Jerome Lee, Grand Prize Winner
gallery/01w.jpgPatriot Pet: Lex, German Shepherd
Attached are photos of retired Military Working Dog Lex. Lex was the K9 partner to Cpl Dustin Jerome Lee who was killed in Iraq in March of 2007. Lex was injured in the attack that killed his partner. He later received an "honorary Purple Heart" from the Military Order of the Purple Heart Ch 566.
Lex received early retirement and was adopted by Cpl Lee's family in December of 2007. Lex's early retirement and adoption was the first of its kind in Marine Corps history. Lex's current mission is to help his family heal from the loss of their son and brother and to also help other veterans and families to heal and cope with their losses as well. The Lee family and Lex currently visit VA Hospitals and attend speaking engagements to honor our fallen Soldiers and Marines.
The Lee family is proud of Cpl Dustin Jerome Lee’s service and also proud of his partner Lex, who stood by his side, while he lay injured.
Lex is an 8 year old German Shepherd dog that was trained in finding explosives and he is our Patriot Family Pet and hero.
Zachery Eierman, First Place
gallery/02w.jpgPatriot Pet: Roxy, Boxer
Roxy is the embodiment of the Boxer. She entertains, safeguards, and adores her family. She has protected the home front while her Soldier protected the USA on a 15-month deployment to Iraq. She greeted his return with the same joy and excitement that was felt by the family she protected.
Emily Seibert, Second Place
gallery/03w.jpgPatriot Pet: Jack, Boston Terrier
Jack surely misses his dad, who's been deployed since June. He keeps his mommy good company by going for walks, playing ball, and snuggling in bed each night. He loves wearing his Army shirt to show his dad support! Jack can be described as a loyal and spunky lovebug.
Benjamin Croom, Second Place
gallery/04w.jpgPatriot Pet: Remington, Weimaraner
Remington is a true part of not only my family, but also our military life. Remington enjoys partaking in PT with fellow soldiers. Living on base, he now enjoys walking the neighborhood and playing with all the children. He is loving and protective of all those he encounters.
Tabitha Welsh, Third Place
gallery/05w.jpgPatriot Pet: Liberty Maria
This is a picture of our youngest dog Liberty Maria. She loves to sniff out dads military gear when he comes home from drill and check out all of the new smells that come with it. But most of all she likes to show her pride in dad, just like the rest of us. Here she is posing with his hat and boots.
Alyssa Tinker, Third Place
gallery/06w.jpgPatriot Pets: Kobe (left, Light Wheaten) and Maggie (right, Livernose), Rhodesian Ridgebacks
Maggie and Kobe are the greatest companions while my husband is deployed. They kept me going while he was in Korea for 18 months and will for his upcoming deployment. They are my security, sanity, bed warmers, cuddle buddies, support, my everything. They are an important part of our military family!
Allen M. Hunter, Finalist
gallery/07f.jpgPatriot Pet: Sallie, German Shepherd, Chow & Collie
Sallie is an All-American dog, spayed, adopted female. Sallie stays with our daughter, Katie Ann, when she is sick and sleeps in her room. Once, when a delivery person came, Sallie moved between Katie and the door, so package was left on the sidewalk! Sallie is an incredibly empathetic dog. When she "worked" in schools, she would sit by the most troubled child. Sallie "listened" to a child’s disclosure of abuse by placing her head and paw on the child's lap.
Donald Edwards, Finalist
gallery/08f.jpgPatriot Pet: Nitro, Black Pomeranian and Bella, White & Brown Female Jack Russell Terrier
Nitro and Bella are both 5 years old, and strong patriots of our great country. In this picture, Nitro prepares to go underway. Bella is sad to see him go, but proud of her brave sailor, as she plants a farewell kiss on his cheek.
Eileen D'Andrea, Finalist
gallery/09f.jpgPatriot Pet: Toby, Sheltie
Toby joined our family Christmas Eve 2004. He's the gift that keeps on giving. Toby is a family member, not just as a pet. The photo of me and Toby was taken by my husband June 2008, a couple of days before I left on a 7-month deployment to Afghanistan.
Holly Swegle, Finalist
gallery/10f.jpgPatriot Pet: Watson, Terrier Mix
Watson is a very playful puppy, He loves to play with children. Watson is about 6 months old, we bought him from a market in Korea.
