05/15/2026
MEET OUR HONOREES:
SSGT Rocky, MWD, USMC
IED Detection/Patrol Security
Afghanistan 2012 - 2015
Being a Marine Military Working Dog (MWD) means serving a single, three year tour, and is customary in the USMC for a MWD to have multiple handlers. We are not positive how many Rocky had during his 3 year tour, but Rocky and his first handler, Cpl. Cooper, were attached to same squadron as Ssgt Jason Young, Marine Squadron VMA 223 (Bulldogs), where Jason served as maintenance/control for Harriers. Although this was the start of Rocky's 3 year tour, it happened to be Ssgt Young’s last tour.
Rocky was an IED and Patrol MWD, and had a very active combat tour. Rocky managed to serve his three year tour without acquiring any injuries. He did however break three of his four canine teeth off, in his last close combat battle with an insurgent. That battle did not end well for the insurgent, and Rocky walked away with victory!
Back on the FOB, a bond between Rocky and Jason was formed. They got along well and spent a lot of time together when they were on the base at the same time. One night, Rocky and another IED MWD found a lot of IEDs buried around the base, specifically around the sleeping bunkers, saving Jason and his entire Squadron. Jason says, “my time with Rocky, while serving in combat operations in Afghanistan, helped save me in many ways.”
After Rocky was retired in 2015, Mina Harriman, a dear friend of Jason’s wife Katarina, reached out. Mina had a humanitarian organization that helped those suffering the effects of the war for woman and children. Her organization, Linking the World, was hosting a fundraiser dinner where they were auctioning off a chance to jump-the-waiting-list for a chance to adopt a retired MWD. Ssgt Rocky was one of the two retirees being offered. AMK9 and First Foundation were the groups responsible for bringing Rocky home and finding his forever home. They said if no one bids on Rocky, they would give him to Jason. The first MWD went for $7,000.00 and Rocky started getting bids left and right. It wasn’t long before Mina seen what was happening and knew she had to step in. She stopped the auction, and told of Rocky and Jason’s time together and experiences they shared. She then opened the bidding for anyone to bid to reunite Ssgt(R) Rocky and Ssgt(R) Young. A Middle Eastern man bid the final $5000 to reunite them and Rocky was home on December 23, 2015. Some would say a Christmas miracle, and blessing.
When asked what Rocky meant to Jason and Katarina, they said “Rocky was our son. Another Marine in the house. A war ridden MWD with his own PTSD and tons of personality.” Both Rocky and Jason went through their own (PTSD) stresses and adjustments, many days one hand on one Marine, the other on the other Marine. Even though he saw his fair share of action and take downs, Rocky was a big lover who would take scratches from almost anyone. He grew to thoroughly enjoy retirement and people.
Rocky passed the day after Thanksgiving, Nov. 29th 2024, at home, with his Dad and Mom. He was laid to rest the same day, near a big oak tree overlooking the Brazos River in Somervell County.
He will forever be missed and loved.
Look for Ssgt(R) Rocky's flag Memorial Day Weekend at the Glen Rose Field of Flags!
To honor your Hero, visit www.glenrosefieldofflags.org while there’s still time!
