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Died 6/19/23
Handler – Staff Sgt. Brad Mrsny
Former military dog laid to rest
It was an emotional day for a Nebraska soldier who said goodbye to his K-9 partner.Staff Sgt. Brad Mrsny served three tours in Afghanistan, alongside Paco. On Monday, family, friends, and fellow soldiers saluted the former military dog, who was laid to rest due to his age. Not only did Paco serve multiple tours, but he also received multiple awards.Just months ago, the retired bomb dog in the Army received a Medal of Bravery and the Distinguished Service Medal. He ended his career with 33 positive IED finds under his nose.That’s on top of the Purple Heart, which he received in 2013.On Monday, people gathered as final goodbyes were said to Paco.While Mrsny prepared 14-year-old Paco to be walked into Harvey Oaks Animal Hospital, Cindy Stovie, Mrsny’s mother-in-law, talked about the moment.”We are so gracious for the outpouring of support that we’ve received and that my daughter and son-in-law have received on a difficult day for our family,” Stovie said.Paco began to walk through the lines of people before being picked up by Mrsny.”My heart breaks for my son-in-law Brad. People love their animals but there’s an indescribable bond I think between a military dog and his handler,” Stovie said.Paco and Mrsny saw the world together: Afghanistan, Germany, and time in Texas.There was a brief period where the two were separated before being reunited six years ago.When Paco returned to Mrsny to live with his family full-time, his service days were officially over.”That dog was the most wonderful family-oriented animal ever and he was a protector to my granddaughters and was happy to be in his forever home, so loved by his family,” Stovie said. On top of family members, friends, and fellow soldiers, there were local veterans and multiple police agencies at Harvey Oaks, all to support the Mrsny and pay their respects to Paco. “He’s stronger than I expected him to be which is good, he may have his downtime later but I know the support of everyone out here is very much appreciated,” Stovie said. There’s hope Paco can be buried in a veteran national cemetery, but whether that happens or not, there will be an official burial for Paco down the road.
