A Light That Never Goes Out: Honoring CPL David Sonka and MWD Flex
A Light That Never Goes Out: Honoring CPL David Sonka and MWD Flex
This Memorial Day, we’re honored to share the story of a hero whose light continues to shine—not only through his service and sacrifice but through the lives he touched and the legacy he left behind.
This tribute comes to us from Glenn, the proud stepfather of Corporal David M. Sonka, a Marine K9 handler whose courage, devotion, and love for his dogs define what it means to serve with heart. Recently, Glenn placed one of our Veterans Light Candle Company “MWD Heritage” candles at David’s gravesite at Fort Logan National Cemetery, a gesture that moved us deeply and reinforced our mission: to keep the light of our fallen heroes burning bright through remembrance.
“The Fallen have light in our lives even though they are gone. By remembering them, their light does not go out. Candles provide light—so there it is.”
— Glenn, David’s stepfather
A Marine, A Handler, A Patriot
David Michael Sonka was born on November 28, 1989, and grew up in Aurora and Parker, Colorado. From a young age, David spoke passionately about serving his country—especially following the attacks on 9/11. He explored several branches before ultimately choosing the United States Marine Corps, signing up just one week after his 18th birthday.
David completed boot camp at MCRD San Diego in 2008, followed by Military Police School at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. By mid-2009, he was in San Antonio, Texas, training to become a K9 handler. Upon graduating, he was paired with his first Military Working Dog—Falco, a loyal partner with whom he deployed to Afghanistan in May 2011. Together, they supported Special Operations Teams in Helmand Province and returned safely that December.
David’s talent and dedication as a handler were undeniable. In June 2012, he was hand-selected for the elite Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC). In October, he re-enlisted to accept the position and was paired with a new partner: MWD Flex, a Belgian Malinois trained as a Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC). David and Flex completed MPC school together in December 2012.
The Final Mission
On March 31, 2013, David and Flex deployed with Marine Special Operations Team 8223 to Farah Province, Afghanistan. Just over a month later, on May 4, 2013, tragedy struck. While providing overwatch for a meeting between U.S. Special Operations Forces and Afghan military personnel, an Afghan Army soldier opened fire. David, Flex, and fellow Marine Eric Damon Christian were all killed in the attack.
Flex, like David, gave his life in faithful service. As Vietnam K9 handler Robert Throneburg once said:
“Brave beyond words. Ferocious without self-regard. Bonds never broken. Loyal till death. Defender of the night. He was a war dog.”
Never Above You. Never Below You. Always Beside You.
A Life Filled With Passion and Purpose
David wasn’t just a Marine—he was a joyful, driven, and caring soul. He loved hunting, camping, running, grilling, watching the Denver Broncos, and spending time with his wife Torey and their three personal dogs. His friends remember his sense of humor, quirky sayings (“Anyone want to grab a wrap?”), and his infectious love for dogs and teamwork.
He often volunteered at shelters, training and walking adoptable dogs. He even taught his own pets to do agility courses and detect gunpowder. His devotion to his K9 partners was so strong that he was known to sleep in the kennels just to be close to them.
Legacy of Light
David rose to the rank of Corporal and held several MOS titles:
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5811 Military Police
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5812 Military Working Dog Handler
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8071 SOCS-D Multi-Purpose Canine Handler
His military awards include:
Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Afghanistan Campaign with Bronze Star, and many more.
His legacy continues to be honored across the country:
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In 2015, the MARSOC K9 Training Facility at Camp Lejeune was named after him.
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In 2017, the Town of Parker, Colorado dedicated its dog park in his name.
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In 2025, David was selected for inclusion in the Second Honor Bell, which tolls for fallen Colorado veterans.
Lighting the Way Forward
We were deeply moved by Glenn’s idea to create custom candles that honor the fallen—a tribute where the light of remembrance lives on with each flame. These special candles, featuring personalized labels or engraved lids with the family’s permission, could be used for fundraisers or simply as a way to carry forward the memory of a loved one.
At Veterans Light Candle Company, this is more than a business—it’s a mission. Through stories like David’s, we are reminded that service, sacrifice, and love never die—they just change form. In the glow of each candle, there’s a piece of that legacy, a light that never goes out.
Thank you, CPL Sonka. Thank you, Flex. We carry your light forward.
