Bill Text: MS HC116 | 2012 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: "Lex"; honor the loyalty, faithfulness and dedicated service of.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 3-0)
Status: (Passed) 2012-04-30 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HC116 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2012-HC116-Enrolled.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2012 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representatives Snowden, Shirley, Horne
House Concurrent Resolution 116
(As Adopted by House and Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION HONORING THE LOYALTY, FAITHFULNESS AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF LEX, AND EXTENDING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS ADOPTED FAMILY UPON HIS PASSING.
WHEREAS, Lex, the former service dog of the late Corporal Dustin Lee of Stonewall, Mississippi, who served as a friend and companion to the family of the late serviceman, recently passed away; and
WHEREAS, with an extraordinary ability to work as an explosives detection dog, Lex obediently and devotedly used his skills to detect roadside bombs to keep the roadways safe and open for Iraqis and American Marines and soldiers; and
WHEREAS, Corporal Lee was killed in 2007 in the line of duty while serving his nation in Falluja, Iraq, and as an injured Lex lay bleeding by his master's side, his steadfast loyalty never failed as the medics had to drag Lex away in order to attend to Corporal Lee; and
WHEREAS, knowing that their son had an incredibly strong bond with Lex, the family of Corporal Lee fought to have Lex retired so that they might adopt him from the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia, and with the help of a congressman from North Carolina, Lex went home to Quitman with his family; and
WHEREAS, Lex's adopted family viewed this dog as a link to their departed son, and having Lex as a part of their family was a great comfort to the Lees, as they were able to touch something that their son had touched, and love something that their son had loved; and
WHEREAS, since Lex was in retirement, he was awarded a Commemorative Purple Heart for his injuries sustained in Falluja alongside Corporal Lee; and
WHEREAS, Lex was a great service dog, and after being adopted by the family of Corporal Lee, he provided a unique therapy to wounded soldiers across the nation, and he gave small children the opportunity to hear of the sacrifice made by his owner, Corporal Lee; and
WHEREAS, the family of Corporal Lee and Lex want to ensure that the legacy of their son and constant companion will not be forgotten by fighting to declassify service dogs as equipment and to obtain federal support for families who adopt animals that have served in this country's military; and
WHEREAS, after starting the fund, "Angels for Lex," to help pay for the treatments that Lex needed after being injured in Iraq, the family of Corporal Lee is determined to keep this fund alive to provide funds to other adoptive families; and
WHEREAS, the memory of Corporal Lee and Lex lives on through a structural memorial at the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia, and on March 19, 2010, the kennel held a ceremony to dedicate its kennel to Lex's fallen master, Corporal Lee; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor our nation's fallen heroes, such as Lex, who were faithful and loyal to the end of their days, and who touched the lives of many, especially the lives of our nation's servicepersons:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby honor and pay tribute to the life of Lex, a constant companion, whose life and legacy will continue to live on through his devoted adopted family, and extend deepest sympathy to his adopted family as they grieve the loss of their friend.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Lee family and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