Izzy Lipinski, Finalist
gallery/11f.jpgPatriot Pet: Izzy
Izzy, in our mind is one of a kind. She fetches, meets us at the door for a belly rub like a dog and chirps like a bird. On top of that, she has acquired a taste of water only from the sink. She's very spoiled and loved by us.
Jacquelyn Brady, Finalist
gallery/12f.jpgPatriot Pet: Sophie, Cairn Terrier
My parents are military retirees. I help them give back to the military community by performing a trick show. I frequently entertain children at post libraries and day care centers, injured soldiers and their families at the Walter Reed Fisher House, and retirees at the Soldiers' and Airmen's Home.
Jaime R. Fried, Finalist
gallery/13f.jpgPatriot Pet: Spookie Fried (Rescue Kitty), Maine Coon Mix
Hello! This is my patriotic Kitty Spookie, who has stood by me through four different deployments to Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Honduras and Iraq, as the rock that I can come home to and cuddle with always there to purr away my tears and fears after I get back from combat.
James A. Sanders, Finalist
gallery/14f.jpgPatriot Pet: Seren, Mix breed
Seren has become much more than a pet to my wife and I, she’s like our child. The joy and love she brings to our home is indescribable. Since there are no children in our home to help my wife with the loneliness during deployments she is a great companion.
James M. Robinson, Finalist
gallery/15f.jpgPatriot Pet: Cookie, Umbrella Cockatoo
Our Umbrella Cockatoo, Cookie, has the use of only one leg, but is still our best friend! My wife taught Cookie to hold the American flag, and this is a picture of the welcome that I received when I returned from my tour in Iraq.
Jamie Sheppard, Finalist
gallery/16f.jpgPatriot Pet: Scamp
We bought our dog Scamp when my husband had his first deployment in 2001. At the time we only had our one daughter Jessica Heaven. If it wasn't for Scamp my daughter would have been miserable. Anytime she got scared or felt lonely because she missed her daddy scamp was always there. Scamp has slept next to her since she was 2. These two are the best of buddies and Jessica is now seven. She doesn't spend the night with friends unless scamp can go too. My husband has done four tours to Iraq and 2 to Korea and Scamp has been by Jessica side every time. Every time Daddy returns home from a deployment, I swear Scamp is just as excited as the girls are. Scamp is truly a Patriotic dog.
Jeff Kranz, Finalist
gallery/17f.jpgPatriot Pet: Oscar, Bichon Frise
Our dog Oscar is a Bichon Frise. We adopted him at Keesler AFB, MS almost 17 years ago. He has traveled from base to base and is a true Air Force brat. He may be old in years but still a young airman at heart.
Joandry Farré, Finalist
gallery/18f.jpgPatriot Pet: Coco Channel, German Shorthaired Lab
Being part of a military family is not easy. It takes a great toll on the entire family from the spouses, to the children and even the pets. Coco Channel Farré, German Shorthaired Lab, misses her "daddy" greatly every time he's away at work during the day and when he is sent away on TDYs. Our pets, members of our family, feel sad too, but they also have become patience and grateful.
Jonathan P. Oakley, Finalist
gallery/19f.jpgPatriot Pet: Freckles, Mixed Jack Russell, Terrier & Corgy
This is our son and our dog looking out the window when we were stationed in new mexico, this is such a unique photo.
Katie Bierman, Finalist
gallery/20f.jpgPatriot Pet: Duke, German Short-haired Pointer
My husband returned from Iraq in June to his biggest fans, but not all were of the two-legged variety. Duke, our companion and great protector, greeted John as if a huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He stood tall, licked John’s face, and gave him hero’s welcome.
Kem Anderson, Finalist
gallery/21f.jpgPatriot Pet: America, Blue Heeler
America was adopted 9/11/2001. Being multicolored, she was named to represent our country’s unity during that tumultuous time. She’s intelligent, intuitive, and eager to serve. Pet therapy was recommended for our son who lacked skills to calm himself. True to her name, America healed us all when other therapies failed.
Major Brus E. Vidal, Finalist
gallery/22f.jpgPatriot Pet: Jingles the Cat
Hello! My family found me in a park. I’m happy I’m not a stray anymore. My leader leaves a lot so I tried to sneak away and deploy too when caught in action. When not sneaking away on deployments, I terrorize my housemate dog, Buddy, who was an SPCA rescue.
Mark Sumonka, Finalist
gallery/23f.jpgPatriot Pet: Farley, Flat Coated
This is a Photo of Farley and I. Farley is a Service Dog. Farley was trained by the Army at FT Knox KY (AIMHI program). Farley saved my life figuratively and literally. I am a disabled veteran.
