Lex (dog)
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Lex is the only Military Working Dog to be granted early retirement in order to be adopted by family members of its handler.
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[edit] Military service
On March 21, 2007, during Lex's second tour in Iraq, USMC Canine handler, Corporal Dustin J. Lee was killed by a mortar attack. Lex was also wounded in the attack. Lex was granted early retirement by the United States Marine Corps after eight years of service and was adopted on December 21, 2007 by Dustin's parents, Jerome and Rachel Lee.
Lex was retired at MCLB Albany GA, 9 months after his handler, Cpl Dustin Jerome Lee, was killed. Lex's retirement came after months of trying. With the help of an online petition Lex's support created by Cpl Lee's family, the story gained support world wide. The Lee family and Lex's story was covered nationally in the media. This started to put pressure on the Marine Corps, but the small Albany base would not budge from its position. Even with shrapnel still lodged near the canine's spine, the Marine Corps thought him to be fit for duty, even though he would never be able to be deployed or serve again in a combat situation.
Finally with the help of John C. Burnam, author and former Vietnam War Dog handler, and Congressman Walter B. Jones of North Carolina, the Marine Corps finally allowed the Lee family to adopt their fallen son's canine partner-just as they had promised the Lee family soon after their son's death.
The retirement of Lex set a new precedent with K-9s, handlers and their family's options to be able to adopt them in the event of the handler's death. [1]
Currently Lex's new mission is visiting VA hospitals to help wounded veterans in their healing process.
News articles referencing Lex's Retirement and Adoption: MSNBC CNN BreitBart CBS
[edit] Medals and awards
February 16, 2008 at a ceremony held at the Air Force Armament Museum, Aglin AFB. The Military Order of the Purple Heart, Chapter #566, presented Lex with a commemorative Purple Heart, for wounds sustained in combat. [2]
photos: Lex receives his commemorative Purple Heart
[edit] See also
- Bamse (St. Bernard)
- Chips (dog)
- Horrie the Wog Dog
- Judy (ship's dog)
- Just Nuisance
- Rags (dog)
- Sergeant Stubby
- Smoky (dog)
- List of famous dogs
- Military animal
- War dog
[edit] References
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