US Air Force Staff Sgt, Purple Heart Recipient
United States Air Force Tech Sgt Leonard Anderson enlisted into the US Air Force in July 2002 as a Security Forces member. In May 2006, he retrained to become a Military Working Dog Handler. Sgt Anderson was stationed at Malmstrom AFB, MT in the 741st Missile Security Forces Squadron working as a convoy response force member and fire team leader. He was then stationed at Eglin AFB in the 96th Security Forces Squadron as a Military Working Dog Handler.
He deployed to Baghram AB, Afghanistan, conducting joint service operations with the US Army. After that time, he was stationed at Osan AB, Korea in the 54th Security Forces Squadron as a Military Working Dog Trainer where he was responsible for 28 working dog teams. Finally, he was stationed at Eielson AFB, AK in the 354 Security Forces Squadron as a Military Working Dog Handler. At which time he was deployed to Forward Operating Base Masum Ghar, Afghanistan, conducting outside the wire joint service missions with the US Army.
On July 28th 2012, Sgt Anderson was conducting a dismounted reconnaissance mission in a local village outside of Combat Outpost Sperwan Ghar, Afghanistan. While he and his Military working dog, Azza, were providing route clearance for the platoon, he encountered an IED. Sgt. Anderson suffered multiple wounds to his legs, hands, and arm. He was medically evacuated and went through a long recovery process. His service dog Azza stood by his side during the incident and traveled to Kandahar Air Base with the injured soldier. Sgt. Anderson was awarded the Purple Heart for the injuries sustained as a result of his actions in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Azza, who also retired from his military service recently passed after years of being by his side.
We honored Len back in 2012 while he was still in a hospital in San Antonio, Tx. The ceremony included members of the 4 The Fallen and Armed Forces Softball teams in Oklahoma City, Ok. In 2013 when Len was starting his recovery he traveled with 4 The Fallen to USSSA Conference tournaments around the country and worked on getting back to a competitive level on the field. His goal was to play on the WWAST and not only has he accomplished that, but has since competed in the Warrior Games, Invictus Games, and now plays on the 4 The Fallen Military Softball Team.
