The father of a U.S. Marine killed in action in Afghanistan will finally take home his son’s partner – his military working dog.
Staff Sergeant Christopher Diaz, 27, of El Paso, Texas, was killed in action in September 2011 while supporting troops in Helmand Province.
The experienced dog handler was memorialized at a ceremony at Camp Leatherneck attended by hundreds of people and his K-9 Dino.
The LA Times covered the service and noted that it appeared Dino did not want to look at his owner’s photo near the front of the chapel.
Immediately after his son’s death, Salvador Diaz asked to adopt Dino.
Now, almost three years later, he will get his wish.
Last month, The Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus authorized the adoption and in a special ceremony planned Saturday, Dino will be handed over to the family of his fallen dog handler.
Also on Saturday, a statue dedicated to Military Working Dogs will also be unveiled.
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Diaz was buried with full military honors at Fort Bliss National Cemetery.
