Purple Heart recipient is reunited with military K-9 after 3 years

6.21.2013: Lance Corporal Bradley O'Keefe, Purple Heart recipient, was reunited with his military K-9 partner, Earl, after being separated for three years. In April of 2010, they were on patrol and were injured as a result of a roadside bomb. They are credited with saving the lives of O'Keefe's 3/6 Lima Company. His sister Rachel Lawson had been trying to locate Earl in hopes of this reunion. Earl had been serving as Explosive Detection K-9 with handler Damien Maddox, a trooper with the Rhode Island State Police.
Providence Journal video by Kathy Borchers
More: www.providencejournal.com/brea...

[@russellvonastel7111]

These dogs deserve the same respect and dignity as our servicemen

[@chrisfoster9080]

100%. Animals have fought side by side since the start. Dogs, horses, pigeons, you name it. I sponsor a rat that detects land mines. Animals are loyal, trusting and at many times better than us. We put them in harms way and they defend to the death. Can you say you would do the same?

[@rattus3102]

@@chrisfoster9080 I agree, that is so true! 🙂👍

[@peacethroughstrength172]

True, but change that D word that is so loosely thrown around today to earned. Theyve earned it! S.F.

[@cowboyjoe5402]

@@chrisfoster9080 - Definitely, l took an oath, besides, that’s how we roll. Semper Fi, MSgt, USMC, Retired

[@donaldflanagan5392]

@@chrisfoster9080 j

[@Noctessa]

He's taught endlessly to stand stoic and at attention. As a veteran spouse I know how broken emotionally these brave soldiers are when the come home. Very happy ending for them both!!!

[@lindacrowe433]

I wish all dogs could come home with the soldiers they were with.

[@haplessasshole9615]

That would be absolutely ideal. Unfortunately, locating and training military dogs is hellishly expensive. If a dog can be returned to the field, they can't afford to just retire them. I know you probably recognize that logically. So do I. But my sentiments are with you!

[@rogerbing5314]

I wonder how many dogs were left in Afghanistan during the botched exit?

[@catibree1]

Oh my goodness I'm sitting here crying like a baby. Such a beautiful dog.. and a wonderful man to be reunited with.

[@lucyburr5516]

Catibree1, I am too- in a restaurant!

[@maryssalynnemedley8871]

Along with injury, this man is trained to be stoic and professional at all times or until told otherwise by higher ranks. He smiled briefly at the beginning after earl was mentioned; he's happy yall, he's just being professional

[@kristinstrickland1038]

Whatever!

[@aaronentrekin1464]

The dog problem had ptsd too I am a Vietnam vet who has suffer all my life my dog is my best friend loves me for no matter what

[@maryjordan813]

Thank you for your service sir.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

I'm so glad you have your dog to comfort you and be your friend.

[@Eric-er9wc]

yes thank you for your service

[@juliamartin4141]

Thank you for your service. My brother is also a Vietnam veteran.

[@sgtcompton8838]

Amen I am with you brother my service dog has been through so much with me, from death, to drugs to alcoholism, he never judged me and only loved me! Its a bond and love unmatched my anything in the world! God bless you brother hope your doing well

[@AddMoreQuarters]

I am very impressed with this man's stillness and self control over his stature and emotions. Awesome dog and vet.

[@rickydrone9274]

Can't believe some of these negative comments. If I am not mistaken, the gentleman suffered a traumatic brain injury and who knows what kind of trauma Earl suffered. They are probably both not the same today as before the incident. God bless both of them and also his sister. Thanks from the bottom of my heart for your service.

[@lindahull5793]

Ricky, doesn't matter if they're both the same or not. They're back together to start a new life as civilians. Back together being the key words.

[@novicereloader]

You're so right. Ignore the negative, though.

