February 1, 2020
Hank began his military career as a United States Marine as an IED Detector Canine when he was assigned to me at Camp Lejeune in 2009. Later that year Hank deployed with me and our unit, 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines, to Helmand, Afghanistan. While in Afghanistan, Hank was a part of many missions that assisted in locating IEDs to prevent injuries to our fellow Marines. Together we have been threw everything life can throw at you. Hank turned out to be one of the best assignment I could have ever asked for! This partnership turned into a true love for one another.
After we returned from Afghanistan Hank was retired from the Marines as a Corporal, and I was given the opportunity to adopt him. At the beginning of his retirement Hank spent some time with my parents in Prescott, Arizona where he spent most of his days in the woods sniffing out game, and chasing after anything he could find. After some time, he joined me back home in Purcellville, Virginia where he spent the many remaining years of his life. Hank enjoyed to running in the pastures, hunting, and chasing me on my four wheeler. He was always happy, loved his toy ducks, and especially loved to eat. My favorite memory of Hank would be how he would greet me as I came home on the fence line. As I pulled into the driveway he would run back to the house as fast as he could so he could meet me at the door. He was a true companion, friend, and American Hero.
