MWD Leo

Program Member #228

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share in the passing of Project K-9 Hero Pack Member #228, retired Military Working Dog (MWD) "LEO.”

MWD Leo spent eight years assigned to the U.S. Army's 69th Military Working Dog Detachment in Fort Carson, Colorado. MWD Leo was certified as a Patrol/Explosives Detection Dog that served with the utmost distinction during his career. Leo deployed in support of combat operations in Afghanistan, as well two separate combat deployments to Iraq . In addition to his service overseas, he was attached to the United States Secret Service to protect the President of the United States on over 20 missions.

After his last deployment to Iraq in 2021, Leo was medically retired due to a spinal disease that had been increasingly giving him significant mobility issues. Leo remained with his still-serving, active-duty Handler from his final deployment. Leo was in need of immediate medical attention that she simply could not afford at that time. That left only two options, which was for his Handler to go into extreme personal debt, or for MWD Leo to go without help.

Since we at Project K-9 Hero didn’t want to see either of those happen, we placed Leo in our program over three years ago to help save his life.

His Handler had this to say in regards to her appreciation of our nonprofit organization, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You helped Leo and me out during the lowest point in my life where I was so deep in debt, but so desperate to save his life, back in 2023. Thanks to your organization, Leo was able to live the best possible retired life and for that, I can’t thank you enough.”

Please take a moment to remember and honor MWD Leo for his service to the safety and security of our nation! We will NEVER let him be forgotten!

July 10th, 2013 - July 16th, 2026

MPC Jax

Program Member #288

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we share in the passing of Project K-9 Hero Pack Member #288 Multi-Purpose Canine (MPC) "Jax.”

MPC Jax was assigned to the U.S. Army's 2nd Ranger Battalion, in the elite and honored 75th Ranger Regiment for five years. He served with the utmost distinction during his career. Jax deployed twice in support of combat operations to Iraq  and Afghanistan. He was trusted with leading platoons of Rangers to safely and assuredly accomplish their directed missions. Jax’s noble actions mitigated risk to each and every Ranger on those missions.

Jax was widely and endearingly known for his "chaotic" and business-first attitude. His presence was felt by all of came across his path. Not only was he mission capable, but he was always a friend on deployments. He loved movie nights with the boys, and was considered min-force before you could press play. He enjoyed the retired life with his Handler and his family, long walks, endless kongs, and much earned R&R.

MPC Jax has served our country with distinction. We were honored to cover all medical costs at 100% for MPC Jax in his retirement. It was the least we can do for him after all he had done for our country!

Please take a moment to remember MPC Jax for the absolute Hero that he was!

April 14th, 2016 - July 21st, 2026