Marc and Anax: Finale
All right, time for the final chapter of Marc and Anax! Take out your kleenex now and get ready.
But first……
In my recent post, Thanking a Veteran, I told you the story of Kim Edelheiser at Orchard Creek Labradors who gifted a wounded veteran with a new Labrador Retriever puppy. I thought someone might like to know that Kim does have one female puppy still available for sale.
If interested you can contact her at the Orchard Creek Labrador Facebook Page.
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This is Part VIII of this story. You may wish to skip back to Part I to start reading this dramatic story from the beginning.
Army Specialist Marc Whittaker’s eyes shot open when he heard the vibrating. He rolled over and felt for his phone on the night stand.
Nothing good ever happens after midnight. That was what his mom had always said.
His phone finally lit up like a shiny beacon . He glanced down at his phone and read the text message, “please please please please Marc can you come over right now.”
The text was from Staff Sergeant Dick “Alson” Lee’s wife Katie.
What the hell was going on?
It was the middle of the night and she was texting him?
Alson had only been deployed to Afghanistan for about 23 days. What could she need so soon? He had just seen her and she had said everything was fine.
Katie had been through multiple deployments before with Alson. Heck, she was a soldier herself so she knew the deal. Of course since they had their two little boys it was even harder on her.
“Please please please please Marc can you come over right now.”
Marc was glad she had texted him, though. Sure, he was tired from working all day, but if she needed help with something he would be there no matter the time.
It’s just what soldiers do for one another. They watch over one another’s families while they are deployed.
Marc had never had a mentor like Alson and he’d been sorry to see him deploy. Even up to tp the day before he deployed, Alson had spent time working with Marc and Military Working Dog Dark. Marc was determined to make him proud. He would certify with Dark for sure that month.
Then he would email Alson proudly and savor his mentor’s praise.
It seemed like every light in the Lees’ third story apartment was lit. That was weird—it was the middle of the night.
Then he saw several government sedans parked close to their apartment stairwell. That’s when it hit him.
Those were vehicles driven by officers bearing bad news.
Alson. Something had happened to him in Afghanistan. That must be it.
Marc’s heart began to thump in his chest.
I’m sure he just got hit. A superficial wound for sure.
He’s probably at the hospital at Bagram Airbase or maybe headed back to Landstuhl here in Germany.
Alson has made it through three deployments already. I’m sure he is going to be fine, Marc thought.
Everything is under control, Marc.
Two steps at a time Marc raced up the flight of stairs. The door was partially open and he pushed it the rest of the way. He noticed several people in the room, but Marc saw just one—Katie.
Tears were streaming down her cheeks, her eyes were red and puffy. She looked at Marc, pulled her lower lip into her mouth, and simply stared at him.
It was then that Marc knew his friend and mentor, Staff Sergeant Dick “Alson” Lee, wasn’t injured.
Alson was dead.
#
Staff Sergeant Dick “Alson” Lee was killed in Afghanistan April 26th, 2012 when his vehicle hit an improvised explosive device (IED).
His military working dog Fibi, Navy Lieutenant Christopher E. Mosko, and Green Beret Staff Sgt. Brandon F. Eggleston were also killed in the explosion.
Alson had been in country for only 23 days and that was the first mission of his fourth combat deployment.
He is survived by his wife Katie and their two young boys, Josh and David.
#
One traumatic event is often enough to break a person. Two events—that can shatter people and make them a shell of their once proud selves. Not Marc Whittaker.
For Marc it was a sign. His best friend Anax nearly lost his life protecting him. Alson, his mentor and friend, was gone forever.
When is enough, enough?
Marc knew he was the only person who could answer that for himself. Sure, he wanted to go certify with Dark and make Alson proud, but he realized his passion for dog handling had left him.
This was a sign from above that dog handling just wasn’t for him any longer. He could make Alson proud in different ways.
Marc submitted his paperwork with the Army to remove his dog handler identifier and no longer works with dogs.
All except for his pal Anax who lives with him and is still his best friend.
Marc and Anax have since moved from Germany to Fort Hood, Texas.
With only 16 months left in the Army, Marc plans on separating when his enlistment is up. Once he leaves the service, he plans on taking advantage of the educational benefits he earned in the Army.
#
When I first read Marc and Anax’s story, I knew I had to have it on my site. Fortunately the Stars and Stripes were kind enough to allow me to use the initial story.
Then I saw Marc on Facebook (we have mutual friends) and had the idea to contact him and see if I could get an update for the website. That morphed into my first series.
More importantly it gave me the idea to find handlers to follow and write about their exploits on my website. I’ve wanted to find a way to share their stories since I was in Afghanistan and ran the dog program for U.S. Forces.
It’s very hard for me to end this story line. Marc and Anax have been part of this website since Day One. Of course, the great thing about the web is that they will always be part of the site.
Marc was my first handler and I thank him for allowing me to write about him.
Thank you for sharing your story on the site, Marc.
What I love about Marc is he takes the attitude: “Hey, this is my story. This is what is happening to me—good, bad, or indifferent—and I’m not afraid to share it.
On a professional level Marc has taught me a ton about the challenges our dog handlers go through.
