Marine’s four-legged friend receives award for actions in Operation Iraqi Freedom [Image 2 of 7]

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, JAPAN

10.24.2016

Photo by Cpl. Janessa Dugan 

Marine Corps Installations Pacific

Col. Peter Lee, right, delivers an opening speech during an award ceremony honoring retired military working dog, Patti, and her former handler and current owner, James Altman, left, Oct. 24 on Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan. The award ceremony honored Patti for her service as a combat tracking dog during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007. While in the line of duty, Patti suffered a spinal embolism, which rendered her completely paralyzed. “Mr. Altman and Patti served in Iraq during a very contentious time,” said Lee, the commanding officer of MCAS Futenma. “Patti was injured during that time and she and Mr. Altman were medically evacuated and the two have been together ever since. Truly an example of that bond between a dog handler and his dog.” The award was presented by the U.S. War Dogs Association, which honors military working dogs and their handlers for their support of military operations around the world. Altman is the MCAS Futenma chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear defense officer and is a Sebring, Florida, native. Lee is the commanding officer of MCAS Futenma, Marine Corps Installations Pacific.

• Date Taken: 10.24.2016
• Date Posted: 10.25.2016 03:59
• Photo ID: 2941663
• VIRIN: 161024-M-TA471-031
• Resolution: 3840x5760
• Size: 7.28 MB
• Location: MARINE CORPS AIR STATION FUTENMA, OKINAWA, JP
• Hometown: LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, TX, US
• Hometown: SEBRING, FL, US