WASHINGTON, D.C. – At a reception this evening on Capitol Hill, Congressman Walter B. Jones will be honored by the Humane Society of the United States for his role in enabling the family of Corporal Dustin Jerome Lee, a U.S. Marine Corps military working dog handler killed in action on March 21, 2007, in Fallujah, Iraq, to adopt their son’s canine partner, Lex. Cpl. Lee and Lex, a German shepherd from Camp Lejeune, were a highly-trained explosives detection team.

“We commend Congressman Walter Jones for his exemplary leadership and compassion in uniting ‘Lex’ with the family of Corporal Dustin Lee,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. “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.”

Congressman Jones said, “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. 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.”

Congressman Jones first learned of the Lee family’s situation from John Burnam, author of Dog Tags of Courage. Lex, who sustained shrapnel wounds from the same enemy-fired rocket- propelled grenade that took Cpl. Lee’s life, was due for retirement after his combat tour in Iraq. However, following Cpl. Lee’s death the U.S. Marine Corps indicated that Lex, despite his injuries, was fit for duty and not yet eligible for adoption.

In November 2007, at the request of the Lee family, Congressman Jones contacted the Marine Corps to communicate and endorse their request that Lex be retired and released for adoption by their family. Days later, the U.S. Marine Corps confirmed that the request would be granted. On December 21, 2007, exactly nine months after Cpl. Lee’s death, Congressman Jones traveled to U.S. Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, GA, and witnessed the Lee family’s adoption of Lex at the dog’s retirement ceremony.

For additional information, or to schedule an interview with Congressman Walter B. Jones, please contact Kathleen Joyce at (202) 225-3415.