Eventually I will have a dog team detachment under my direct control. Having a glimpse into their world will allow me to provide them the leadership they deserve.
-Military Working Dog Dark remains stationed in Germany where he has paired up with a new soldier.
-Retired Military Working Dog Anax lives with Marc and is spoiled rotten.
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24 comments on “Marc and Anax: Finale”
Leave a Reply
Hey, Kevin,
I was so wanting Marc and Dark to pass certification, but the beauty of your blog is that these are real stories about real people who are dealing with real tragedies. I understand completely Marc’s serving best by giving up the work with the dogs. I hope he and Anax have a great, great time together in the future! Hooray for them both for serving well and for making hard choices!
Ginger
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Kevin Hanrahan says:
Hi Ginger. You are so right…these are not just stories with “happy” endings. This is Marc’s life…he lived and is currently living it…… I think that is what makes it so amazing….folks can read about what is really going on with a true hero…..and not just what they see on the news or in the movies.
Jani Muhlestein says: Well, you promised that Dark didn’t die. You never promised that nobody did.
I realize it’s been a year, but I doubt that all that much has changed for Mrs. Lee. I am so very, very sorry. And you’re right, Kleenex definitely needed.
Thank Marc for his service, and for taking care of a real war hero for us. Anax is well-loved, not just in Texas, but all over the world, now, too. And Marc’s wife deserves to have a husband to go with the dog.
I am so very grateful for those who serve our nation, and I worry about those in war zones so very much. I want them all home. I just fear that peace is not something we are destined to really know again. Not if we want to preserve what matters most: our freedom.
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I know Jani but this is the raw truth….. I wish it wasn’t.
Thank you for posting the finale to Marc and Dark’s story, Kevin. My heart is with Katie Lee and her family, and all those who mourn losses or worry about deployed family members.
Not to downplay the importance of our military presence overseas, but it seems to me that we have so much to be done here in our own country, that perhaps we should focus our resources here, military included. An added benefit (huge!) would be that military families could live together.
With great appreciation for the hard work and sacrifices of all military members and families,
Carole
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It is an honor to share this story Carole.
Keith Baron says: Such a sad ending for these brave soldiers and their dog Fibi.My condolences to the families and friends of S/Sgt Alson,Lt Chris E. Mosko and S/Sgt Brandon F.Eggleston.These servicemen and the war dogs are outstanding and recognised as such by their country.
I wish all the very best to Marc Whittaker and Anax whenMarc leaves the Service – he has served his country well and he sounds like someone who I would be proud to shake by the hand.
Kevin Hanrahan says: Thank you Keith.
michelle says: please pass on to Marc and to Katie how very sorry i am for their loss. i’m so glad marc was there for katie and her two boys. i wish them peace and strength.
you were right kleenex definitely needed.
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Thank you Michelle. I’m sure Marc will see your comment….and appreciate your sentiment.
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there are times when words are just not enough. wish there was a way i could pass on some hugs to show how much we appreciate their sacrifice.
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Bobby Wingate says: Kevin outstanding series, very well written. Thank You for writing and making us all aware of Service to Our Country, Dedication and Hard Work all these Warriors and Families provide 24/7 365. Thoughts and Prayers to Mrs. Lee, Her Family, Families of those who were killed in the explosion which took the life of her husband. Their Service to Our Country Never Forgotten and Greatly Appreciated. An ABN Salute to Marc and Anax all the best for each and everyday. Their service to Our Country Never Forgotten and Greatly Appreciated. ALL THE WAY SIR AND THEN SOME
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Hi Bobby, thank you. Airborne!
Claudia Hirschochs says: Our incredibly brave men & women serving in our Armed Forces are amazing and every loss is heartwrenching, even more so when you think these brave souls volunteer. It is also heartbreaking when those beautiful fellow souls of animal angels also pay the ultimate price. They have our undying gratitude & love. To family & friends of Staff Sergeant Dick “Alson” Lee our deepest condolensces and Thank yous. To Marc Whittaker & Anax Thank You & the very best of Luck in all future endeavours.
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Hi Claudia. That you very much for your sentiment.
That was beautiful, and we will pray for the familiy of Mr. Alson & the other lost soldiers. They paid the ultimate price so we can enjoy our freedom every day. Americans need to be reminded that freedom is NOT free. Securing our way of life requires the bravest of protectors, and your friends and their canine counterparts do just that.
And we wish Mr. Whittaker & Anax a long-lived and beautiful friendship.
-
Hi Joey. Thank you.
Sally Lowen says: We’ve need you to keep telling these stories as a reminder of the sacrifices a few are making for all of us. Prayer for the Alston family . Prayers for all those who serve including our furry friends. My Retired Belgian woke from her nap to agree. She is exhausted from squirrel watching.
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Thanks Sally! Shouldn’t your Mal be out there chasing those squirrels!
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She would if only she could climb trees!
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SFC Robert Browning says: You have a great writing style that brings the story home. Thank you for writing Marc’s story (and the others) and a huge THANK YOU to Marc and Anax for their service and sacrifices.
