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Marines

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Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point Images

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U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, greets his children upon return from a deployment to Afghanistan. Mikel and his wife, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Alana Huber, former Director of Public Health and Warfighter Organization at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, both experienced extended separations from family to fulfill service obligations, on the way to making their dual-active duty military relationship work. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, greets his children upon return from a deployment to Afghanistan. Mikel and his wife, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Alana Huber, former Director of Public Health and Warfighter Organization at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, both experienced extended separations from family to fulfill service obligations, on the way to making their dual-active duty military relationship work. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, and wife, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Alana Huber, former Director of Public Health and Warfighter Organization at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, met in 2004 while serving at MCAS Cherry Point, and married at the station’s chapel in 2006. The Hubers attributed their success as a dual-active duty couple to love for one another and the passion for success of their family, as well as their mutual love of service to country. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, and wife, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Alana Huber, former Director of Public Health and Warfighter Organization at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, met in 2004 while serving at MCAS Cherry Point, and married at the station’s chapel in 2006. The Hubers attributed their success as a dual-active duty couple to love for one another and the passion for success of their family, as well as their mutual love of service to country. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber, left, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, and wife, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Alana Huber, far right, former Director of Public Health and Warfighter Organization at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, balance challenges and responsibilities of careers and family to make their dual-active military relationship succeed. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber)

U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber, left, commanding officer of Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, North Carolina, and wife, retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. Alana Huber, far right, former Director of Public Health and Warfighter Organization at Naval Health Clinic Cherry Point, balance challenges and responsibilities of careers and family to make their dual-active military relationship succeed. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Col. Mikel Huber)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

Firefighter Dalton Askew, a firefighter at Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services, and the recipient of the 2020 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Provider of the Year award, stands on the back of an ambulance at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 26, 2021. Askew’s dedication to what he does, care for the community, proficiency within the fire department, and ability to take initiative and be leader in a time of need, set him apart from his peers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Pfc. Michael Neuenhoff)

Firefighter Dalton Askew, a firefighter at Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services, and the recipient of the 2020 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Provider of the Year award, stands on the back of an ambulance at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 26, 2021. Askew’s dedication to what he does, care for the community, proficiency within the fire department, and ability to take initiative and be leader in a time of need, set him apart from his peers. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Pfc. Michael Neuenhoff)

Photo by Pfc. Michael Neuenhoff

Firefighter Dalton Askew, a firefighter at Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services (CPF&ES), and the recipient of the 2020 Emergency Medical Services Provider of the Year award, sits in the back of an ambulance at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 26, 2021. Askew is an accomplished firefighter with a great deal of experience under his belt. He’s the top Rapid Sequence Induction/Intubation Medic for CPF&ES and Indian Beach Fire Department and is a lifesaving asset for both communities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Pfc. Michael Neuenhoff)

Firefighter Dalton Askew, a firefighter at Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services (CPF&ES), and the recipient of the 2020 Emergency Medical Services Provider of the Year award, sits in the back of an ambulance at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 26, 2021. Askew is an accomplished firefighter with a great deal of experience under his belt. He’s the top Rapid Sequence Induction/Intubation Medic for CPF&ES and Indian Beach Fire Department and is a lifesaving asset for both communities. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Pfc. Michael Neuenhoff)

Photo by Pfc. Michael Neuenhoff

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble, a military working dog (MWD) handler, was assigned to MWD Bbutler P283 in July 2015, where they served together at Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan, until November 2017. Bbutler was retired from military service in May 2020, and reunited with Cauble Feb. 3, 2021, who had put in adoption papers before returning to the U.S. in 2017.

(Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble, a military working dog (MWD) handler, was assigned to MWD Bbutler P283 in July 2015, where they served together at Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan, until November 2017. Bbutler was retired from military service in May 2020, and reunited with Cauble Feb. 3, 2021, who had put in adoption papers before returning to the U.S. in 2017. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble, a military working dog (MWD) handler, was assigned to MWD Bbutler P283 in July 2015, where they served together at Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan, until November 2017. Bbutler was retired from military service in May 2020, and reunited with Cauble Feb. 3, 2021. Cauble submitted the required administrative documents to adopt Bbutler before returning to the U.S. in 2017.

(Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble, a military working dog (MWD) handler, was assigned to MWD Bbutler P283 in July 2015, where they served together at Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan, until November 2017. Bbutler was retired from military service in May 2020, and reunited with Cauble Feb. 3, 2021. Cauble submitted the required administrative documents to adopt Bbutler before returning to the U.S. in 2017. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble, a military working dog (MWD) handler, and retired MWD Bbutler, enjoy Bbutler’s retirement February 2021. Cauble and Bbutler served together at Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan, from 2015 to 2017. Cauble finalized Bbutler’s adoption following his retirement, and said she plans to ensure his remaining years are filled with treats, naps on the couch, adventures to new places and lots of cuddling. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble, a military working dog (MWD) handler, and retired MWD Bbutler, enjoy Bbutler’s retirement February 2021. Cauble and Bbutler served together at Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan, from 2015 to 2017. Cauble finalized Bbutler’s adoption following his retirement, and said she plans to ensure his remaining years are filled with treats, naps on the couch, adventures to new places and lots of cuddling. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble, a military working dog (MWD) handler, was assigned to MWD Bbutler P283 in July 2015, where they served together at Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan, until November 2017. Bbutler was retired from military service in May 2020, and reunited with Cauble Feb. 3, 2021. Cauble submitted the required administrative documents to adopt Bbutler before returning to the United States in 2017.

(Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble, a military working dog (MWD) handler, was assigned to MWD Bbutler P283 in July 2015, where they served together at Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan, until November 2017. Bbutler was retired from military service in May 2020, and reunited with Cauble Feb. 3, 2021. Cauble submitted the required administrative documents to adopt Bbutler before returning to the United States in 2017. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble, a military working dog (MWD) handler, was assigned to MWD Bbutler P283 in July 2015, where they served together at Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan, until November 2017. Bbutler was retired from military service in May 2020, and reunited with Cauble Feb. 3, 2021. Cauble submitted the required administrative documents to adopt Bbutler before returning to the United States in 2017.

(Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble)

U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble, a military working dog (MWD) handler, was assigned to MWD Bbutler P283 in July 2015, where they served together at Marine Corps Base Smedley D. Butler, Okinawa, Japan, until November 2017. Bbutler was retired from military service in May 2020, and reunited with Cauble Feb. 3, 2021. Cauble submitted the required administrative documents to adopt Bbutler before returning to the United States in 2017. (Courtesy photo provided by U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Jenna Cauble)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

Firefighter Raymond Bane, a driver-operator at Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services (CPF&ES), and the recipient of the 2020 Firefighter of the Year Award, stands in front of a Fire Engine at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 25, 2021. Bane does a lot for both the fire station, and the community he serves. He organized the department’s training facility by repurposing office cubicles for a realistic training environment. He volunteers at local elementary schools to allow for uninterrupted teacher lunch hours and planning periods. He oversaw the wellness and nutrition classes for the department, creating customized programs for department members. He also built a playground at Brinson Elementary School for student use. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Pfc. Michael Neuenhoff)

Firefighter Raymond Bane, a driver-operator at Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services (CPF&ES), and the recipient of the 2020 Firefighter of the Year Award, stands in front of a Fire Engine at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Feb. 25, 2021. Bane does a lot for both the fire station, and the community he serves. He organized the department’s training facility by repurposing office cubicles for a realistic training environment. He volunteers at local elementary schools to allow for uninterrupted teacher lunch hours and planning periods. He oversaw the wellness and nutrition classes for the department, creating customized programs for department members. He also built a playground at Brinson Elementary School for student use. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Pfc. Michael Neuenhoff)

