The new $1.6 million military working dog facility at Luke AFB, Ariz., is the first Defense Department kennel built with environmentally friendly features and energy efficiency in mind. “It’s a standard to which all other kennels should be built in the entire Defense Department,” said TSgt. John Pillarella, 56th Security Forces Squadron kennel master. “In fact, people from four other bases have contacted me about acquiring the same construction for their kennels.” The facility has features like artificial turf, sun shades, a rain water collector, and solar panels. The artificial turf has a realistic look and feel, is less harsh on the dogs’ paws, and allows for year-round training, said Pillarella and 1st Lt. Christopher Warshaw, 56th Civil Engineer Squadron energy projects manager. “Compared to the other kennels I have seen, Luke’s MWD kennel is the best by far,” said Pillarella. (Luke report by TSgt. Jasmine Reif)
The head of the U.S. Air Force Academy on March 2 defended the school’s disciplinary program for students who violate the honor code, as House lawmakers questioned service academy superintendents on a recent spate of cheating scandals. “We have a very robust honor education system that starts from the day…