The loyalty of Bird Dog

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jimmie D. Pike
  • 47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Some may know him by Dedrick Pesek, 47th Flying Training Wing Safety Office wildlife biologist, but most people at Laughlin have heard of him through legends by the name "Bird-Dog."

"Bird Dog is a legend in and of himself, because he works behind the scenes to protect the flying mission," Lt. Col. Conrad Preedom, 47th FTW chief of safety. "He is particularly skilled in recognizing threats and removing them."

Pesek is the base's number one defense against the mammals around Laughlin harming aircraft.

"What I do is determine what species of animals, birds usually, that are in the area of our aircrafts," said Pesek. "Then I find out what brings them here, such as food and cover, and I take that away."

He attended Sul Ross State University in Alpine, Texas, majoring in Natural Resource Management with a minor in Criminal Justice. From a young age, Pesek knew the field in which he wanted to work.

"I grew up on a farm in Texas," said Pesek. "As a kid, I was always outdoors and enjoyed dealing with the wildlife. That is what most likely influenced me to work with wildlife."

After graduating from SRSU, Pesek went to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., for a year to work with threatened and endangered species. His next stop was here at Laughlin, where he has been for 11 years.

"When I first got here, the flight line was covered in brush leading to a larger bird population," said Pesek. "If the brush and grass get too plentiful or tall, it creates an attractive environment for birds to feed or nest."

Since Pesek's arrival at Laughlin, a large majority of brush has been removed from the airfield, fences have been put up or improved with dirt barriers around the bottom to keep animals out, and the skies have become safer for the pilots.

"I'm just glad to be giving back to my country by keeping these pilots safe," said Pesek. "I love protecting the pilots that protect me. That's partly where I get my name 'Bird Dog' from: it's my loyalty to the military family I work with. Such as a bird dog is loyal to his master and works closely with him, I work for these guys."