[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 34 (Monday, February 25, 2019)]
[Senate]
[Page S1435]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

                                 ______
                                 

                       REMEMBERING SERGEANT RAMBO

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today, with a heavy heart, I 
wish to pay tribute to Sergeant Rambo N557, a medically retired 
military working dog--MWD--who dedicated his life to the Marine Corps 
and raising awareness for his fellow retired working dogs. Sadly, 
Sergeant Rambo passed away earlier this month. He will be remembered 
for his loving spirit and lifetime of service.
  Sergeant Rambo served as an explosive detection MWD based out of MCCS 
Cherry Point, NC, from January 6, 2011, to April 11, 2012. Throughout 
his Active Duty, Sergeant Rambo completed 620 stateside searches, two 
official stateside missions, and about 1,000 hours of training. 
Unfortunately, a left shoulder injury prevented him from deploying. 
Nonetheless, he served valiantly alongside his handler, protecting 
their base and the community until retirement.
  Connecticut native Lisa Phillips, who served in the U.S. Army as a 
veterinary technician, adopted Sergeant Rambo after his retirement. 
Despite needing an amputation because of his earlier injury, he 
remained committed to serving his Nation.
  Well loved by people of all ages and capacities, Sergeant Rambo 
visited summer youth groups and local nursing homes, connecting with 
and bringing hope to children with special needs and elderly people 
suffering from dementia. His joyful and empathetic personality allowed 
him to bond with people across the Nation.
  Sergeant Rambo also used his experiences to highlight animal welfare, 
military, and veteran issues. He became the mascot for Alamo Honor 
Flight, accompanying World War II veterans to Washington, DC, and for 
Gizmo's Gift, a nonprofit that supports people who have adopted retired 
working dogs by offering free medical care and other necessary 
financial support. He and Lisa attended press events with me, helping 
gain backing for the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act, which 
sought to improve care for MWDs once their Active Duty ends by 
streamlining the adoption process and establishing a national non-
profit to cover the veterinary costs associated with retired working 
dogs. Several provisions of that act have become law.
  In 2015, the American Humane Association named Sergeant Rambo the 
Military Dog of the Year. He and Lisa used this platform to give a TEDx 
Talk the next year about MWDs and Gizmo's Gift. Then, in March 2017, 
they testified before the Connecticut General Assembly about a bill to 
establish K-9 Veterans Day in our State.
  My wife Cynthia and I extend our deepest sympathies to Lisa during 
this difficult time. We know without a doubt that Sergeant Rambo's 
legacy will leave a positive impact on the lives he touched and causes 
he championed for years to come.

                          ____________________