JBLM's Ranger dog who died in Afghanistan saved soldiers’ lives

By Stars & Stripes on December 5, 2018

KABUL, Afghanistan — A U.S. military working dog was killed during a recent clash in Afghanistan in which an American soldier also died, military officials confirmed Tuesday after the dog’s unofficial biography began circulating on social media.

The dog, named Maiko, and Sgt. Leandro A.S. Jasso — who was assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment’s 2nd Battalion and whose death was previously reported — were fatally wounded during a raid against al-Qaida militants in southern Nimruz province on Nov. 24, military officials said.

The 7-year-old dog was leading Rangers into a compound when at least one militant fired at him, revealing the militant’s position, which the Rangers then targeted, according to a biography of the dog.

“The actions of Maiko directly saved the life of his handler ... and other Rangers involved during the clearance,” the biography said.

A spokesman for the 75th Ranger Regiment at Fort Benning, Ga., said they were still trying to determine who released the unauthorized biography for the multi-purpose canine, but said it was accurate.