Respectfully,
SFC Robert Browning
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Hi Robert. Thank you!
I am so touched by this story – as a dog lover (and owner) and believer in people and the force for good that we can be – this really was an emotinal (and well written) read.
Deep respect to all concerned.
-
Hi Molly, thank you. This is such an inspirational story…..Marc and Anax….. I feel like a better Army leader after putting it into print.
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Hey, Kevin,
I was so wanting Marc and Dark to pass certification, but the beauty of your blog is that these are real stories about real people who are dealing with real tragedies. I understand completely Marc’s serving best by giving up the work with the dogs. I hope he and Anax have a great, great time together in the future! Hooray for them both for serving well and for making hard choices!
Ginger
Hi Ginger. You are so right…these are not just stories with “happy” endings. This is Marc’s life…he lived and is currently living it…… I think that is what makes it so amazing….folks can read about what is really going on with a true hero…..and not just what they see on the news or in the movies.
Well, you promised that Dark didn’t die. You never promised that nobody did.
I realize it’s been a year, but I doubt that all that much has changed for Mrs. Lee. I am so very, very sorry. And you’re right, Kleenex definitely needed.
Thank Marc for his service, and for taking care of a real war hero for us. Anax is well-loved, not just in Texas, but all over the world, now, too. And Marc’s wife deserves to have a husband to go with the dog.
I am so very grateful for those who serve our nation, and I worry about those in war zones so very much. I want them all home. I just fear that peace is not something we are destined to really know again. Not if we want to preserve what matters most: our freedom.
I know Jani but this is the raw truth….. I wish it wasn’t.
Thank you for posting the finale to Marc and Dark’s story, Kevin. My heart is with Katie Lee and her family, and all those who mourn losses or worry about deployed family members.
Not to downplay the importance of our military presence overseas, but it seems to me that we have so much to be done here in our own country, that perhaps we should focus our resources here, military included. An added benefit (huge!) would be that military families could live together.
With great appreciation for the hard work and sacrifices of all military members and families,
Carole
It is an honor to share this story Carole.
Such a sad ending for these brave soldiers and their dog Fibi.My condolences to the families and friends of S/Sgt Alson,Lt Chris E. Mosko and S/Sgt Brandon F.Eggleston.These servicemen and the war dogs are outstanding and recognised as such by their country.
I wish all the very best to Marc Whittaker and Anax whenMarc leaves the Service – he has served his country well and he sounds like someone who I would be proud to shake by the hand.
Thank you Keith.
please pass on to Marc and to Katie how very sorry i am for their loss. i’m so glad marc was there for katie and her two boys. i wish them peace and strength.
you were right kleenex definitely needed.
Thank you Michelle. I’m sure Marc will see your comment….and appreciate your sentiment.
there are times when words are just not enough. wish there was a way i could pass on some hugs to show how much we appreciate their sacrifice.
Kevin outstanding series, very well written. Thank You for writing and making us all aware of Service to Our Country, Dedication and Hard Work all these Warriors and Families provide 24/7 365. Thoughts and Prayers to Mrs. Lee, Her Family, Families of those who were killed in the explosion which took the life of her husband. Their Service to Our Country Never Forgotten and Greatly Appreciated. An ABN Salute to Marc and Anax all the best for each and everyday. Their service to Our Country Never Forgotten and Greatly Appreciated. ALL THE WAY SIR AND THEN SOME
Hi Bobby, thank you. Airborne!
Our incredibly brave men & women serving in our Armed Forces are amazing and every loss is heartwrenching, even more so when you think these brave souls volunteer. It is also heartbreaking when those beautiful fellow souls of animal angels also pay the ultimate price. They have our undying gratitude & love. To family & friends of Staff Sergeant Dick “Alson” Lee our deepest condolensces and Thank yous. To Marc Whittaker & Anax Thank You & the very best of Luck in all future endeavours.
Hi Claudia. That you very much for your sentiment.
That was beautiful, and we will pray for the familiy of Mr. Alson & the other lost soldiers. They paid the ultimate price so we can enjoy our freedom every day. Americans need to be reminded that freedom is NOT free. Securing our way of life requires the bravest of protectors, and your friends and their canine counterparts do just that.
And we wish Mr. Whittaker & Anax a long-lived and beautiful friendship.
Hi Joey. Thank you.
We’ve need you to keep telling these stories as a reminder of the sacrifices a few are making for all of us. Prayer for the Alston family . Prayers for all those who serve including our furry friends. My Retired Belgian woke from her nap to agree. She is exhausted from squirrel watching.
Thanks Sally! Shouldn’t your Mal be out there chasing those squirrels!
She would if only she could climb trees!
You have a great writing style that brings the story home. Thank you for writing Marc’s story (and the others) and a huge THANK YOU to Marc and Anax for their service and sacrifices.
Respectfully,
SFC Robert Browning
Hi Robert. Thank you!
I am so touched by this story – as a dog lover (and owner) and believer in people and the force for good that we can be – this really was an emotinal (and well written) read.
Deep respect to all concerned.
Hi Molly, thank you. This is such an inspirational story…..Marc and Anax….. I feel like a better Army leader after putting it into print.