Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, on December 21, 2007, I had the privilege and honor to visit Marine Corps Base Albany, Georgia to witness firsthand the compassion of the United States Marine Corps.

I am extremely grateful to the United States Air Force for making it possible for me to take part in a visit that was so special, I can hardly describe it in words. On that day, the Jerome Lee family of Quitman, Mississippi, was able to adopt their son's canine partner, Lex, who was released from his duty as a military working dog.

Jerome and Rachel Lee's son, Corporal Dustin Jerome Lee, was a United States Marine Corps dog handler who was killed in action on March 21, 2007, in Fallujah, Iraq. Corporal Lee and his canine partner Lex, a 7-year-old German shepherd, were a highly trained explosive detection team. Lex, who was due for retirement after his combat tour in Iraq, suffered shrapnel wounds from the same enemy-fired rocket-propelled grenade that took Corporal Lee's life.

Following Corporal Lee's death, the Lee family began seeking to adopt their son's canine companion who was with their son during his last moments on Earth. However, after filing the necessary paperwork, the Lee family was told that Lex had been medically evaluated and, although injured, he was fit for duty and not yet eligible for adoption.

After learning their story, I spoke with Corporal Lee's father, Jerome Lee, by phone on several occasions. Mr. Lee continued to express the joy and comfort that caring for Lex would bring to him and his family, and he requested my assistance in securing their adoption of Lex.

I am so grateful to the United States Marine Corps and Commandant James Conway for helping me ensure that the Lee family's request was granted. I am also very grateful to Brigadier General Michael Regner and Major General Robert Dickerson for their role in enabling this adoption to proceed. I know that Dustin is in heaven, and happy that his family now has Lex. Allowing the Lee family to adopt Lex was a fitting thank you to parents who gave the ultimate gift of their son for this country.

The United States Marine Corps has demonstrated its tremendous compassion and understanding by making this adoption a reality for the parents of one of our Nation's fallen heroes. Again I extend my deep condolences to Mr. and Mrs. Lee, as well as all those in this country who have lost a loved one fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan.

Although Lex will never replace their son, welcoming Lex into the Lee family and home will keep a big part of Corporal Lee's life alive for their family. Lex loved and protected Corporal Lee on the battlefield, and Corporal Lee's family is now able to love and protect Lex in the peaceful surroundings of their home in Mississippi.

May God bless the United States Marine Corps and all of our men and women in uniform, and may God continue to bless America.