FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
As her fellow Soldiers and NCOs looked on, Staff Sgt. Chay, 221st Military Police Detachment, 733d Security Forces Squadron, was awarded an Army Achievement Medal by 733d Security Forces Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Oliver Rose, during a brief ceremony at the detachment's kennels at Fort Eustis Feb. 15.
A Soldier receiving an award is not an uncommon occurrence, however when that Soldier is a military working dog, the occurrence is indeed special.
Before pinning the award on Chay's collar, Colonel Rose addressed the gathering of handlers, military police officers and other visitors.
"Today is a good day and this is one of the opportunities when I really enjoy my job," Colonel Rose said. "We're not here to necessarily honor a handler, although it takes a good handler and a good working dog to make a great team. We're here to acknowledge one of our military working dogs. Like us, they're Soldiers, too and this is a good way to show they should be treated as such."
Detachment commander Capt. Sam Arnett agreed with Colonel Rose's comments and praised Chay for her actions.
"This is a first for us (the 221st) and we're proud of Chay," Captain Arnett said.
Chay was nominated for the award following an incident earlier this year during which, according to the Recommendation for Award, "Chay operated outside of her known capabilities...and went above and beyond to ensure mission success...without regard to her safety while protecting the safety of the officers involved."
Her heroic act occurred while assisting 221st MPs and Department of the Army Police Officers in the pursuit of a fleeing suspect. Chay was able to lead then-handler Sgt. Mathew Stoner to the suspect's hiding place and assisted in his apprehension.
The ceremony marked the first time an MWD from the unit has received an AAM.