Photo by Pfc. Michael Neuenhoff

Firefighter Raymond Bane, a driver-operator at Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services (CPF&ES), embraces his family after receiving the 2020 Firefighter of the Year Award at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Jan. 28, 2021. Bane was also one of 10 firefighters promoted and re-designated as a driver-operator. The position of driver-operator has been reinstituted after a decade and will help ensure CPF&ES stay ready to expertly respond to any emergency within the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Pfc. Michael Neuenhoff)

Firefighter Raymond Bane, a driver-operator at Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services (CPF&ES), embraces his family after receiving the 2020 Firefighter of the Year Award at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina, Jan. 28, 2021. Bane was also one of 10 firefighters promoted and re-designated as a driver-operator. The position of driver-operator has been reinstituted after a decade and will help ensure CPF&ES stay ready to expertly respond to any emergency within the community. (U.S. Marine Corps photo taken by Pfc. Michael Neuenhoff)

Photo by Pfc. Michael Neuenhoff

Fire Captain Joshua Ridgway, right, pins Firefighter Brandee Ridgway’s new service badge during her promotion from fire prevention inspector to assistant chief of Fire Prevention, Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services, March 1, 2021, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Ridgway is the first female assistant chief within a Cherry Point Fire Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink)

Fire Captain Joshua Ridgway, right, pins Firefighter Brandee Ridgway’s new service badge during her promotion from fire prevention inspector to assistant chief of Fire Prevention, Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services, March 1, 2021, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Ridgway is the first female assistant chief within a Cherry Point Fire Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink)

Photo by Sgt. Caitlin Brink

Firefighter Brandee Ridgway stands with her family following her promotion from fire prevention inspector to assistant chief of Fire Prevention, Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services, March 1, 2021, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Ridgway is the first female Assistant Chief within a Cherry Point Fire Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink)

Firefighter Brandee Ridgway stands with her family following her promotion from fire prevention inspector to assistant chief of Fire Prevention, Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services, March 1, 2021, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Ridgway is the first female Assistant Chief within a Cherry Point Fire Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

Firefighter Brandee Ridgway made history during her promotion from fire prevention inspector to assistant chief of Fire Prevention, Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services, March 1, 2021, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Ridgway is the first female assistant chief within a Cherry Point Fire Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink)

Firefighter Brandee Ridgway made history during her promotion from fire prevention inspector to assistant chief of Fire Prevention, Cherry Point Fire and Emergency Services, March 1, 2021, at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. Ridgway is the first female assistant chief within a Cherry Point Fire Department. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink)

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

The life of a U.S. Marine Corps military working dog handler is just like that of any Marine. It’s full of training, learning how to better serve those around them and working to ensure the mission is accomplished. With a few added exceptions. Their days are spent side by side with their four legged partner, ensuring their needs – mental, physical and emotional – are met before their own. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nickolas Neafus, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, is one such Marine who spends his days in and out of the kennels at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.

“My favorite part of the job is working with the dogs,” said Neafus, 21, from Columbus, Ind. “Playing with them and being with them every day. I wanted this job but I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it, not until I got to Cherry Point. I was ecstatic. It’s the best job in the Marine Corps. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s a nice feeling knowing that I have the tools and capability to find something that could cause a lot of harm to the community. If someone calls and is in need I have my dog to help me go out and find that threat and keep others safe.”

