The Alabama House of Representatives has passed a resolution to honor Lucca, a German Shepherd-Belgian Malinois mix, for her extraordinary service as a K9 war dog with the United States Marine Corps. Over her six years of service, Lucca completed more than 400 missions, detecting explosives and ensuring the safety of American and allied forces during deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. Notably, she lost her front left leg while leading a patrol in Afghanistan after discovering an improvised explosive device (IED), yet her bravery and actions saved the lives of her fellow Marines.
In recognition of her heroism, Lucca received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Dickin Medal, which is awarded to animals for their exceptional service in military conflict. The resolution not only honors Lucca's remarkable contributions and enduring legacy but also acknowledges her handler, Gunnery Sergeant Chris Willingham, and another individual, Juan Rodriguez, for their roles in her life. The resolution serves to inspire others with Lucca's story of courage, loyalty, and dedication to duty, reflecting the highest values of service and sacrifice in the military.