PARRIS ISLAND, S.C. – Cpl. Legend, the beloved mascot for Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, S.C., passed away at approximately 4 p.m., Sept. 17, 2017. Legend was found unresponsive and taken to the depot’s veterinary clinic where he was pronounced deceased. Legend’s funeral ceremony will be held on Oct. 13 at 2 p.m., at the depot’s mascot cemetery.
Legend enlisted in the Marine Corps on Nov. 4, 2011 and graduated from Hotel Company, 2nd Recruit Training Battalion, as an honor graduate, earning him meritorious private first class. He served honorably as the depot’s 20th mascot.
“Legend was a very relaxed dog,” said Lance Cpl. Alicia Stull, an administrative clerk with Headquarters and Service Battalion, and Legend’s primary caretaker. “It taught me how to be more patient as a person, since he was a very laid-back dog.”
Stull was Legend’s last caretaker and began caring for the mascot in August of 2016. Stull created many fond memories with him since she took the position.
“Each time I left my room he would run behind me and look at me like I was never going to come back,” said Stull. “So I always took him with me wherever I went. He was like my baby.”
Legend’s mission aboard Parris Island was to enhance command morale and to support recruiting and community relations. He participated in the motivational run on family day, the depot’s morning colors ceremony and graduation.
Legend was diagnosed with a heart condition earlier this year and placed on a limited work schedule pending arrangements for his retirement. The mascot’s mission is being passed on to the new depot mascot, Opha May, an English bulldog with short white fur. Opha May is currently training with Platoon 4044, Papa Company, 4th Recruit Training Battalion and is scheduled to graduate on Nov. 17, 2017.
“She is excited about anything or everything you put in front of her,” said Cpl. Cameron Philips, an administrative clerk with Headquarters and Service Battalion. “She is very social and energetic; her people skills are why she will fulfil her new role excellently.”