George FREENEY Jr. is a disabled Air Force K9 Military Handler

George FREENY Jr. enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1990 and served as a K9 military handler for six years during Desert Shield/Desert Storm. Working alongside his partner canine, he was responsible for specialized law enforcement and mission deployment duties. After completing Basic Training, Law Enforcement, Patrol Dog, and Explosive Dog training, he spent just over a year stationed at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base. There, he patrolled the “Bone Yard” with his canine partner and worked closely with the Border Patrol and other civilian agencies to secure the borders.

Following his time at Davis-Monthan, George was selected for a five-year extended tour of duty in Okinawa, Japan. During his tour, he deployed on various missions and provided Bomb Dog support for General Colin Powell and other visiting dignitaries. His dedication to service and excellence was recognized, and he was honored with several military decorations and early promotions for his outstanding service.

Despite sustaining back and neck injuries while on duty, George continued to serve with honor and distinction and was ultimately granted an honorable discharge. His time in the Air Force instilled in him a sense of discipline, teamwork, and dedication to excellence that continues to inform his work and personal life to this day.

During his tenure as an Air Force K9 Law Enforcement Specialist, he underwent extensive on-the-job training and acquired invaluable real-world experience, which ultimately qualified him for an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from the Community College of the Air Force. His performance in this role was exceptional, and he was consistently recognized for his unwavering dedication and expertise in the field. The experience he gained during his service has provided him with invaluable skills in law enforcement and a solid foundation in criminal justice, which he has since built upon throughout his career.