Paws of War: An Emotional Homecoming in North Carolina for Hero Military Working Dog

When Senior Airman Alex Jones was stationed in Korea in 2020, he met a dog named Max who captured his heart and attention.

While he was a working military dog carrying out important tasks, he wasn’t assigned to work with Jones. That didn’t stop the two from spending time together bonding, and over the years, Jones always kept Max in mind, waiting for the day he would be ready for retirement from the military.

That day has arrived, and the two of them will be reunited on May 22, 2026 in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina at a special ceremony.  As Paws of War presents Max with the Hero with a Heart award the long-awaited moment will mark not just the end of Max’s service, but the beginning of a well-earned life together.

“This is a fantastic and positive story that we are so happy to be a part of,” said Robert Misseri, co-founder of Paws of War. “Our military members and working dogs do so much for us all, so it’s wonderful that we can give back and help these two reunite and live out the rest of their lives together. We love that we can help honor the connection between these two important members of our military.”

Jones knew for years that he would love the opportunity to adopt Max when he was retired from the military, so he reached out to Paws of War to help make it happen when the opportunity finally came up. Jones now serves as a reservist, but since retiring from the military, he has checked in on Max every few months. He saw what a great patrol dog he was and how intuitive he is. When he recently heard that Max would be available for adoption, he jumped at the chance.

Military dogs play a crucial role as they work to protect service members and support the missions that are carried out around the world. They are highly trained in various areas, such as in being able to detect explosives and drugs, and providing security in high-risk situations. They are also an important part of keeping bases safe for military members around the world. Military dogs are brave and joins others in the same position as they are seen as heroes, as they remind people that not all heroes walk on two legs.

According to the U.S. Department of War, the first military unit to have a dog in an official role was the Army in 1942. They report that there are around 1,600 military working dogs that help to keep the nation safe, with missions that span the sea, air, and land. Around 50 to 90 puppies are born into the program each year. Most of the dogs successfully complete training through a 120-day program.

“You always remember the good dogs,” said Jones. “Max is one of those good dogs that you never forget. He taught me so much and had such a great presence. I am honored and so happy that he will get to spend his retirement years living with me. I look forward to giving him the relaxing and rewarding retirement that he deserves.”

Paws of War is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charitable organization that assists military members and their pets, rescues and trains dogs to be service dogs, and provides companion animals to veterans and first responders.

Paws of War focuses on helping active duty soldiers and veterans in various ways. They have helped relocate the rescued pets of overseas military members. They have helped veterans with numerous issues, including suicide prevention, service and support dogs, companion cats and dogs, food insecurity, veterinary care, etc. Paws of War has a large, loyal following of supporters and looks forward to working with new corporate sponsors to support these life-saving programs.