In Memory of Cpl Dustin Jerome Lee

Lex, Patriot Pet 2009 AAFES interview

2009-04-22T18:16:00.000-07:00

Patriot Pet - AAFES Patriot Pet Pentagon TV

Lex named AKC's Law Enforcement Dog of the Year-2008

2008-09-26T16:27:00.001-07:00

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.

Ladies Home Journal Article

2008-07-08T18:45:00.000-07:00

The August 2008 issue of Ladies Home Journal features a great Article on Cpl Lee, the Lee Family and the adoption of Lex.

Lex after Dustin's Funeral Service

2008-05-21T06:40:00.001-07:00

Video of Lex after the funeral services of Cpl Dustin Lee.

One Year Ago

2008-03-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

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.

Fallen Heroes Project

2008-03-12T18:23:00.000-07:00

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

Shadow Box presented by well-known artist

2008-03-12T18:02:00.000-07:00

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

Grant for Memorial- click to comment

2008-03-03T17:10:00.000-08:00

This memorial is for ALL fallen soldiers all wars from the Stonewall, Ms area.
Stonewall needs your help. You can help by simply clicking on the link and leaving a comment.
Thanks all,
Brian

Military Working Dog Ceremony

2008-02-17T17:39:00.000-08:00

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.

Dustin & Lex mentioned on Bob Kingsley's Country Countdown

2008-01-13T08:47:00.000-08:00

Bob Kingsley's Country Countdown is a syndicated country top 40 show that airs every Sunday from 9AM to 1PM. Every week they count down the latest top country music and Bob also reads listener's letters during the show.
http://www.ct40.com
Meridian, MS radio station MS101 is the local station in Meridian that carries the show every Sunday. They covered Dustin's funeral and Lex's return. MS101 is part of our family now. MS101 jocks wrote a wonderful letter about Dustin and Lex and sent it to Bob Kingsley's Show. It aired this Sunday (Jan 12, 2008). Scotty Ray of MS101 and Bob Kingsley's producers were kind enough to give me permission to post the airing of the letter and the song following on Dustin's blog. Thank you guys for the wonderful letter.
Audio of the letter as read on the show followed by the dedicated music, American Soldier by Toby Keith
-Brian

Audio ©Bob Kingsley's Country Top 40, used with Permisssion. ©2008 on19designs
Toby Kieth, American Soldier, Album: Shock'n Ya'll

Lex recovering from wounds while still in Iraq

2008-01-08T06:05:00.000-08:00

Photos of Lex recovering from wounds while in Iraq

Dustin's Homecoming Video

2007-11-26T15:14:00.000-08:00

I've finally finished a video that takes place from the time we arrived in Stonewall until Dustin's arrival back home. I have been working on it off and on since coming back to Chattanooga. It never got any easier editing this together. (one of the reasons it took so long to finish)
Lisa and I shot most of the footage. The footage we shot has not been seen by anyone but us until. I was going to edit it all together before showing it. Some came from WTOK at the request of the family. Thank you WTOK for your coverage of the funeral. More footage came from Key Field, we thank them as well. There is an audio soundbyte from MS101 from the morning of Dustin's arrival back home. I hope everyone likes the video and never forgets how we all felt that week and still feel. The patriotism and love of everyone that day was tremendous.
The video starts off in Stonewall as everyone is out showing their support by putting out flags, the Stonewall VFD, was practicing for their Detail as Jerome I drove through town. The video transitions to that night, then the next morning as we traveled to Meridian via Highway 11. Lisa filmed this section as we drove by the Patriot Guard Riders, truckers and the many law enforcement vehicles that where to be a part of the procession. It was a long heart wrenching ride knowing what we where going to Key Field for- Not to welcome Dustin home with hugs and warm words but to a tearful homecoming of Dustin's flag draped casket. There's no way anyone can ever prepare themselves for such an ordeal.
Once the plane arrive carrying Dustin, we make our way back up Highway 11 through Enterprise, Stonewall, and to Quitman. Then one last trip back to Stonewall to Dustin's final resting spot.