To learn more about being a military working dog handler, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/video/740741/military-working-dog-appreciation-week-day-life

The life of a U.S. Marine Corps military working dog handler is just like that of any Marine. It’s full of training, learning how to better serve those around them and working to ensure the mission is accomplished. With a few added exceptions. Their days are spent side by side with their four legged partner, ensuring their needs – mental, physical and emotional – are met before their own. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nickolas Neafus, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, is one such Marine who spends his days in and out of the kennels at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. “My favorite part of the job is working with the dogs,” said Neafus, 21, from Columbus, Ind. “Playing with them and being with them every day. I wanted this job but I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it, not until I got to Cherry Point. I was ecstatic. It’s the best job in the Marine Corps. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s a nice feeling knowing that I have the tools and capability to find something that could cause a lot of harm to the community. If someone calls and is in need I have my dog to help me go out and find that threat and keep others safe.” To learn more about being a military working dog handler, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/video/740741/military-working-dog-appreciation-week-day-life

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

The life of a U.S. Marine Corps military working dog handler is just like that of any Marine. It’s full of training, learning how to better serve those around them and working to ensure the mission is accomplished. With a few added exceptions. Their days are spent side by side with their four legged partner, ensuring their needs – mental, physical and emotional – are met before their own. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nickolas Neafus, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, is one such Marine who spends his days in and out of the kennels at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.

“My favorite part of the job is working with the dogs,” said Neafus, 21, from Columbus, Ind. “Playing with them and being with them every day. I wanted this job but I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it, not until I got to Cherry Point. I was ecstatic. It’s the best job in the Marine Corps. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s a nice feeling knowing that I have the tools and capability to find something that could cause a lot of harm to the community. If someone calls and is in need I have my dog to help me go out and find that threat and keep others safe.”

To learn more about being a military working dog handler, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/video/740741/military-working-dog-appreciation-week-day-life

The life of a U.S. Marine Corps military working dog handler is just like that of any Marine. It’s full of training, learning how to better serve those around them and working to ensure the mission is accomplished. With a few added exceptions. Their days are spent side by side with their four legged partner, ensuring their needs – mental, physical and emotional – are met before their own. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nickolas Neafus, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, is one such Marine who spends his days in and out of the kennels at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. “My favorite part of the job is working with the dogs,” said Neafus, 21, from Columbus, Ind. “Playing with them and being with them every day. I wanted this job but I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it, not until I got to Cherry Point. I was ecstatic. It’s the best job in the Marine Corps. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s a nice feeling knowing that I have the tools and capability to find something that could cause a lot of harm to the community. If someone calls and is in need I have my dog to help me go out and find that threat and keep others safe.” To learn more about being a military working dog handler, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/video/740741/military-working-dog-appreciation-week-day-life

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

The life of a U.S. Marine Corps military working dog handler is just like that of any Marine. It’s full of training, learning how to better serve those around them and working to ensure the mission is accomplished. With a few added exceptions. Their days are spent side by side with their four legged partner, ensuring their needs – mental, physical and emotional – are met before their own. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nickolas Neafus, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, is one such Marine who spends his days in and out of the kennels at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.

“My favorite part of the job is working with the dogs,” said Neafus, 21, from Columbus, Ind. “Playing with them and being with them every day. I wanted this job but I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it, not until I got to Cherry Point. I was ecstatic. It’s the best job in the Marine Corps. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s a nice feeling knowing that I have the tools and capability to find something that could cause a lot of harm to the community. If someone calls and is in need I have my dog to help me go out and find that threat and keep others safe.”

To learn more about being a military working dog handler, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/video/740741/military-working-dog-appreciation-week-day-life

The life of a U.S. Marine Corps military working dog handler is just like that of any Marine. It’s full of training, learning how to better serve those around them and working to ensure the mission is accomplished. With a few added exceptions. Their days are spent side by side with their four legged partner, ensuring their needs – mental, physical and emotional – are met before their own. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nickolas Neafus, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, is one such Marine who spends his days in and out of the kennels at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. “My favorite part of the job is working with the dogs,” said Neafus, 21, from Columbus, Ind. “Playing with them and being with them every day. I wanted this job but I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it, not until I got to Cherry Point. I was ecstatic. It’s the best job in the Marine Corps. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s a nice feeling knowing that I have the tools and capability to find something that could cause a lot of harm to the community. If someone calls and is in need I have my dog to help me go out and find that threat and keep others safe.” To learn more about being a military working dog handler, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/video/740741/military-working-dog-appreciation-week-day-life

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

The life of a U.S. Marine Corps military working dog handler is just like that of any Marine. It’s full of training, learning how to better serve those around them and working to ensure the mission is accomplished. With a few added exceptions. Their days are spent side by side with their four legged partner, ensuring their needs – mental, physical and emotional – are met before their own. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nickolas Neafus, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, is one such Marine who spends his days in and out of the kennels at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.

