Dear Marilyn, Faculty, and Students,

I Henry Montez would like to thank American Citizens Encouraging Support, Canyon View Elementary, Highlands Middle School, Jesus Loves Me Preschool and to everyone involved in sending us the care packages. I really loved all the messages that all the students wrote, the cards everyone signed, the CD to all the troops and the toy for my dog. I can not forget all the snacks.

I am an Explosive Detection Canine Handler currently working for American Canine in support of all the Coalition Forces in Afghanistan. My dog Lex and I are responsible for clearing all vehicles entering our FOB of explosives that would further injure any soldier, we conduct building searches in a hostile environment to find explosives that can be used against us. We also use the dogs to clear areas where the enemy buries them for further use. I have been working with Lex for two years and ten months. We worked in Iraq for two years beginning in Aril 04 and have been in Afghanistan since April 06. 

When Lex is not working, he is training on searching buildings, vehicles and the ground for explosives. He needs his rest too so some days he has days off so he can catch up on his sleep. I need him to be ready to go work at all times if we are called to go out. I have everything for Lex to survive and ready to go at all times. I have a medical bag, food, water and doggles to cover his eyes when the helicopters come to pick us up. Lex is well prepared and he has a night device attached to his collar so the good guys can see him at night. You can say he glows at night but only the good guys can see him and me. Lex works hard so he also gets playtime and that is when he loves to go chase his ball. 

I am 39 years old and was born in San Antonio, Texas. I have 3 children. My oldest daughter is 22 years old and is going to graduate college in May. She has a 11 month daughter. I have an 18 year old daughter in college and I have a 16 old Son. He will be 17 on Valentine’s Day. My girls live with their mom in Kentucky and my son lives in San Antonio, Texas. I am getting married in April when I will be home for vacation and her name is Heather. She is from Camas Washington and now lives in San Antonio where she takes care of all the Military Working Dogs at Lackland AFB. She is an Animal Health Technician. You can call her a doggie nurse.

I was in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne Division, the 1st Infantry Division, the 2nd Infantry Division, three Air Defense Artillery Units and have been overseas with the Army for seven years. I have worked with the 1st Armored Division, the 1st Cavalry Division, 3rd Infantry and 4th Infantry Division along with some National Guard units as a Canine Handler in Iraq. I have worked with the 10th Mountain Division and the Coalition Forces here in Afghanistan so it is an Honor to have worked with these Professional Soldiers and to continue working with them in the fight against Terrorism.

I would like for everyone to know that my Christmas was a “Merry Christmas” due to the kindness and generosity from all the people in the State of Washington. Now I understand where my future wife gets all her kindness from. You all are so awesome and I really appreciate all the effort put into these care packages.

Thank You,

Henry Montez and Lex
K9 Handler and Explosive Detection Dog