Sign the Petition

2007-11-13T17:03:00.001-08:00

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/retire-military-working-dog-lex

RETIRE LEX

2007-10-15T18:00:00.000-07:00

A new blog dedicated to getting Lex retired and adopted out to Dustin's family.
Its taking longer than expected to get LEx adopted and there is a possiblilty the Marine Corp will not release Lex to the family.
There really is no reason to it...just excuses.. check out the new blog and make some noise about it.
http://retirelex.blogspot.com/

An American Hero

2007-09-26T18:33:00.000-07:00

Take a long look at the pictures on this site. The pictures on this site is what an American Hero looks like. He didn't wear a sports uniform. He didn't wear a tailored suit that only a politician can squeeze into. He didn't discover a cure for cancer. He did not sit behind a microphone in a radio booth playing the role of an "armchair grunt".
Cpl Dustin J. Lee was a United States Marine War Dog Handler who served his country with honor and dignity. He loved serving his country and he loved being a Marine Corps War Dog Handler. During OIF Dustin and his partner Lex went on missions day after day making sure that his fellow marines, contract workers and Iraqi civilians where safe from the cowardly IED's and ambushes of Iraqi(or Iranian)non-military-terrorist cowards (also known as insurgents). We know that the work of Dustin and his dog Lex saved the lives of many
What type of person does this? What kind of person is willing to lay down his life for people he does not know or will ever know? The answer is a US Soldier or Marine. Dustin Lee was one of those men.
On March 21, 2007 he gave his life to ensure that our freedoms are kept and that we remain safe while in our own little worlds. As far as I'm concerned he took that shrapnel to his chest so that maybe my kids, or your kids would not have to in the future.
Dustin is a hero and is an example of what every Marine aspires to be. He loved his God, His Country, and the Corps, and he loved them in that order.
He was more of a man at 20 years of age than I will be at 90 years. I can only wish to uphold his legacy so that he will never be forgotten

Dustin- Thank you.
Semer Fi

Uncle B

Project Never Forget

2007-09-11T07:20:00.000-07:00

A site dedicated to the memory of our fallen heroes. Check out their website and sponsors. They are the organization that supplied the charm of Dustin for Rachel.

A Mother's Renewed Freedom

2007-07-22T18:54:00.000-07:00

"A Mother’s Renewed Freedom"

On March 21, 2007, a mother’s life changed forever;
And tears fell down her cheek.
Her first born gave his life for her freedom;
And tears fell down her cheek.
She hit her knees to pray, "How could this be?"
And tears fell down her cheek.
Her pride for her country began to stray;
And tears fell down her cheek.
Memories that built her son and soldier began to stir;
And tears fell down her cheek.
Lord, remind me of why he was there?
And tears fell down her cheek;
A blanket of comfort wrapped around her;
Then her tears dried.
His voice spoke, "I need him for another mission, for he has been trained well.
He showed commitment and self-determination of his individual will,
Coupled with concern for liberties of others and continued his service to Me."
The foundation had been set and she began to remember:
A little boy who embellished Bible stories told by his grandmother and WWII stories told by his grandfather;
Within his strong hands the Bible he carried to study and the helmet he had held once admiring the strength of his fallen great-great uncle in Vietnam;
Being gentle with a small puppy, but strong and without fear handling a Military Working Dog.
Little feet that carried him to the altar to accept Jesus Christ as his Savior; also, once wore military boots of his dad, grandfather and uncles, then he wore his own;
One who prayed each day to receive strength to serve his Lord,
As well as, reminding himself of the oath he had taken as a United States Marine.
She remembered the original feeling of pride, power and freedom that only intensified
As she watched a flag draped casket that cradled her first born emerge from a plane;
The mother’s pride of her country; then, took a new light.
His Voice spoke to her, "Continue to be strong,
For once you knew about freedom and liberty in which you have,
Now, you will only grow because of what he and I have taught you."
She began to notice all with a different sight,
A sight that comes from her heart filled with an overflowing amount of love for her country’s freedom and liberties.
A mother’s freedom renewed
Through God’s Light and her Fallen Hero, her son, Dusty.

