MARINE CORPS LOGISTICS BASE ALBANY, Ga. -- The commandant of the Marine Corps has granted permission for Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany to dedicate the base K-9 kennel facility on March 19 at 10 a.m. in honor of a fallen Marine formerly assigned to the installation.
Cpl. Dustin J. Lee, 20, of Quitman, Miss., was fatally wounded in Iraq, March 21, 2007, in a 73-mm rocket attack; and his military working dog, Lex, sustained shrapnel wounds in the same incident.
At the time of the attack, Lee was detached from the Marine Corps Police Department, Marine Corps Logistics Base Albany, and attached to the 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 6, II Marine Expeditionary Force.
“Nothing could be more fitting than to dedicate the facility in honor of Corporal Lee,” said Col. Terry V. Williams, commanding officer, MCLB Albany. “He invested so much time and energy keeping this base safe, and this dedication will serve to immortalize both Dustin’s memory and the ultimate sacrifice he paid for our freedom.”
Lee’s parents are scheduled to attend the event, along with Lex, the adopted K-9 partner of their fallen son.
Lt. Gen. Richard F. Natonski, commander, U.S. Marine Forces Command, is scheduled to speak at the event.
Several Congressional representatives and senior Marine Corps officers are also expected to be present.
The event is open to all personnel who work on the base. Individuals should check with their supervisors for work schedule-specific information.
Because of limited parking at the event, employees are invited to use shuttle transportation provided by the base.
The shuttle bus will depart from the east parking lot of Building 3600 headed to the kennel at the following times: 9, 9:15 and 9:30 a.m.
Employees are cautioned that Building 5500 parking areas will be for VIP use only, and bus transportation is advised.
For more information, call Bob James, deputy director of Operations and Training Division at (229) 639-6993.