Sgt. Christopher Duke, National Guard

In November 2009, Army National Guardsman Sgt. Christopher Duke was assigned to Forward Operating Base Dand Pataan, in the Paktia Province of Afghanistan as part of Bravo Company 2121 48th Bridage out of Newnan, GA. As the winter passed, his unit took in three stray dogs: Sasha, a puppy; Target, a female dog who soon became pregnant; and Rufus, an extremely loyal dog who kept the Guardsman company whenever he pulled late night guard.

On the evening of February 11, 2010, Duke's unit was relaxing with laptops, guitars, and movies. Resting nearby in their usual spot were the three dogs. Around 11 p.m., the dogs started barking furiously and rushed to attack a suicide bomber trying to enter the barracks. The dogs were relentless, biting at the bomber's legs to keep him from entering. Strapped with 25 lbs of C4 explosives, the bomber gave up the fight with the dogs and detonated his explosives in the entry corridor. Five soldiers sustained injuries, including Duke, but no one died that night thanks to the lifesaving actions of the dogs.

Sasha gave her life for the soldiers that night. Target sustained only minimal injuries and two days later, went into labor, giving birth to five puppies. Rufus, forever the guard dog, was badly injured. While Duke was taken by helicopter for his injuries, Rufus went under the care of the medics in the unit who worked quickly to save his life. Under the care of the medics, Rufus made a full recovery. When Duke rejoined the unit, Rufus became his constant companion.

Duke's unit was replaced by another Army National Guard Unit and he was forced to leave his canine friends and heroes behind. In the new unit, Spc. Christopher Chaisson took over the care of the dogs. Touched by the story, Chaisson's fianc�e, Anna Cannan started Puppy Rescue Mission to organize the adoption of Rufus, Target and the puppies. Puppy Rescue Mission raised $15,000 and was able to bring Target's five puppies to the United States.

With only Rufus and Target still in Afghanistan, Duke applied to A Warrior's Wish® for the funds to bring home his lifesavers, companions and friends. I owe my life to these dogs and my wish is to bring them home and give them the best life I can,�Duke wrote in his application to A Warrior's Wish®. It's the least I can do for them. His wish was granted.

Our A Warrior's Wish® program recognizes and honors the emotional needs of our combat veterans, Robin Kelleher, President of Hope For The Warriors®. Reuniting Chris Duke with the dogs that saved his life creates a happy ending and a future of hope for all of the heroes involved�both the soldiers and their canine companions.

The Wish granted covered the air travel costs for both dogs as well as additional travel and grooming expenses. Several organizations worked together to make this wish come true. Nowzad Dogs, a British rescue organization, made the arrangements to remove the dogs from Afghanistan. A representative from Robert's Cause escorted the dogs through Customs in New York City. Dog handlers from Pet Airways personally accompanied the dogs on their travel between New York and Atlanta.

Rufus now enjoys the comforts of living with Duke and his wife on their farm. When Duke was reunited with his lifesaving friend, his wife was expecting their first child. There is no doubt that Rufus is now protecting the growing family with love and loyalty, just as he protected the guardsman in Afghanistan.

A Warrior's Wish® grants wishes to injured service members as part of Hope For The Warriors® continuous cycle of care for the warrior community. The knowledge that Wishes can come true directly impacts the spirit of the warrior in addition to the families and communities that support them.