In loving memory of:
United States Marine Cpl Dustin Jerome Lee - K9 Unit - 3rd Recon Battalion
Killed in Action - Operation Iraqi Freedom – 21 March 21, 2007
Written by: Rachel Lee - Proud Mother of Dustin
June 28, 2007

Decals honoring Dustin are now available!

2007-06-01T17:33:00.000-07:00

The Decals honoring Dustin are now available! Decal depicts Dustin's guarding sillouette with his K-9 Lex, while standing watch in Iraq. The message on the decal reads "Forever on Watch"- Cpl Dustin J. Lee, KIA March 21, 2007, Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Color is black and printed on white heavy-duty vinyl and will last years in the sun.
-------------------------------
DECAL SIZES:
• 5"x6" large oval $8.00
• 4 3/4" x 4" small oval $5.00
• 2" x 3.5" vertical decal $5.00
-------------------------------
Proceeds go to the Stonewall, MS Fallen Soldiers Memorial Fund.
Thank you for your consideration.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
To place an order email Dana Rich at lathan_rich@yahoo.com
In the email please specify:
1.) the SIZE of the Decal(s) you want
3.) Quantity
4.) Your name, your return address and a contact number (in case of questions regarding order)

Send checks, money orders, cashier checks to:
Stonewall Fallen Soldiers Memorial
P.O. Box 53
Stonewall, MS 39363

Make checks payable to Stonewall Fallen Soldiers Memorial Fund. Please allow 2-3 weeks for delivery. Some items are not printed until order is placed.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
If you would like further information on the decals or the Stonewall Fallen Soldiers Memorial Fund
please email Dana Rich at lathan_rich@yahoo.com

Photos

2007-05-31T17:00:00.000-07:00

Military Working Dog Memorial Site

2007-05-23T09:31:00.001-07:00

click on the title above and you will be taken to the MWD site!

A great site that honors all of our Military Working Dogs and their Handlers.
Anyone, or group can donate IN HONOR OF or IN MEMORY OF a special person, MWD or fallen soldier and I will acknowledge that on the donations. They are working in coordination with The Military Order of the Purple Heart Ch. #566.

If anyone would like to make a donation, include Dustin's name he will be recognized and honored.
They are accepting payment through the mail as well as through Paypal.

Or donations can be mailed to
Kelly Hooker
MWD Memorial
544 Cook Road
Westville, FL 32464
checks need to be made out to MOPH/K9
That's the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Another "official" site is also being worked on. Its URL will be:
www.militaryworkingdogmemorial.com

UPCOMING NEWS

2007-04-23T07:03:00.000-07:00

Saturday, May 26, 2007, the town of Stonewall, MS will be hosting a Memorial Day Fund Raiser for all of the fallen soldiers and Marines from our area. Proceeds will go to purchase and erect a monument that memorializes the sacrifices they have made. There will be games for kids, speakers, singing, and military units available for display and demonstrations. More detail on events coming up soon.

We invite everyone to Stonewall, on May 26, to celebrate the lives of our fallen heroes.

To see a picture of the monument that will be put in place, please go here:
http://largeart.com/detail.aspx?ID=107

update: Thank you all for the turn out and sticking it out through the hot Mississippi sun.
We hope that everyone enjoyed the fellowhip of celebrating the lives, memories and sacrifices of our fallen heroes.
They are are our friends, husbands, brothers, fathers and sons. May we not forget them and remember them everyday, not only on Memorial Day. God Bless the wonderful town of Stonewall and the wonderful people who helped to make this happen. Thank you all for your support.

If you want to subscribe to this blog there should be and "RSS" button somewhere in your browser window-By RSSing this blog you will be notified of new entries and updates.

