Meet our MEF | Working dog handler explains his role in III MEF

CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JAPAN

12.05.2019

Photo by Lance Cpl. Kaleb Martin 

III MEF Information Group     

U.S. Marine Corps Cpl. Michael Gerger stands with his canine, Eddie, on Camp Hansen, Okinawa, Japan, Dec. 5, 2019. Gerger, a native of Philadelphia, Pa., is a military working dog handler with 3rd Law Enforcement Battalion, III Marine Expeditionary Force Information Group.

“Our job allows us to get in an area first and ensure that explosive devices are cleared from the path that Marines are going to take,” Gerger said. “[It] allows me to save the lives of my fellow Marines and I take great pride in that.”

Gerger spent a year as a policeman in Philadelphia before joining the Marine Corps. He said he joined the Marines in order to better himself in an organization that breeds excellence. Gerger said he enjoys the vast opportunities Okinawa provides, and the ability to teach new dog handlers to be proficient in the job field. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Kaleb Martin)

• Date Taken: 12.05.2019
• Date Posted: 12.07.2019 05:02
• Photo ID: 5955530
• VIRIN: 191205-M-MY519-1020
• Resolution: 2958x4437
• Size: 6.93 MB
• Location: CAMP HANSEN, OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: PHILADELPHIA, PA, US