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Died 2/1/18
Retired military dog buried in Abingdon with full military honors
Falco used to sniff every car that came down the Harris family’s driveway— not because he was curious, but because it was his job. The 14-year-old Belgian Malinois, who served as a patrol and narcotics detector dog in the Army for 10 years, was laid to rest Thursday evening with full military honors. He died Feb. 1 after spending four years in retirement with his adopted family on a Rich Valley, Virginia, farm. Members of the Virginia National Guard and the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard performed the military honors at a memorial service at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon. A three-volley salute was performed and taps was played. “We can learn a lot from our departed comrades, [such as] kindness and loyalty,” said Danny Hollyfield, a member of the honor guard. Falco spent his military career at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and served with 11 military personnel. He served with the 42nd Military Police and 550th Military Working Dog Detachment. “He was a funny dog, even though he was very serious,” said owner Robin Harris. “He didn’t know he was in retirement … he would sniff every inch of our lawn and all the cars.”Falco retired on Nov. 17, 2013 — the same day he was adopted by Robin and her husband, Hamilton. “My husband was in the Army, and we wondered what happened to the dogs after they retired,” Robin Harris said. “We thought they deserved to have a good retirement.” It took Falco about a year to relax from his military duties, she said. “It took a little time, but Falco adjusted to life well on the farm at Rich Valley,” she said. “He seemed to enjoy the low key life there.” Hamilton Harris said Falco did not walk — he marched. “I took him swimming, and he played in the snow,” he said.The family was presented a folded American flag, customary of military funerals. The flag was unfolded and refolded in silence as part of the presentation. Members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1994 attended the service. Commander Dickie Kiser said it was the first time he’s attended a service for a military dog. “I just think this [the service] represents our neighborhood and community and our support for the military,” Kiser said.Falco also worked with the U.S. Customs Service with the president’s drug interdiction program and conducted demonstrations for Army recruiters throughout the Southeast and for the Fort Bragg community.Robin Harris said Falco was one of the oldest retired military dogs that they knew of. Shayleen and Layne Smith, Robin Harris’ children, said Falco was a good companion. “He was a really good dog, and he was very protective of us, too,” Shayleen Smith said. Layne Smith said Falco was a good buddy, a loyal and sweet dog.“Searching a car can be one heck of a first impression,” he said with a laugh.
