thedrifter
02-15-09, 08:03 AM
Jones' work to unite dogs with soldier' families recognized
The Daily Reflector
Saturday, February 14, 2009
U.S. Reps. Walter Jones, R-N.C., and Paul Hodes, D-N.H., were honored last week for helping families adopt dogs that belonged to family members who were killed in combat.
The Humane Society of the United States honored the men Tuesday during a reception on Capitol Hill. Attending the event were Rachel and Jerome Lee, whose son, Dustin Lee, was killed March 21, 2007, in Fallujah, Iraq, and Lex, the German shepherd their son worked with to detect explosives.
“We commend Congressman Walter Jones for his exemplary leadership and compassion in uniting Lex with the family of Corporal Dustin Lee,” Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, said. “With characteristic persistence and grace, Congressman Jones convinced our military to override its rules and grant Lex early retirement. In so doing, Congressman Jones provided much needed comfort to a fallen Marine's family and a loving home to a loyal and deserving dog.”
Hodes helped the fiancee and parents of a soldier killed by a roadside bomb adopt a stray puppy he befriended while in Iraq.
Dustin Lee was killed in a rocket-propelled grenade attack. Lex sustained shrapnel wounds but survived. Lex was due for retirement after his combat tour in Iraq but after recovery from his wounds, the U.S. Marine Corps said he was fit for duty and not yet eligible for adoption.
With Jones' assistance, the Marines granted the Lee's request to adopt Lex. Nine months after Lee's death, Jones traveled to U.S. Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga., to witness the Lee family's adoption of Lex at the dog's retirement ceremony.
“I am so grateful to the U.S. Marine Corps and Commandant James T. Conway for the tremendous gift they chose to bestow upon Jerome and Rachel Lee, who gave the ultimate gift of their son for this country,” Jones said. “Although Lex could never replace their son, caring for Lex has brought such joy and comfort to the Lee family, as well as to the dog itself.”
“Lex loved and protected Cpl. Lee on the battlefield, and welcoming Lex into the Lee home has kept a big part of Cpl. Lee's life alive for their family,” Jones said.
Ellie
The Daily Reflector
Saturday, February 14, 2009
U.S. Reps. Walter Jones, R-N.C., and Paul Hodes, D-N.H., were honored last week for helping families adopt dogs that belonged to family members who were killed in combat.
The Humane Society of the United States honored the men Tuesday during a reception on Capitol Hill. Attending the event were Rachel and Jerome Lee, whose son, Dustin Lee, was killed March 21, 2007, in Fallujah, Iraq, and Lex, the German shepherd their son worked with to detect explosives.
“We commend Congressman Walter Jones for his exemplary leadership and compassion in uniting Lex with the family of Corporal Dustin Lee,” Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States, said. “With characteristic persistence and grace, Congressman Jones convinced our military to override its rules and grant Lex early retirement. In so doing, Congressman Jones provided much needed comfort to a fallen Marine's family and a loving home to a loyal and deserving dog.”
Hodes helped the fiancee and parents of a soldier killed by a roadside bomb adopt a stray puppy he befriended while in Iraq.
Dustin Lee was killed in a rocket-propelled grenade attack. Lex sustained shrapnel wounds but survived. Lex was due for retirement after his combat tour in Iraq but after recovery from his wounds, the U.S. Marine Corps said he was fit for duty and not yet eligible for adoption.
With Jones' assistance, the Marines granted the Lee's request to adopt Lex. Nine months after Lee's death, Jones traveled to U.S. Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, Ga., to witness the Lee family's adoption of Lex at the dog's retirement ceremony.
“I am so grateful to the U.S. Marine Corps and Commandant James T. Conway for the tremendous gift they chose to bestow upon Jerome and Rachel Lee, who gave the ultimate gift of their son for this country,” Jones said. “Although Lex could never replace their son, caring for Lex has brought such joy and comfort to the Lee family, as well as to the dog itself.”
“Lex loved and protected Cpl. Lee on the battlefield, and welcoming Lex into the Lee home has kept a big part of Cpl. Lee's life alive for their family,” Jones said.
Ellie