[@cherie8615]

negative people are just that. zero souls

[@KnightofNi1888]

@@cherie8615 Amen to that! I saw nothing but great things in this video. Two heroes coming home. 💯👍

[@karengamerlgh9198]

Ricky drone that was real nice to say it to someone and I still don't understand how people say negative stuff to sooner who lay down. They life for us may God bless his famik ND his friend and all people around his and may God bless your my friend and God is on our side don't ever pay attention to those craz people ok and good night to yall American soldiers longliveuntinestategodblessamriczm

[@michaelferguson7276]

I know it is expensive to train them, but these dogs need to be retired with their handlers. For the people who say that soldiers and officers shouldn't get attached to their dogs, I disagree, the ones that don't get attached shouldn't be working with them.

[@charlotterenaegray5493]

Michael Ferguson I want to be a dog handler so I can just have a partner and a friend even if they have 4 legs

[@MCastle4.2]

My father was a K9 Officer. His Sheppard was able to live with us & then when he retired we got to keep him. Awesome dog protected all of us.

[@lindahull5793]

Michael, I couldn't agree more. They should never be separated and be allowed to retire together.

[@mcadoovicky6465]

That’s like saying you wouldn’t become friends with your coworkers and you wouldn’t treat them nicely. They’re both live beings with feelings

[@kathiestacey5253]

Totally agree

[@jeffk7392]

Dogs are one of the greatest treatments for soldiers suffering from PTSD and to be able to be united with your partner from combat will go far to help this Marine in his life. I think the dog has also earned his retirement with the thanks of a grateful nation.

[@Saralv]

Amen!!!!!

[@MrTwotimess]

It looks like he suffered a lot, physically and emotionally. I hope they managed to heal each other.

[@fatheroffab]

I want to see an image of these two 10 years from now sitting on their back porch enjoying a warm sunset together.

[@BayouButrfly1962]

Now that I've wiped most of the tears away, I can type to say. . . . thank you. . . . to both of you. Prayers for thousands of blessings.

[@mistyrain68ify]

It's the videos like this that brings tears to my eyes! They are both heros and deserve all the respect we can give them. Thank you for your service and may you find peace in your life. God bless you for your service, bravery and dedication to your country.

[@evawoods815]

Thank you for your service, Earl and Mr. O'Keefe. God bless you two. 🙏🏻❤️

[@erinallen7308]

MrJayJayjetplain... I'm his sister and I can tell you he and earl live happily together this very day =)

[@theendoftimesgodhelpusall9570]

Erin Stuckenschneider THE FURSOLDIER HAS BEEN THROUGH ALOT. THE HUMAN FRIEND HAS BEEN THROUGH ALOT.TOGETHER THEY CAN HEAL AND PATCH UP 3 YEARS OF BEING APART.THE FUR SOLDIER WAS PROBABLY CONFUSED AT FIRST. HE COULD HAVE FELT ABANDONED DUE TO THE MILITARY. JUST LIKE FOSTER KIDS ..THAT FEELING.

[@theendoftimesgodhelpusall9570]

Erin Stuckenschneider GOD BLESS THEM BOTH.THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!

[@jenns.5791]

aww that's awesome. bless them both. I could never thank them enough for their service. 💜

[@munta1967]

really glad to hear they are best buddies, they both lived through alot together and loved each other :)

[@redline2655]

This brought happy tears.

[@tomhermens7698]

Brilliant. The cost of training is always absorbed by the handlers. Those two together are heros

[@jeffburnham6611]

the cost of training is absorbed by the military and the law enforcement agency doing the training. The cost of maintaining the K-9 is absorbed by the handler, although I'm not sure if in the military the handler gets a per diem for the dog.

[@tomhermens7698]

@@jeffburnham6611 training takes about a week may be once a year - refresher - food is claimable. Dog handlers as you may well know have farming friends or land owners where they do their own training. No job, dog handler is in a field somewhere.

[@DaPainterDude]

That dog and soldier has seen a lot of death, so you should forgive the lack of emotion. That soldier was taught to wear a brave face. I bet when he and the dog get home he will break down and they will reunite then. So all of you haters need to lighten up until you walked a day in this soldiers boots. That 1000 yard stare is no joke. Semper Fi

[@victortillas1143]

He’s a marine, not a soldier

[@ricksharp5749]

Well put Marine 🇺🇸

[@victortillas1143]

Rick Sharp rahhhh

[@cswong6102]

He did loosen up at d and. Some people show more emotions in private.

