Please Welcome K-9 Callie #323

Please welcome K-9 Callie to the Project K-9 Hero Pack, as our 323rd Program Member! K-9 Callie is a 7-year old female Dutch Shepherd trained in Search and Rescue, who distinguished herself in the performance of meritorious service in the United States Air Force as Air Force Special Warfare Search and Rescue K-9, from the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, with the Kentucky Air National Guard, based out of Louisville, KY.

During this time, K-9 Callie served as the only Search and Rescue K-9 in the entire Department of Defense. K-9 Callie deployed on six major events within the United States, proving invaluable in identifying the location of six deceased individuals and searching two thousand acres, two multi-story collapsed structures, and one avalanche debris field. Her tireless efforts provided critical data to rescue forces and closure to the families.

An example of K-9 Callie's resilience was demonstrated after the collapse of the Mayfield, KY candle factory, where despite significant wounds by metal and glass, she continued searching and located the final two people. While serving, K-9 Callie participated in three military exercises and a Joint Combined Exchange Training (JCET), increasing U.S. military efficiency in finding and recovering isolated personnel.

Her unique capabilities included 15 military free fall jumps, riding snowmobiles and jet skis, rappelling off buildings, bridges, cliffs, and naval vessels, 45 fast ropes, and more than 150 hoists from helicopters, while accruing 750 flight hours in military aircraft. K-9 Callie's presence in difficult situations provided comfort and purpose to her team and the community. Her selfless dedication, exceptional skill, and unwavering commitment to her critical role have earned her numerous accolades and reflect great credit upon herself, the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron, and the United States Air Force.