Megan Leavey

Megan Leavey (born October 28, 1983) is a former US Marine corporal who served as a Military Police K9 handler.

For the 2017 film, see Megan Leavey (film).
Megan Leavey
Leavey and Rex in 2012
Born (1983-10-28) October 28, 1983
Valley Cottage, New York
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branchUnited States Marine Corps
Years of service2003–2007
RankCorporal
Battles/warsIraq War
Awards

Leavey enlisted in the Marines in 2003 and was stationed at Camp Pendleton, California, where she was paired with military working dog Rex (E168). The pair served two deployments in Iraq together. They were first deployed to Fallujah in 2005, and then to Ramadi in 2006, where they were both wounded by an improvised explosive device. Leavey was awarded the Purple Heart and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a "V" device for heroism in combat.

Leavey first sought to adopt Rex after the 2006 bomb blast. Later, when Rex developed facial palsy that ended his bomb-sniffing duties, Leavey petitioned the Marine Corps for his adoption.[1] They were reunited in April 2012 through the intervention of Senator Chuck Schumer.[2] Rex died on December 22, 2012.[3][4]

Leavey and Rex became the subject of the 2017 biographical film Megan Leavey.[5] She is portrayed by Kate Mara. Leavey had a cameo appearance in the film as "Female Drill Instructor #3".

  • Megan Leavey with Rex in November 2005

Medals and ribbons
 
1st row Purple Heart Navy Achievement Medal w/ "V" device and 1 Service star
2nd row Combat Action Ribbon Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal National Defense Service Medal
3rd row Iraq Campaign Medal w/ 1 Service star Global War on Terrorism Service Medal Navy Sea Service Deployment Ribbon w/ 1 Service star
Badges Marine Corps Rifle Marksman Badge Marine Corps Pistol Marksman Badge

References
  1. Martinez, Luis (March 19, 2012). "Sgt. Rex and Ex-Marine Handler to Be Reunited". ABC News. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  2. Coffey, Wayne (May 12, 2012). "Iraq veteran Megan Leavey and her bomb-sniffing dog Rex set to be honored by the Yankees". Daily News. New York. Retrieved March 17, 2017.
  3. "Beloved Bomb-Sniffing Dog Who Retired To Live With Marine Handler Dies". CBS New York. December 27, 2012. Retrieved March 18, 2017.
  4. "Combat Dog Known as Sgt. Rex Dies, 8 Months After Being Reunited With Marine". NBC News. December 27, 2012. Retrieved June 2, 2017.
  5. Lincoln, Ross A. (August 6, 2015). "Kate Mara Enlists In Biopic About Iraq War Hero Megan Leavey". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 2, 2017.


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