WASHINGTON -- Normally Fort Leonard Wood's Military Police Memorial Grove is a place where tribute is paid to those military police Soldiers who gave their all in serving their country.
On Sunday, August 28, the sacred ground, framed by the crossed pistols of the Military Police Corps, served as the backdrop for a reunion of two living military police warriors.
There Sgt. Jon Paul Perry, a military working dog handler, was reunited with Rex, his explosives detection German shepherd partner. The two had served together in three deployments to Afghanistan over the course of six years.
Perry's parents, his classmates, and Mission K9 Rescue arranged the surprise reunion.
"It's amazing how fast they retire," observed Perry, moments after Rex greeted him by enthusiastically licking his face, too excited to obey Perry's command to sit. It was an emotional scene for both of them.
"You've gotten fat," Perry told his old friend. "But you're going to have a good life with my mom for a few months."
Assigned to the 69th Military Working Dog Detachment, Fort Carson, Colorado, Perry is currently at Fort Leonard Wood attending the new patrol explosive detector dog enhanced course. He is scheduled to graduate in November.
"I think we're like an old married couple -- I know him, and he knows me," said Perry, a Tok, Alaska native. "We've been through some hot stuff together, and I owe him."
Perry had applied to adopt Rex after leaving Germany a year ago when he found out his partner was unable to continue serving his country due to hip problems common to his breed.
Perry knew the adoption was approved, but he had no idea Rex was being transported to Fort Leonard Wood. A major player in the clandestine operation was Sgt. 1st Class Charles Shepker, PEDD-E Course manager, Perry's former kennel master in Germany.
The surprise plot involved Shepker telling Perry's class they had a special project at the MP Memorial Grove. Perry's parents and relatives were hiding when Perry and his classmates strolled in. Shepker emerged with Rex straining on his leash, pulling to greet his longtime master.
"They were an outstanding dog team," Shepker said. "When you talk about a Soldier who is totally dedicated to being a dog handler and one who loves his dog, that's Sgt. Perry."
It's rare for a dog and handler to serve together for such a tenure and even rarer that the handler gets to adopt the dog, according to Shepker.
"Having a dog team paired for such a long time is almost unheard of -- just because every three years, due to PCS, the team is broken up," Shepker said.
"Perry is fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend two tours in Germany at the same kennel with the same dog. I know how much he loves that dog."
Perry's mother, Sandra, was on the verge of tears seeing the two reunited.
"JonPaul and Rex are meant to be together," she said. "The bond between them is fantastic."
She should know. For the past 12 years, she and her three search and rescue dogs have offered their services, free of charge, to the Warrenton Fire Department and other law enforcement agencies in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
"You can have your worst day and, when you go out with your dog, you're better," she remarked.
Perry's biggest hug, other than the one he gave to Rex, was reserved for Kristen Maurer, Mission K9 Rescue president. Her nonprofit organization, based in her hometown of Houston, Texas, arranged Rex's flight from Germany to Houston.
Maurer travelled by van to complete the delivery.
"Rex and JonPaul have spent so much time together -- more than most dogs and their military handlers. They're back together, and that is how it is supposed to be," she said.
"I'm just honored we get to do these reunions and placements. We're so grateful for their service."
Rex has served during four Afghanistan deployments with more than 250 combat missions and conducted countless VIP and secret service security missions, according to Perry. The two deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, 2012 and 2014.
In all, according to Perry, he and Rex were credited with conducting more than 200 combat patrols and locating multiple improvised explosive devices and enemy weapons caches.
After their last tour was shortened due to an injury sustained by Perry, the pair returned to Germany where military veterinarians determined that Rex, at just 9 years old, would be unable to continue serving.
"I don't know what he's going to do anymore (in retirement), as he's been working his whole life," Perry said.
"He can get as fat as he wants and sit on as many couches as he wants -- just whatever he wants to do. He's the best dog I ever had and the best dog I ever will have. Now, he's going to be mine for the rest of his life. I owe him that."
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