JBER Squadron Says Goodbye To Its Longest Serving Member, Fado The Bulldog

"It's really his unit, not ours," 1st Lt. Steven Tesauro said.

 At the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson's 525th Fighter Squadron they are saying their goodbyes to its longest serving member. Fado the English Bulldog.

Fado had been their for 7 years or nearly his entire life. He may be the smallest member of the squadron at 70lbs but he is considered the unit's honorary vice-commander. He is present at nearly all functions formal and informal. He even has security clearance to top secrets areas of the base.Even though he may at times fart, snore or burp during those meetings.

 But for now the vice-commander is now heading off to retirement at a farm in Tennessee.

Fado's replacement will be a female bulldog puppy that he got to meet just before taking his leave. Their official mascot and insignia is of a bulldog and use them as an example for young pilots.

"It's a great example," Tesauro said. "Bulldogs are tenacious, loyal and independent. We tell young pilots to fly like a bulldog on a leash: with controlled aggression."