Iiken is a 15-year-old black Labrador trained as a Specialized Search Dog in the U.S. military. Born in 2006 to be in the puppy program at Lackland Air Force Base, working is all he has known.

Iiken was originally assigned to a unit in the U.S. Army and was deployed to Afghanistan. Halfway through his tour, the vehicle he was riding in ran over an IED. Iiken was wounded and sent back to Lackland AFB for surgery and rehab. After his recovery, he was deemed fit for duty and put back in service where he was reassigned to the U.S. Marine Corps.

While in the U.S. Marine Corps, Iiken was deployed all over the world to protect our country. He also deployed twice for POTUS missions. He saved countless lives during his honorable service.

Since Iiken’s retirement in 2016, he has continued to serve his community. He was invited to attend the Florence Arizona National Guard, attended the local Stand Down and was honored twice in the Veterans Day Parade. Iiken is quite the celebrity in his hometown of Casa Grande, Arizona, and has become an amazing advocate of medical benefits for retired Military Working Dogs. In recognition of all he has done, Iiken is the well-deserved 2022 Military Hero Dog in the American Humane Hero Dog Awards®! You can vote for Iiken to be named the 2022 American Hero Dog at www.HeroDogAwards.org! Show your support for Iiken on social media using #HeroDogAwards.