David Sonka, Marine K9 Handler, Passed Away on May 4, 2013

Sonka joined the Marines in August 2008. Since then he has completed boot camp, MP school and K9 School.

After graduating boot camp, he was assigned to III MEF K9 Section in 29 Palms, CA and later deployed to Afghanistan in May 2011.

Cpl. Sonka was killed during a combat operation in Farah province, Afghanistan as they assisted a unit training an Afghan National Army soldier.

Early Life and Education

Corporal David Sonka hails from Aurora, Colorado. After graduating Chaparral High School in 2008 and joining the Marines shortly thereafter, he deployed to two continents while also serving in their special operations force unit. Flex was an accomplished multipurpose K9 handler whose career was cut short on May 4, 2013 while serving in Afghanistan’s Farah province. Unfortunately, they both died together. According to The Pentagon he belonged to 2nd Marine Special Operations Battalion from Camp Lejeune North Carolina and will be sorely missed by his colleagues and friends alike. Visitation services will take place Wednesday May 15, from 3:00PM- 7:00PM at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel Centennial for visitations services.

Professional Career

David Sonka joined the United States Marine Corps on August 11, 2008 and completed two combat tours before being assigned to MARSOC at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

Sonka was an expert Multi Purpose Canine Handler who was killed during training Afghan police when an insurgent shot him on May 4, 2013.

Sonka also served in the Marines, but was also employed at Feed the Dawgs charity and hosted dinners for kennels nationwide as part of Feed the Dawgs. Though catering is his “side gig,” Sonka considered this work particularly meaningful as it allowed him to support those working with K9s as service personnel.

Achievement and Honors

Sonka was an outstanding military working dog handler who earned both the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal as well as Good Conduct Medal and Combat Action Ribbon from both branches of service. From July 2009 until March 2012 he served with III Marine Expeditionary Force K9 Section at Twentynine Palms, California before later moving on to Camp Lejeune North Carolina where he completed special operations training as well as canine course instruction.

He was deployed with the 2d Marine Special Operations Battalion and deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. On May 4, along with Flex, he was killed while conducting combat operations in Farah province and recently honored by having a multi-purpose canine kennel named in his memory by USMC. A true gentleman, he enjoyed hunting, running, grilling and watching Broncos football with wife Torey and three companion animals.

Personal Life

David Sonka was an honorable Marine who showed great dedication to both his K9s and family. A great father to three dogs, he enjoyed running, grilling, hunting and spending time with wife Torey and friends.

He joined the Marine Corps in August 2008 and completed recruit training by November. Additionally, he completed military police school and initiated courses towards becoming a Military Working Dog handler.

He participated in two combat tours supporting Operation Enduring Freedom, earning many medals including a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, and Purple Heart.

Net Worth

David Sonka was once a professional basketball player whose estimated net worth stands at $10 Million. He played for both San Antonio Spurs and Dallas Mavericks and since joining the NBA his salary has skyrocketed causing his net worth to increase exponentially. Additionally he served two tours of duty in Afghanistan as part of the United States Marine Corps and has earned multiple decorations including Purple Hearts and Combat Action Ribbons for his service.

Sonka died during an Afghanistan mission on May 4th 2013 while working with his military working dog Flex who tried to save him. This tragic event left his family profoundly saddened and they have raised money to donate to a K9 charity that assists veterans.