We are saddened to report that Azza
lost her battle with cancer on March, 10, 2017.
Leonard Anderson wishes to thank everyone for their support.
Please Meet “Azza” and her handler, TSgt. Leonard (Len) Anderson
Azza served in the Air Force from 13 Sept 2007 until she retired with her current handler, TSgt Leonard (Len) Anderson, in 2013. Azza was a breeder dog in Germany. After having 2 litters she was bought by the Air Force. She was deployed twice, once with each of her handlers. While deployed to Afghanistan in July 2012, Len and Azza were followed by Animal Planet for a documentary about working dogs and their handlers, “Glory Hounds.” Three to 4 weeks into the filming they were on a combat recon patrol with 3rd Infantry Division and they were struck by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). Len was critically injured and his LT suffered a broken arm. Azza’s leash was blown apart and she had to be grabbed by one of the camera crew. Len was medevac’ed out of Afghanistan. It wasn’t until September when Azza was flown to San Antonio, TX that they were reunited for a short time. After Len was healed enough to travel he flew to Alaska, the base he was stationed out of, to visit Azza more. Mid January 2013 they were permanently reunited when she retied and Len adopted her.
Azza now travels around the nation with Len as Len’s service dog. Azza helps Len, and Len also helps Azza. They each become stressed when the other isn’t around, which is very understandable given the situation that brought them both to retirement. Azza is Len’s furry fur-ever partner and they can tackle anything together.
Len was a participant of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games in 2016 and won Gold and Bronze in the swim portion. Azza was even given water by Prince Harry out of his hands!
