AKC Honors Outstanding Dogs with 2008 AKC Awards for Canine Excellence (ACE)
[Wednesday, September 24, 2008]
--Extraordinary Dogs Receive Top Honors for Their Contributions to the Safety and Well-being of Humankind --
Law Enforcement: "Lex" owned by Jerome and Rachel Lee of Quitman, MS
Lex, a 7-year-old German Shepherd Dog, is a retired military dog who served in Iraq with young Marine Corporal Dustin Jerome Lee. Cpl. Lee was a renowned dog handler due to his extraordinary ability to work an explosives detection dog and narcotics detection dog simultaneously. Under the skilled guidance of Cpl. Lee, Lex dutifully searched for roadside bombs to keep the roads safe and open for American troops in Iraq. Tragically, Cpl. Lee was killed in a mortar attack in Falluja in early 2007. As he lay bleeding, Lex, although injured himself, was at his partner’s side to comfort him. Their bond was so strong, the loyalty so deep, that medics had to drag Lex away so they could attend to Cpl. Lee. He succumbed a short time later and Lex was reassigned to the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia.
Cpl. Lee’s parents, Jerome and Rachel, who knew about the special relationship that existed between their son and Lex, petitioned to adopt the dog. North Carolina Congressman, Walter Jones, heard about the Lee’s request, and led a successful campaign to retire Lex, so that he could finally have a home with the Lees.
Since his retirement, Lex has been awarded a Commemorative Purple Heart, but he has not rested on his laurels. The Lee’s bring Lex to VA hospitals and retirement homes to offer solace to the veterans who have so honorably served their country.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Ladies Home Journal Article
The August 2008 issue of Ladies Home Journal features a great Article on Cpl Lee, the Lee Family and the adoption of Lex.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Lex after Dustin's Funeral Service
Video of Lex after the funeral services of Cpl Dustin Lee.
MWD Lex following Cpl Lee's funeral service from Brian Rich on Vimeo.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
One Year Ago
For a nearly a week I have debated on whether or not to post a blog surrounding the one year anniversary of Dustin's death.
I thought... should it just be personal to me and the family ...maybe keep our thoughts and feeling in private or should I post something. March 21,2008, Good Friday, was the anniversary. I wont go into a lot of detail, but it is still difficult for all of us.
My family had a small ceremony at Dustin's gravesite in Stonewall, MS. Rachel said a prayer, Camryn and Madyson released some balloons that disappeared into the sky as the clouds opened up to recieve them. Lex was there. He layed where he always does- next to Dustin's headstone at his left side as if waiting for his master to return, He knows that this is Dusty's place.
Spring and Easter will always be a time of mixed emotions for all of us. Spring will not only remind us of the dark winters we are coming out of, the birds and critters scampering about, but it will also be a solemn reminder of the Spring of 2007. So as we welcome the warm sun shining down on us, we also welcome once again the heart ache and sadness that we will re-live every spring.
Lisa and I where not able to make it down to Mississippi for the family gathering but we honored him in our own way.
We got up early March 21 and headed to Lowe's. We planned to pick up a Flowering Dogwood, the universal plant that represents spring and Easter and plant it in Dusty's honor.
We made it home with the small tree and my neighbor who was a former Marine also and knew what we where doing came over to watch as we placed the tree in the ground. No one said anything as we planted the tree- no one had to-We all knew what was on everyone's mind. We lined up the tree with his flag across the street (the best we could), made sure it was straight and stood back and admired the tree as we thought of Dustin.
we miss you Dusty
B
Thank you all who have helped our family get through these difficult times.
Thank you to all of you who supported our fight to adopt Lex...It amazing to think that it it all started with one little blog...
Dustin and Lex's story has touched many lives and continues to do so.
Our hearts and prayers go out o all our service men and women who are still risking it all every single day..
Brian R.
I thought... should it just be personal to me and the family ...maybe keep our thoughts and feeling in private or should I post something. March 21,2008, Good Friday, was the anniversary. I wont go into a lot of detail, but it is still difficult for all of us.
My family had a small ceremony at Dustin's gravesite in Stonewall, MS. Rachel said a prayer, Camryn and Madyson released some balloons that disappeared into the sky as the clouds opened up to recieve them. Lex was there. He layed where he always does- next to Dustin's headstone at his left side as if waiting for his master to return, He knows that this is Dusty's place.
Spring and Easter will always be a time of mixed emotions for all of us. Spring will not only remind us of the dark winters we are coming out of, the birds and critters scampering about, but it will also be a solemn reminder of the Spring of 2007. So as we welcome the warm sun shining down on us, we also welcome once again the heart ache and sadness that we will re-live every spring.
Lisa and I where not able to make it down to Mississippi for the family gathering but we honored him in our own way.
We got up early March 21 and headed to Lowe's. We planned to pick up a Flowering Dogwood, the universal plant that represents spring and Easter and plant it in Dusty's honor.
We made it home with the small tree and my neighbor who was a former Marine also and knew what we where doing came over to watch as we placed the tree in the ground. No one said anything as we planted the tree- no one had to-We all knew what was on everyone's mind. We lined up the tree with his flag across the street (the best we could), made sure it was straight and stood back and admired the tree as we thought of Dustin.
we miss you Dusty
B
Thank you all who have helped our family get through these difficult times.
Thank you to all of you who supported our fight to adopt Lex...It amazing to think that it it all started with one little blog...
Dustin and Lex's story has touched many lives and continues to do so.
Our hearts and prayers go out o all our service men and women who are still risking it all every single day..
Brian R.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Fallen Heroes Project
Vietnam Vet and Artist Michael Reagan honors fallen soldiers with Illustrations.
Portrait of Cpl Dustin Lee and Lex
Poster of all Micahael Reagan's illustrations.
http://www.fallenheroesproject.org/images/portrait%20poster.jpg
Portrait of Cpl Dustin Lee and Lex
Poster of all Micahael Reagan's illustrations.
http://www.fallenheroesproject.org/images/portrait%20poster.jpg
Shadow Box presented by well-known artist
A couple months ago, a man by the name of Frank DeAngelis was researching for Soldiers and Marines from every state that had been Killed In Action. Mr. Frank DeAngelis is a kind, generous man who is an honorary member of "Easy Company". He spends his time honoring our men and women of the military by using his talents to create magnificant shadow boxes.
Once he got to Mississippi's list of fallen he came across Dustin's name. His goal then, was to create a shadow box for the family as his way of honoring Dustin.
Mr. DeAngelis researched Dustin's story and decided to start making calls in Mississippi till he finally made contact with Dustin's mother and let her know of his intentions.
The complete story of the amazing man and what he does is located at his own website.
http://www.frankdeangelis.com/
Dustin's shadow box created b Frank DeAngelis
http://www.frankdeangelis.com/Corporal%20Dustin%20J%20Lee.htm
Once he got to Mississippi's list of fallen he came across Dustin's name. His goal then, was to create a shadow box for the family as his way of honoring Dustin.
Mr. DeAngelis researched Dustin's story and decided to start making calls in Mississippi till he finally made contact with Dustin's mother and let her know of his intentions.
The complete story of the amazing man and what he does is located at his own website.
http://www.frankdeangelis.com/
Dustin's shadow box created b Frank DeAngelis
http://www.frankdeangelis.com/Corporal%20Dustin%20J%20Lee.htm
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Military Working Dog Ceremony
The Military Working Dog Ceremony held Feb 16, 2008 to honor K9 Teams - wounded or killed in action. The ceremony honored both military and civilian K9 handlers and their partners. The ceremony was held at the Eglin Air Force Base, Air Armament Museum located in Ft Walton, Fl.
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)