
Some who serve our military wear uniforms, then there are those covered in fur with wagging tails. CWD Hank, a chocolate Labador Retriever, served our military in Kuwait as an Explosive Detection dog. On Saturday, he was honored with a military funeral service to honor his life and service, including rifle volley, a flag-folding ceremony, taps and a carrier pigeon release. Hank will be the only K9 buried at Battleship near the Alabama War Dogs Memorial. Hank will represent all military, working dogs past, present and future. The USS Alabama commission approved the interment of Hank near the Alabama War Dogs memorial at the park. When Hank retired he was rescued by Mission K9 Rescue and was then adopted in January by Vietnam veteran and combat dog tracker Lloyd Pursley, a local Mobilian. Hank arrived in Mobile on January 11 and visited the park where he is now laid to rest. After 18 months with his loving owner, Hank contracted lung cancer and died on March 24. His ashes are now buried beside the memorial.