Master Sergeant Maiko, A Soldier's Story
Master Sergeant Maiko, A Soldier's Story
Maiko was born in June 2011 in the Netherlands. In October 2012, he entered formal training at Shallow Creek Kennel in Sharpsville, Pennsylvania, one of the facilities that prepares military working dogs for service alongside American forces. After completing training, he joined the United States Army in January 2013.
Assigned to the 75th Ranger Regiment, Maiko served as a multipurpose canine. His duties included detecting improvised explosive devices, supporting building-clearing operations, and accompanying Ranger units during high-risk missions. In environments where hesitation costs lives, Maiko worked at the front—moving first, searching ahead, and absorbing risk intended for others.
On November 25, 2018, during a raid in the Nimruz Province of Afghanistan, Maiko diverted enemy fire toward himself, allowing his handler and several other Rangers to escape immediate danger. He was killed in action as a result of those injuries. His actions directly saved lives.
Military working dogs are officially classified as equipment rather than servicemembers, and as such, they are not assigned formal rank. Yet Maiko’s conduct reflected the qualities expected of the most seasoned leaders: courage under fire, loyalty without condition, and a complete disregard for personal safety in protecting others. Therefore, this taxpayer has elevated him to the rank of Master Sergeant.
By any meaningful measure, duty, sacrifice, and impact, Maiko earned the respect accorded to those who serve at the highest level.
He is remembered not as an asset, but as a teammate.
_____________________________________________________________________________
About the Author
a.d. elliott is a wanderer, photographer, and storyteller traveling through life
She shares her journeys at Take the Back Roads, explores new reads at Rite of Fancy, and highlights U.S. military biographies at Everyday Patriot.
You can also browse her online photography gallery at shop.takethebackroads.com.
✨ #TakeTheBackRoads
Enjoyed this post? Support the adventure by visiting my sponsors, shopping the gallery, or buying me a cup of coffee!
