,' the opportunity was just presented in a very direct way."
Murphy understood his new mission would provide unique challenges, challenges that could only be accomplished through stringent self-sacrifice.
"The training was stressful," said Murphy. "Probably the most stressful thing I have done, and that is saying something."
Murphy being no stranger to sacrifice shared his thoughts on two church mission trips he ventured on prior to joining the military.
"I travelled to Tibet and Honduras, where I helped to improve the living conditions of those in need," said Murphy. "It was an eye-opening experience."
"I remember seeing one village's water supply, it was a hose laid at the foot of a spring," said Murphy. "The water was gravity fed to the village through that hose, there was no filtering or treating of the water."
Many of us may take the luxuries and amenities we have for granted, but not Murphy.
"From an early age I was cognizant of how lucky I was," said Murphy. "I have always felt the need to help others, and the Army has given me the tools to make a bigger impact."
- See more at: http://www.rc-east.com/news/why-we-serve/item/1241-pfc-benjamin-e-murphy#sthash.wemmgS0T.dpuf
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