Warrior of the Week has 'the coolest job in the military'

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frank Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Staff Sgt. Heath Conley, a military working dog handler with the 71st Security Forces Squadron, is the Warrior of the Week for the 71st Flying Training Wing.

"I've got the coolest job in the military," said Conley. "I get to play with dogs all day."

Conley, like most dog handlers, will normally take part in two or three dog demonstrations in a month, said Tech. Sgt. Gary Eyster, the kennel master for the 71st SFS. But Conley, from State College, Penn., participated in 16 dog demonstrations in one week.

"He really stepped up last week helping out with all the demos," said Eyster. "We usually don't get that many in a month let alone in one week.

"If there are that many people who want to see the dogs work, we'll make it happen," said Eyster. "I don't like to tell the handlers they have to do something," said Eyster. "The good thing about guys like Conley is that he'll always step up to the plate when a challenge is laid down."

One such challenge took place May 29. Col. Russ Mack, the 71st FTW commander, stopped by the kennels for a demonstration and decided to be the target in the bite suit. And as usual, Conley, and his 92-pound Belgian Malinois partner, Kay, stepped up to the plate. (See photo #2)

When Conley enlisted in the Air Force in 2001 he saw a military working dog demonstration and knew that's what he wanted to do. But he did not get the chance until he reenlisted in 2005.

"When I reenlisted they came to me and offered me the job," said Conley. "I just said, 'outstanding.'"

Conley grew up in the military and took his father's advice to enlist.

"My father told me I should enlist and learn some discipline, serve my country for four years and decide what to do after that," said Conley.

Eleven years later he is still serving.

"I want to be a chief one day so I can help other people," said Conley. "I want to treat Airmen the way I've always been treated.

"I've always had great mentors and supervisors and I want to pass that experience on," the Warrior of the Week said.