From pup to Alpha

Tech. Sgt. David Wyrick, 5th Security Forces Squadron military working dog kennel master, poses for a photo in the kennels on Minot Air Force Base, N.D., Aug. 5, 2014. As kennel master, Wyrick acts as a liaison between the SFS commander and the handlers. He also ensures proper diet, care and training for MWDs under his charge. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Morris)

From pup to Alpha

Staff Sgt. Christopher Averill, 5th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, demonstrates defensive positioning for Staff Sgt. Tim Glover, 5th SFS MWD handler, and MWD Roko during weapon training on Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 29, 2014. Averill stated seeing handlers build trust with their K-9s and accomplish things they at first believed were insurmountable is what gives him pride in his job as a trainer. “Seeing a team perform a search or conquer an obstacle that they couldn’t before is very rewarding,” said Averill. “It lets me know that what I do really does make a difference.” (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Morris)

From pup to Alpha

Staff Sgt. Christopher Averill, 5th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, hands a practice weapon to Senior Airman Heather Johnson, 5th SFS MWD handler, during weapons training with her MWD Cyndy on Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 29, 2014. Averill adheres to a master training plan that outlines the requirements for new handlers. He also works side by side with the handlers to demonstrate proper techniques and methods for working with their MWD. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Morris)

From pup to Alpha

Staff Sgt. Christopher Averill, 5th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, gives instructions to a MWD handler during weapons training on Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 29, 2014. Averill attended a class similar to the kennel master course at Lackland to become the trainer for Minot AFB. As such, he is well versed in procedures and expectations for MWD handlers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Morris)

From pup to Alpha

Staff Sgt. Christopher Averill, 5th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, observes Staff Sgt. Tim Glover, 5th SFS MWD handler, and his MWD Roko during weapons training on Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 29, 2014. During training, Averill watched as Glover used blank rounds to test Roko’s reaction to the sound of gunfire and assessed Roko’s ability to obey commands in a stressful environment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Morris)

From pup to Alpha

Staff Sgt. Tim Glover, 5th Security Forces Squadron MWD handler, gives his MWD Roko the command ‘stay,’ as Staff Sgt. Christopher Averill, 5th SFS MWD trainer, observes weapons training on Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 29, 2014. During training, Averill watched as Glover used blank rounds to test Roko’s reaction to the sound of gunfire and assessed Roko’s ability to obey commands in a stressful environment. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Morris)

From pup to Alpha

Staff Sgt. Christopher Averill, 5th Security Forces Squadron military working dog trainer, instructs Senior Airman Heather Johnson, 5th SFS MWD handler, on where to begin weapons training with her MWD Cyndy on Minot Air Force Base, N.D., July 29, 2014. Averill has worked in the K-9 career field since December of 2011. Upon becoming the trainer at the kennels, Averill took responsibility for the certification and training of all handlers stationed here. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Stephanie Morris)

From pup to Alpha

Published Aug. 20, 2014
By Senior Airman Stephanie Morris
Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs

MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- This is the final installment of a three part series chronicling the journey of MWD handlers from technical training to kennel master.

Security forces members operate all over the world in every environment and situation imaginable. While many work with only their team or partner by their side a select few are accompanied by a K-9 companion. Even fewer train and oversee that group.

Tech. Sgt. David Wyrick, 5th Security Forces Squadron military working dog kennel master, and Staff Sgt. Christopher Averill, 5th SFS MWD trainer, are responsible not only for themselves, but also the training and well being of nine MWD's and their handlers.

As kennel master, Wyrick acts as a liaison between the security forces commander and handlers. He also ensures proper diet, care and training for the K-9s under his care.

Wyrick expressed being able to work with the MWDs is one of the best parts of his job.

"I can't believe the Air Force pays me to work with dogs all day," said Wyrick. "I also get to work with some of the most talented individuals in my career field and together we form a formidable team."

Wyrick spent the last six years of his life as a military working dog handler, and recently progressed to the role of kennel master. He began his journey at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, as a member of the 88th SFS. After completing technical training at Lackland AFB, Texas, Wyrick became a handler and started working with his first MWD.

"I felt I had completed the dreams I had since childhood" said Wyrick. "My grandfather was a cop and becoming a K-9 handler was always my goal."

After four years as a handler, Wyrick arrived here and moved into the role of assistant trainer, then on to trainer. He explained it is also possible for someone to progress directly from handler to kennel master, skipping two of the phases he had in his career.

The final step in his progression was to attend the five week kennel master course at Lackland. While at the course he learned about narcotics accountability, administrative procedures and management of a kennel.

"The course definitely helped me to better understand the administrative part of K-9," said Wyrick.

Wyrick's long-term goal is to become a first sergeant, and then continue to oversee and care for Airmen once he returns to regular security forces duty. In the meantime he works alongside Averill, who oversees the MWD training program for him.

Averill has worked in the K-9 career field since December of 2011. Upon becoming the kennel trainer, Averill took responsibility for the certification and training of all handlers stationed here. He adheres to a master training plan that outlines the requirements for new handlers. Averill also works side by side with each handler to demonstrate proper techniques and methods for working with their MWD.

"New handlers have up to 90 days to learn the requirements to become certified, but on average the process only takes about one month," said Averill.

Averill attended a class similar to the kennel master course at Lackland to become the trainer for Minot AFB. As such, he is well versed in procedures and expectations for MWD handlers.

"I take pride in what I do," said Averill. "Helping handlers get to where they need to be is very rewarding."

He stated seeing handlers build trust with their K-9s and accomplish things that they at first believed were insurmountable is what gives him pride in his job as trainer.

"Seeing a team perform a search or conquer an obstacle that they couldn't before is very rewarding," said Averill. "It lets me know that what I do really does make a difference."

Though Wyrick and Averill are currently at the top of their current career field, their work with MWDs and handlers will eventually come to an end as they transition back to the role of security forces Airmen.

"Two years after receiving the rank of Technical Sergeant a MWD handler has to return to the flight," said Wyrick. "But knowing that isn't going to change how I do things. I'm going to love this job until the very end and make sure that I leave a strong well-trained group behind me."