Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jamie Dana
and her Working Military Dog Rex were inseparable companions. For
three years they have lived together, worked together, and relied
upon each other. Jamie and Rex work together to patrol checkpoints
and scour buildings for hidden explosives, and have served
together in Iraq and Pakistan.
On June 25th, 2005 Jamie and Rex were returning from patrol when
a bomb detonated under their vehicle. Jamie was seriously
injured, and in a coma. Doctors didn't expect her to live, and
she had to be transported to the United States for medical
treatment. It was only when she awoke she learned that Rex had
sustained only minor wounds.
This is really a story about the
bond of love that exists between Jamie and Rex. A bond so strong
that her last thoughts before loosing consciousness was of Rex. A
bond forged through training, through military service, and
through companionship.
Jamie has returned to active duty,
and wants to adopt Rex into her family. But current law prohibits
the adoption of a combat dog until they reach retirement age. For
Rex this could be another 5 to 10 years.
Please help re-unite Rex and
Jamie - Urge President Bush to encourage legislation to override
these laws.
Dear President Bush,
As a concerned constituent, I urge you to support legislation that will permit Air Force Tech. Sgt. Jamie Dana to adopt Military Working Dog Rex.
Sgt. Dana and Rex served our country together as a courageous military explosives detection team in Pakistan and Iraq, until they were both wounded while on duty near Baghdad on June 25, 2005. Sgt. Danas injuries were so serious that she was not expected to live. After many months of treatment, and while still recovering, Sgt. Dana is back on active Air Force duty in the United States. She has requested permission to adopt Rex so that they can be together permanently.
The Air Force agrees that this would be a fitting tribute to both Sgt. Dana and Rex. However, a current federal statute, Title 10, U.S. Code 2583, prohibits the adoption of a combat dog until he reaches retirement age. For Sgt. Dana and Rex, that would mean a minimum wait of five years.
Legislation proposed by Representatives John E. Peterson, (R)PA, and John Murtha, (D)PA, and Senator John Warner, (R)VA, would override Title 10, thereby allowing Sgt. Dana to adopt Rex. I urge you to support passage of this legislation, so these two heroes can continue their partnership for life. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
/Your Name/
/Your Address/
