FORT GEORGE G. MEADE, Md. — The loss of a pet leaves its mark in a home, but the loss of a military working dog often comes with more than grief. It means saying goodbye to a battle buddy who shared foxholes, walked point on potentially dangerous roads and worked as a partner day in, day out.
“It becomes a very intimate relationship because you are taking care of them [the MWD partner] 24/7,” said Capt. Prateek Thapa, commander of the 2nd Military Police Detachment (MWD). “That bond gets deeper than how it would with a normal human you’re serving with.”
On Friday, Sept. 3, Soldiers from the 2nd Military Police Detachment (MWD) and members of the working dog community gathered at the Fort Meade Kennels to mourn the loss of one of their own: MWD Akan D373, who passed away due to medical complications.
“Akan was a dedicated protector, a fearless partner and an invaluable member of our team,” said Kennel Master Sgt. 1st Class Amanda Whorf. “His tireless contributions not only safeguarded our nation’s leaders but deeply enriched the lives of his handlers and everyone who had the privilege of serving alongside him.”
During Akan’s six-year career, he accumulated over 8,000 utilization hours and supported 87 U.S. Secret Service missions — including critical security for the president, vice president, first lady and visiting foreign dignitaries. His work extended globally, including a deployment to Egypt in support of Operation Task Force Sinai. Closer to home, Akan provided security details for major events, including the NATO Summit, the Democratic National Convention, the Army’s 250th anniversary, state funerals and the United Nations General Assembly.
Regardless of the mission, Akan always performed as a true professional on the job.
“Behind every hour of service was a dog who worked with joyful devotion, absolute focus and a quiet, steady bravery,” said Sgt. Nicholas Hall, a fellow handler.
The final handler for Akan was Spc. Karina Vargas-Cortez, who had served alongside him since April 2025.
“[She] worked tirelessly alongside Akan through long hours and demanding missions, both at home and abroad,” Hall said. “Their partnership beautifully exemplified the sacred bond between handler and military working dog. This connection is built not just on commands, but on a deep, unspoken trust and a shared commitment to bring each other home safe.”
Vargas-Cortez shared her memories of her time as Akan’s handler.
“You taught me that a military working dog can be incredibly disciplined — right up until someone dropped a piece of food,” Vargas-Cortez said. “He could sit perfectly still through an entire brief, but somehow, hearing a snack wrapper being opened from three rooms away was all it took for his discipline to waver.”
She also reflected on the selfless service that comes with being a military working dog.
“You gave everything you had every single day. You served without asking for recognition, medals or applause,” Vargas-Cortez said. “All you wanted was to do your job, stay close to your handler and maybe get a snack afterwards.”
After formal remarks were complete, a squad from the Fort Meade Military Funeral Honors team sounded Taps, folded an American flag and presented it to Vargas-Cortez.
Following the loss of Akan, the entire unit came together to support his handler.
“Everybody showed up to the vet to make sure everyone was in a good state of mind. We made sure that the handler had time to process her grief,” Thapa said.
That support extended to garrison leadership, said Brian Foley, Fort Meade deputy garrison commander.
“We are fortunate to have not just the 2nd Military Police Detachment, but the whole law enforcement activity from the Military District of Washington stationed here on Fort Meade,” Foley said following the memorial. “The ability to host them here, support their ability to train and having the dogs augment us with security here on the fort is a great honor.”
After the crowd dispersed and the folded colors were carried away, the quiet legacy of service remained — measured not in medals or honors, but in the countless lives of those who returned home safely because MWD Akan and his handler — his partner — walked into danger first.