A three-legged explosive detection dog received full military honors after his death at a moving ceremony in San Antonio, Texas.
Sgt. Rambo, an ambassador for military dogs’ rights, served in the Marine Corps from 2011-2012.
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He lost a leg during training, was discharged medically and went to live with Lisa Phillips, retired army veteran. Sgt. Rambo died on Feb. 10 and was honored in a ceremony at VFW post 76 that caused Phillips to tear up.
“It was absolutely beautiful,” Phillips said to WFMY-TV. “They did the 21-gun salute, they did the folding of the flag, presented me with the flag.”
“It was just really special,” she stated.
During his life, Sgt. Rambo worked hard to protect American lives.
“He did 620 state-side searches, two official missions state-side and about a thousand hours of training,” Phillips said.
Sgt. Rambo is one of several retired military dogs that Phillips has adopted.
Phillips has a passion for the welfare of retired military dogs and worked to advocate for legislation that would give canine veterans proper medical care after retirement.
She worked alongside North Carolina congressman Walter Jones to introduce the Canine Members of the Armed Forces Act which passed in 2013.
The act requires that military dogs be reclassified from mere “equipment,” to canine members of the Armed Forces.
In a bittersweet ending, Jones passed away on the same day as Sgt. Rambo
“I almost find comfort knowing they went together because they served so honorably for veterans and animal welfare,” Phillips said.
“I know that there’s a reason for it,” she said. “God is amazing and he’s going to bring beauty out of ashes.”
Phillips hopes to continue advocating for the welfare of military dogs through her nonprofit, Gizmo’s Gift, which helps find medical treatment for military working dogs.
“Rambo was a huge part of that mission. And no matter what, we will continue the fight because these dogs deserve it,” Phillips said.
“They put their lives on the line. They don’t get a paycheck,” she said.
“We really owe our freedoms in part to these dogs,” Phillips added. “If I can help another dog or another handler, then Rambo’s legacy lives on and that’s all I can ask for.”
