The Commandant of the Marine Corps has granted permission for MCLB Albany to dedicate the base K-9 kennel facility on Friday, March 19, 2010 at 10 a.m. in honor of Cpl. Dustin J. Lee.
Lee, 20, of Quitman, Miss., was killed 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 family is 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 be the guest speaker.
Several Congressional members and senior Marine Corps officers are scheduled to attend the event, including:
-Congressman Sanford D. Bishop (D, Ga.)
-Congressman Walter B. Jones (R, N.C.)
-Lt. Gen. Willie J. Williams, director, Marine Corps Staff (former commanding general of Marine Corps Logistics Command)
-Brig. Gen. James A. Kessler, commanding general, Marine Corps Logistics Command
-Col. Terry V. Williams, commanding officer, MCLB Albany
-Col. Christian N. Haliday, head, Total Life-Cycle Management Office, Logistics Plans, Policies and Strategic Mobility Division, Installations & Logistics Department, Headquarters, U. S. Marine Corps (former commanding officer of MCLB Albany)
Media desiring to cover the event should be at the base’s main gate on Fleming Road at 9:30 a.m., and should contact one of the above numbers for confirmation of attendance prior to arrival.