“My favorite part of the job is working with the dogs,” said Neafus, 21, from Columbus, Ind. “Playing with them and being with them every day. I wanted this job but I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it, not until I got to Cherry Point. I was ecstatic. It’s the best job in the Marine Corps. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s a nice feeling knowing that I have the tools and capability to find something that could cause a lot of harm to the community. If someone calls and is in need I have my dog to help me go out and find that threat and keep others safe.”

To learn more about being a military working dog handler, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/video/740741/military-working-dog-appreciation-week-day-life

The life of a U.S. Marine Corps military working dog handler is just like that of any Marine. It’s full of training, learning how to better serve those around them and working to ensure the mission is accomplished. With a few added exceptions. Their days are spent side by side with their four legged partner, ensuring their needs – mental, physical and emotional – are met before their own. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nickolas Neafus, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, is one such Marine who spends his days in and out of the kennels at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. “My favorite part of the job is working with the dogs,” said Neafus, 21, from Columbus, Ind. “Playing with them and being with them every day. I wanted this job but I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it, not until I got to Cherry Point. I was ecstatic. It’s the best job in the Marine Corps. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s a nice feeling knowing that I have the tools and capability to find something that could cause a lot of harm to the community. If someone calls and is in need I have my dog to help me go out and find that threat and keep others safe.” To learn more about being a military working dog handler, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/video/740741/military-working-dog-appreciation-week-day-life

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink

The life of a U.S. Marine Corps military working dog handler is just like that of any Marine. It’s full of training, learning how to better serve those around them and working to ensure the mission is accomplished. With a few added exceptions. Their days are spent side by side with their four legged partner, ensuring their needs – mental, physical and emotional – are met before their own. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nickolas Neafus, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, is one such Marine who spends his days in and out of the kennels at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina.

“My favorite part of the job is working with the dogs,” said Neafus, 21, from Columbus, Ind. “Playing with them and being with them every day. I wanted this job but I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it, not until I got to Cherry Point. I was ecstatic. It’s the best job in the Marine Corps. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s a nice feeling knowing that I have the tools and capability to find something that could cause a lot of harm to the community. If someone calls and is in need I have my dog to help me go out and find that threat and keep others safe.”

To learn more about being a military working dog handler, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/video/740741/military-working-dog-appreciation-week-day-life

The life of a U.S. Marine Corps military working dog handler is just like that of any Marine. It’s full of training, learning how to better serve those around them and working to ensure the mission is accomplished. With a few added exceptions. Their days are spent side by side with their four legged partner, ensuring their needs – mental, physical and emotional – are met before their own. U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Nickolas Neafus, with Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, is one such Marine who spends his days in and out of the kennels at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, North Carolina. “My favorite part of the job is working with the dogs,” said Neafus, 21, from Columbus, Ind. “Playing with them and being with them every day. I wanted this job but I wasn’t sure if I was going to get it, not until I got to Cherry Point. I was ecstatic. It’s the best job in the Marine Corps. It’s a lot of responsibility, but it’s a nice feeling knowing that I have the tools and capability to find something that could cause a lot of harm to the community. If someone calls and is in need I have my dog to help me go out and find that threat and keep others safe.” To learn more about being a military working dog handler, visit https://www.dvidshub.net/video/740741/military-working-dog-appreciation-week-day-life

Photo by Staff Sgt. Caitlin Brink