Security forces K-9, handler

Published Jan. 22, 2007
By A1C Jennifer Jackson
Public Affairs

Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- One of Team Vance's own military working dogs, Lissy, recently deployed a few times to "rub elbows" with Washington officials.
Her handler, SSgt Joseph Gully, trailed along to keep her in check.
The two left for their first trip Aug. 26 to perform security at the Republican National Convention at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The two were gone for nine days. While there, they may not have gotten an opportunity to shake hands with the president himself, but did get to enjoy a great view of Times Square from their room at the Crown Plaza Hotel.
While in NYC it was Lissy's job to search for explosives along with 60 to 70 other military working dogs. She searched or sniffed around in buildings, luggage and vehicles. Lissy also cleared buildings that were adjacent to Madison Square Garden as well as the motorcade route. The two also got the chance to work next to many other outstanding law officials. The New York City Police Department, retired police and United States Secret Service all worked together to ensure the safety of many Washington officials at the Republican convention, including approximately 50,000 people that attended and more than 15,000 members of the media.
After returning from the Republican National Convention the two were called on again to go back to New York for the UN Convention. They were gone for approximately two weeks, performing basically the same details as they did at the Republican Convention.
"One of things Lissy and I did that was pretty fun, was getting to clear The Ed Sullivan Theatre before the David Letterman Show when Senator Kerry was there," Sergeant Gully said. Lissy also checked the hotel suites and the UN Center for explosives. She cleared walking areas, dining areas and holding rooms for some of the Washington officials that attended the convention.
"These missions are a great opportunity for our people to work and train with other government organizations like the FBI and Secret Service," said Capt Robert Rossi, 71st Security Forces Squadron commander. "These trips show that not only do Team Vance security forces troops support our mission here, we also support the mission of homeland security."
"It is a great learning experience to go on these trips with Lissy," Sergeant Gully said.
He also pointed out if anyone gets the chance to go to New York and ensure such security they should take advantage of it, but they should save up beforehand because it's really expensive to enjoy the Big Apple. Lissy couldn't agree more.