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eploying military working dogs of the 88th Security Forces Squadron at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, have received new protective equipment thanks to the donations and actions of community supporters. Led by Starline Nunley, a group of about 100 supporters presented the unit with three sets of protective cooling vests, goggles, and booties during a ceremony July 16. The squadron is preparing to deploy to Southwest Asia. “I can assure you this gear is going to make a huge difference for our dogs,” said TSgt. Kelly Mylott, the squadron’s kennel master. “We simply can’t say thank you enough.” Nunley was inspired to act on behalf of the military working dogs after learning from her son, an Army major, of the important contributions that the dogs make and the hardships that they endure. Since May, Nunley’s efforts have resulted in the funding and delivery of 46 sets of canine equipment. (Wright-Patterson report by Derek Kaufman)
A provision in the fiscal 2025 defense policy bill will require the Defense Department to include the military occupational specialty of service members who die by suicide in its annual report on suicide deaths, though it remains to be seen how much data the department will actually disclose.