KASSEBAUM, CODY

Cody J. Kassebaum was born on November 18, 1988 in Salt Lake City, Utah and was a 2007 graduate of Roy High School, in Roy Utah. In high school Cody was a member of the football team as well as a member of the Civil Air Patrol which would help him prepare for his future service in the Air Force. Growing up he loved to golf, fish and the University of Alabama football.

TSgt Kassebaum enlisted into the U.S. Air Force as a member of the Air Force Security Forces. Later in his career, he was selected to serve as a Security Forces K9 handler for 7 years and eventually was appointed as the Non-Commissioned Officer in Charge of the Military Working Dog Patrol Course at Lackland Air Force Base. In this role, he trained and developed personnel and K-9’s from joint services throughout the Department of Defense as well as other Federal agencies. His tireless work paid off with the rewriting and modernization of training plans for all K9 handlers which led to a historic production and certification of over 550 Military Working Dogs and earned recognition as the Technical Training Support Non-commissioned Officer of the year in 2020. Additionally, Cody’s professional knowledge was highlighted when Headquarters Air Office requested his expertise and vast experience as a subject matter expert to help shape the Air Force’s Kennel Master Training Program affecting 87 locations.

TSgt Kassebaum served two combat deployments, one to Iraq and one to Afghanistan and was stationed at multiple bases including Little Rock AFB, Hill AFB, Lackland AFB and his last base, Barksdale AFB in Louisiana.

On October 26, 2015, TSgt Kassebaum, along with 7 other Air Force MWD handlers from the 75th Security Forces Squadron at Hill AFB were awarded a Letter of Recognition from the US Forrest Service for their aid during a medical emergency while training. The Airmen were conducting joint service training with Forest Service personnel when Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers were notified of a medical emergency in the forest. The emergency involved a victim with a broken hip and ankle stranded several miles up a trail. Offering to assist, the Airmen set out on an arduous two-hour hike carrying packs, a litter and other rescue equipment. They located the victim at an elevation above 7,500 feet, TSgt Kassebaum coordinated the medical helicopter landing zone, and assisted transporting the victim in a litter through the extremely narrow path with steep drop-offs to the awaiting helicopter.

Cody passed away on 21 September 2022 at the age of 33. He was a son, brother, husband, and father to 4 children, Griffon, Evy, Gwen, and Phynlie (pronounce Finley). Please help keep his legacy alive by donating to warriordogfoundation.org to help give our four-legged military heroes the retirement they deserve.

The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers TSgt Cody J. Kassebaum for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. His life continues to inspire all who learn his story.