[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 51 (Thursday, March 23, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER MARINE CORPORAL 
                        (CPL) DUSTIN JEROME LEE

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 23, 2017

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of 
fallen Mississippi Marine Corporal (CPL) Dustin Jerome Lee who paid the 
ultimate sacrifice while defending our nation on March 21, 2007, during 
Operation Iraqi Freedom III. CPL Lee died from wounds he received 
during a mortar attack while on a combat mission in Fallujah, Anbar 
Province, Iraq.
  CPL Lee was assigned to the Third Recon Battalion, II Marine 
Expeditionary Force. Prior to his deployment, CPL Lee was assigned to 
Headquarters Battalion, Marine Corps Logistics Base in Albany, Georgia. 
After graduating from Quitman High School in 2004, he joined the 
Marines. CPL Lee was described as a dutiful son who led a Christian 
life, and always looked for the good in people. CPL Lee's friends say 
he always wanted to serve his country.
  CPL Lee also had great skills working with animals. While in Iraq, 
CPL Lee served as the Patrol Explosive Detector Dog handler. Lex, a 
Military Working Dog, was wounded in the mortar attack that killed CPL 
Lee. His parents, Jerome and Rachel Lee, were allowed to adopt the 
bomb-sniffing dog with help from U.S. Representative Walter Jones (R-
NC). After Lex' s retirement from military service, he was taken to VA 
hospitals and retirement homes to comfort veterans. CPL Lee's bond with 
Lex and his expert dog-handling skills will forever be remembered at 
the Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, where the kennel has been named 
in his honor.
  At his funeral, more than 100 members of The Patriot Guard attended 
along with local high school ROTC members. Law enforcement officers 
traveled from all across Mississippi to pay their respects. CPL Lee's 
commander, Colonel Chris Halliday described CPL Lee as a special person 
who fit into the Marine Corps and its commitment to excellence and 
dedication to the country.

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