Cpl Dustin Lee Video Montage

2007-04-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

Make video montages at onetruemedia.com

SIEZE THE DAY: taken from Dustin Myspace Blog

2007-04-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost
It's empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over

I see my vision burn, I feel my memories fade with time
But I'm too young to worry
These streets we travel on will undergo our same lost past

I found you here, now please just stay for a while
I can move on with you around
I hand you my mortal life, but will it be forever?
I'd do anything for a smile, holding you 'til our time is done
We both know the day will come, but I don't want to leave you

I see my vision burn, I feel my memories fade with time
But I'm too young to worry (a melody, a memory, or just one picture)

Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost
It's empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over
Newborn life replacing life, replacing all of us, changing this fable we live in
No longer needed here so where should we go?
Will you take a journey tonight, follow me past the walls of death?
But girl, what if there is no eternal life?

I see my vision burn, I feel my memories fade with time
But I'm too young to worry (a melody, a memory, or just one picture)

Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost
Its empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over
Trails in life, questions of us existing here, don't wanna die alone without you there
Please tell me what we have is real

So, what if I never hold you, or kiss you lips again?
I never want to leave you and the memories for us to see
I beg don't leave me

Seize the day or die regretting the time you lost
Its empty and cold without you here, too many people to ache over
Trails in life, questions of us existing here, don't wanna die alone without you there
Please tell me what we have is real

(Silence you lost me, no chance for one more day)
I stand here alone
Falling away from you, no chance to get back home

Cpl Dustin Lee Video Montage #2

2007-04-08T12:49:00.000-07:00

This one was created by Lisa

Photo and video editing at onetruemedia.com

MCLB Albany GA remembers Dustin

2007-04-08T12:00:00.000-07:00

Base remembers fallen Marine
April 12, 2007; Submitted on: 04/12/2007 07:54:06 AM ; Story ID#: 20074127546

By Mr. Joel C. Guenther, MCLB Albany

Family members and command representatives stand in honor of Cpl. Dustin J. Lee during a ceremony April 5 at the Base Chapel. Those standing are (l-r) Camryn Lee (Lee’s brother), Rachel Lee (mother), Madyson Lee (sister), Jerome Lee (father), Col. C. N. Haliday, base commanding officer, and Sgt. Maj. Randall D. Kennedy, base sergeant major.

MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. (April 12, 2007) -- Servicemembers, employees and family members gathered April 5 for a memorial service at the Base Chapel for Cpl. Dustin J. Lee.

Lee was a K-9 handler here and was attached to 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force in Iraq and on March 21 was killed during combat operations. Lee would have been 21 years old April 7.

During remarks at the memorial service, Master Sgt. Sean L. Lamonzs, chief investigator, Provost Marshal’s Office, said that first-line noncommissioned officers have the most direct leadership in the Marines. He said that he found Lee to be “confident, articulate, and astute.”

Navy Lt. Cmdr. Anthony B. Headrick, command chaplain, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, said that Marines “lay down their lives for those we don’t know.”

Col. C.N. Haliday, commanding officer, MCLB Albany, asked the question, “Why did Cpl. Dustin J. Lee die? More important — how did he live?”

Haliday noted that Lee was an explosives dog handler whose job it was to find caches of weapons and explosives. “These units saved Marines’ lives,” he said.

Haliday also took note of a letter Lee had previously written to a friend. In the letter Lee wrote, “Jesus was willing to give his life for all.”

In a later interview, William M. Reynolds, kennel master, PMO, said that Lee “was uncanny as a dog handler.” Reynolds noted that, at one time, Lee was working with two dogs at once, an explosives dog and a narcotics dog. “He was given that task because of his dog handling abilities,” Reynolds said.

Raised in Quitman, Miss., Lee enlisted in the Marine Corps in December 2003 and was promoted to corporal in July 2006.

Decorations for Lee include the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Armed Forces Service Medal, Meritorious Mast and two Letters of Appreciation.
-30-
Family members and command representatives stand in honor of Cpl. Dustin J. Lee during a ceremony April 5 at the Base Chapel. Those standing are (l-r) Camryn Lee (Lee’s brother), Rachel Lee (mother), Madyson Lee (sister), Jerome Lee (father), Col. C. N. Haliday, base commanding officer, and Sgt. Maj. Randall D. Kennedy, base sergeant major. Photo by: Joel C. Guenther