Mary Garrido, Finalist
gallery/24f.jpgPatriot Pet: Saku, Orange-Wing Amazon
Saku is a daddy's bird. He helped both me and daddy go through deployment by just being himself, very affectionate. The picture was taken right before daddy left for his r and r. Even though he hasn't seen his daddy for a long time, he remained the sweetest bird ever.
Maurita Hughs, Finalist
gallery/25f.jpgPatriot Pet: Caesar, Mixed Lab, Pit & Chow
Caesar is the all American pet who stands by his family. He knows a variety of voice commands and hand signals which contribute to him being very obedient. He is an indoor and outdoor dog and is crate trained. He loves people, car rides, walks and hikes.
Nadeen Wincapaw, Finalist
gallery/26f.jpgPatriot Pet: Harley, Boxer
Harley is our 3-1/2 year old Boxer. She is extremely smart and does many "tricks." Troy has been in the military for 12-1/2 years and is stationed at Peterson AFB in Army Space. We have 3 daughters, ages 16, 14, and 12 and Harley is the "baby" of our family.
Nicole Stickney, Finalist
gallery/27f.jpgPatriot Pet: Riley, Yellow Labrador Retriever
Riley is a wonderful Army family pet that has lived with us at five different duty stations. Riley was particularly important to our family during my husband’s two deployments, keeping everyone company back home. Riley (10) and Clara (1 ½) are very proud of their daddy’s service.
Philip Yi, Finalist
gallery/28f.jpgPatriot Pet: Sing-Jai, Yorkshire Terrier
This picture is our dog, Commander Sing-Jai with his dog troops.
SFC Steven Ornelles, Finalist
gallery/29f.jpgPatriot Pet: Boomer, American Canadian Shepherd "White Shepherd"
Boomer is loyal, sweet, and great with kids and has a kind soul. He loves to "smile", wag his whole body and treats. He cheers the children up with a lick, a paw, a wet nose or lays with them when they feel sad. He gives us unconditional love and friendship.
Susan Hughes, Finalist
gallery/30f.jpgPatriot Pet: Kian, Australian Labradoodle
Kian is a registered therapy dog working in Hawaii public schools. Children reading below grade level read to him. He's a good listener and kids enjoy reading to him. He has proven instrumental in improving reading scores of children reading to him. Kian loves dressing up for school visits.
Susanna Bartee, Finalist
gallery/31f.jpgPatriot Pet: Destiny (with daughter Hannah)
I love this horse because I gain a daughter whose character is strengthened each time she puts her boot in that stirrup. It's not too complicated to watch a girl train a horse, but it's still a bit of a mystery how a horse trains a girl.
Tammy Nikolas, Finalist
gallery/32f.jpgPatriot Pet: Swimmer, Golden Retriever
Swimmer is part of the family, always happy to great my husband and I when we get home from work. Not only is he part of the family, but part of the military family as he has traveled the world with us wherever we go.
Tanya Price, Finalist
gallery/33f.jpgPatriot Pet: Daisy (Rescued), Golden Retriever Mix
Daisy is the most loyal and loving companion that one could ask for. She helped me through my husband's deployment and now she is my son's best friend. Daisy is a people dog and her only fault is that she does not know when to stop licking!
Terrence McDuffie, Finalist
gallery/34f.jpgPatriot Pet: Sina, Yellow Labrador Retriever
My name is Sina. I am 4 1/2 months old. I am truly a "Patriotic Pet". I do alot of the same things that my daddy does. For instance, while my daddy is out protecting the freedom of Americans, I am protecting my home. While he is away on foreign soil, I am soiling my house waiting for him to come home. So as you can see I am truly the most "Patriotic Pet" there is, so choose me.
Terry Dreiling, Finalist
gallery/35f.jpgPatriot Pet: Pet, Himalayan Griffon Vulture
My Pet is a Himalayan Griffon Vulture that I found near death in Afghanistan. I treated him and nursed him back to health until he was able to fly off under his own power. He has a wingspan of 96 inches and enjoyed eating shredded meat that we gave him.
Wesley Fisk, Finalist
gallery/36f.jpgPatriot Pet: Kaya, Lab & Boxer Mix
Kaya is 1 1/2 years old, is very smart and knows how to sit, sit pretty, speak, give high fives, and shake. She also knows how to listen very well, loves car rides with the windows rolled down and absolutely loves eating snowballs like they're treats.
