WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week U.S. Representatives Ed Whitfield (KY-01) and Walter B. Jones (NC-3) helped a retired war dog recover from injuries he received in Iraq nearly four years ago.
Lex, a German shepherd, was wounded in March of 2007 when he and his handler were hit by a rocket propelled grenade in Fallujah, ending the life of Corporal Dustin Lee of Quitman, Mississippi, and sending pieces of shrapnel into Lex’s back. Rep. Whitfield’s wife, Connie Whitfield, worked with Dr. Lee Morgan at Georgetown Veterinary Hospital to provide stem cell therapy treatment to Lex. The purpose of the procedure was to alleviate Lex’s crippling pain and enable him to make greater use of his hind legs. The effects of the stem cell procedure were not expected to be evident for four to six weeks, but within a mere two days of the procedure Lex was remarkably transformed. He had full use of his back legs, and was as frisky as a puppy.
Mrs. Whitfield, a consultant to the CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, contacted Dr. Morgan to determine if Lex was a candidate for stem cell therapy. Mrs. Whitfield raised over $4,000 to pay for Lex’s treatment, and personally cared for Lex during his recovery. The Humane Society of the United States has provided money to support Lex’s medical care, along with the German Shepherd Dog Club of Northern Virginia, Shoreline German Shepherd Dog Club and the U.S. War Dogs Association.
Since Lex’s discharge in 2007, he has been living with the family of his former Marine handler. Lex is the first Marine working dog to be adopted by relatives of a fallen Marine.
Congressman Ed Whitfield said “representing Fort Campbell and the 101st Airborne has allowed me the opportunity to interact with many of the men and women who put their lives on the line to defend our freedom. I have seen the positive impact dogs have in healing veterans suffering from emotional and psychological wounds of war. Last year, I worked with Rep. Ron Klein (FL-22) and Sen. Al Franken (MN) to include language in the Defense Authorization Bill that provided funding and support for programs that partner service dogs with Iraq and Afghanistan veterans. Studies have shown dogs to be of immense therapeutic value for our injured heroes with emotional and psychological injuries.”
Congressman Jones called Lex “a true hero and a blessing to the Lee family,” adding “I am more than happy to do anything I can to help and I am so appreciative of Connie Whitfield and Dr. Morgan, and all those who contributed to this wonderful cause. I have been honored to know this special family for the past few years. Dustin was a hero and would have wanted the best for his partner.”
