Today, classes at Manchester Township High School are receiving an extra special visit from military K-9s and their handlers who hail from neighboring Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB-MDL)!
The military working dogs and their handlers hail from the military's Air Force and Navy branches. They are stationed at JB-MDL and visited Manchester's students to discuss their history, breeds, and job scope while demonstrating the vast capabilities of military working dogs and their handlers.
The students and staff were deeply engaged in learning about and watching the military dogs and their handlers at work. From gym classes, to history classes, to psychology classes, and more each brought their attention and many great questions for the soldiers. They learned that during the height of an election season especially, these dogs are often deployed with their handlers to missions that support safety at major events while also supporting local agencies, such as the New Jersey State Police, in local issues.
When they are not traveling, they are working on the Base. The dogs and their handlers are utilized daily for anti-terrorism measures, random safety scans, vehicle searches, psychological deterrents, and more. These dogs and their handlers are so very important to military and law enforcement operations because there is nothing else in the world that detects explosives or narcotics more efficiently, making them an invaluable resource. At the end of the day though, the dog's job is to protect the handler and those around them and you can see the pride each of them takes in that mission!
The Manchester Township School District cherishes our partnership with Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (JB-MDL). Thank you to LCDR John Holzer and MACS (SW/AW) Patrick McKay, USN(RET) for bringing this experience and lesson in for the MTHS students!
