WASHINGTON — Spc. Kadissyn Milford, an automated logistical specialist assigned to the Oklahoma National Guard’s 834th Aviation Support Battalion, Bravo Company, concluded her mission supporting the D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force not only with new experiences but also with a new four-legged companion, Feb. 16, 2026. Milford joined the D.C. Safe and Beautiful mission to grow her military career and make a difference. She did not expect her time in Washington to end with adopting a dog. That changed when she and her leadership team visited the Humane Rescue Alliance, a local no-kill shelter that partners with law enforcement and supports victims of domestic violence, to explore volunteer opportunities for their platoon. “The moment I met Otis, I fell in love,” Milford said. “He was extremely friendly, just wanted to be loved on and had so much energy. It made me sad that he was locked up at the shelter.” Otis, a pit bull terrier mix, quickly won Milford’s heart. After visiting him several times, she decided to adopt him. With her command team’s approval and support, Milford began the process of bringing Otis into her daily routine at the mission and eventually home to Oklahoma. Assigned to the Logistics Support Area, Milford brought Otis to work each day, where his unofficial role became keeping morale high among Soldiers. “He did great around multiple people and loud noises,” Milford said. “He loved going to the LSA and seeing everyone. He’d get so excited when we’d pull up. He knew exactly where we were.” Otis became well known across Task Force Thunder, often recognized by Soldiers before Milford herself. He was known for flopping onto his back so anyone nearby would rub his belly. “Anytime someone had free time, they’d offer to walk Otis or play with him,” Milford said. “He really brought people together and got other states to interact more.” His cheerful personality earned him an honorary promotion when a team from the South Carolina National Guard promoted him to sergeant. Soldiers across task forces affectionately referred to him as Sgt. Otis, marking his journey from shelter life to becoming part of the task force team. When the mission concluded, Milford ensured Otis was prepared to travel home. Because of limited aircraft space, Milford and Otis returned on a charter bus with several other service members — a fitting end to a mission defined by both service and companionship. “He went from living in a pound to having a purpose,” Milford said. “Otis really became part of our team. He reminded everyone that even in a mission focused on bettering the community, sometimes we find something that changes our own lives too.”