Marine Cpl Dustin Lee had watched his mom work with rescue dogs while growing up so it was no surprise that he decided to work with K9 dogs when he joined the Marines.He and his dog, Lex, searched for roadside bombs in Iraq. They were constantly together, even sleeping in the same sleeping bag sometimes. Nine months ago, Dustin was killed in a mortar attack in Fallujah and Lex was wounded. Whimpering from his pain he refused to leave Dustin's body and had to be pulled away.
Dustin's family decided to adopt Lex but the Marines said he had two more years of service and it took a NC congressman having a chat with the Marine Corp's top general to finally give the OK to the family. It is the first time anyone other than a former handler has been allowed to adopt.
Lex still has shraphel lodged in his back but has been working as a police dog on a base in Albany, GA, where the Lee family picked him up this morning to take him home to MS.
And that's the way it should be!
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Kudos to whoever that NC congressman is, and to the Marine General who gave his OK to the family’s request.
ReplyDeleteThis old military retiree salutes all concerned --- Corporal Lee (may he R.I.P.) for laying down his life for his fellow Americans and all who believe in freedom, the congressman, the general, the family, and, of course, Lex.
Linda, I also salute you for posting this touching story. If you don’t like salutes, will a BIG OL’ HUG work? :-)
"A war hero goes home" (Lex, the dog) is @
ReplyDeletehttp://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20071223/NEWS/712230304/1001
I was truly touched ny your post. I just lost a dog last week.
ReplyDeleteAs someone who works for the Government, I too often see the simple solutions overlooked. It's nice to see that they got this one right.
Deathlok, Prayers to you, I know what it's like to lose a beloved pet.
ReplyDeleteLinda, Thanks, once again, for a great post.
Thanks, Don. I did a Google search after I did the post and there was quite a bit of info! I saw the name of the General but didn't write it down. I watched the story on tv with teary eyes. The military did a smart thing 'cause otherwise they could've had a revolt on their hands!
ReplyDeleteDLok--hello stranger! That was no dog, that was the Kirkster and I know how much he'll be missed!
Thanks, Julie!