[@denisewilson5085]

Bella the Angry BullDog Well said Bella - Marine or soldier, it makes no difference as they are both human and deal with their emotions as individuals

[@nancydebiasio5273]

I am so happy for the reunification...I am the mother of a US Army Veteran who enlisted right out of HIgh School and the day he left for Iraq was the day my longest journey started...Each time the phone rang, a van drove by or I saw on the news there was an injury my heart sank until I heard from Matthew...I was blessed that he came home unharmed...Well at least physically. They all come home harmed mentally in some way...With time and patience they do heal and the reunification of this pair will be the start of your brother's...I am so happy for all of you...God Bless and thank him for his service...

[@Bibagodiva55]

THX! I think, you are absolutely right! I'm german, but I remember the nightmares of my Father, who was soldier in the II. World War.....

[@theendoftimesgodhelpusall9570]

Nancy DeBiasio WHEN DOGS PEOPLE ARE AT WAR NO ONES IS EVER THE SAME. GOD BLESS ALL MILITARY MEN WOMEN AND CANINES.WAR KILLS EVERYONE.WAR IS THE SADDEST THING PEOPLE DO TO EACH OTHER.THANK MATTHEW FOR HIS SERVICE & GOD BLESS!

[@jbreezy101]

Please pass on our thanks to your son

[@tyrone2116]

i didnt see my dog for 6 years i just moved back home when i seen my dog i cryed so much she new who i was i am so much more happer with my dog

[@lindahull5793]

Tyrone, dogs never forget. They give you unconditional love. They'll stay by your side until the end.

[@elizabethlinsay9193]

Tyrone, I'm so happy for you that you and your dog have each other!

[@paulthomas3813]

Glad you finally got your dog back.

[@lking7244]

So happy for you!!! 🐾 🐾 🐾 🐾

[@Shiv-hg5xr]

Such a beautiful moment! God Bless both of them for their heroism, and all the other Men & Women serving, or have served, in the military ❤️

[@sysjls75]

Two brave Marines, but one just happens to have four legs.......Semper FI.....

[@kevinlacy6806]

sysjls75 nv

[@ceciliablack855]

Two great heroes, who served, who fought and did what they needed to do to protect and defend. So proud of their service and heroic measures.

[@patriciakedeni]

Earl is a gorgeous black Lab and a hero too.

[@bababooey1862]

Dog's are one of the Creator's greatest gifts to man....

[@creamley1851]

I agree...

[@creamley1851]

I agree...

[@onlychangeiscertain]

It’s actually humans who “created” dogs through selective breeding - evolution at work.

[@dennis7511]

You are absolutely right. Sorry that I cannot give your comment more than one upvote.

[@cherie8615]

very, very true

[@michaelbeaman892]

A far cry from the shameful way our government treated our military working dogs in Vietnam, when they outlived their usefulness they were shot or let go. What a joy to see them being retired as they deserve.

[@mikep2563]

Afghanistan also... Biden is a failure!

[@lindagusch2671]

Dogs that were let go in Korea and Vietnam were eaten by the civilians as they view dogs as livestock. Sickening that these loyal dogs were turned into dinner for the 3rd world peasants! Sickening!

[@erichgreen82grandparitchie23]

GOD BLESS YOU BOTH==THANK YOU BOTH FOR YOUR SERVICE==I WAS BORN IN R.I AND HAD 6 BROTHERS IN THE MILITARY

[@aanon5716]

first, thank you cpl. o'keefe for your service. 2, what a great sister! & 3, nice ceremony.

[@aanon5716]

yes @0:27

[@victortillas1143]

LCpl*

[@jbreezy101]

Agreed #4 thank you Rhode Island state police for your service to your community and for this ceremony. Hope you do end up with more k9 officers to suit your needs. Take care now! 🫡💜

[@gunz365]

Apparently some of you missed that the dog went through an injury. Nobody knows what happens to a dog's memory after the situation described.

[@g.d.4436]

@Vageegee Smithins are you a tool?

[@irenejohansen1370]

I’m glad they were reunited. They went through hell together, protecting others. It’s only fitting that they get to heal together now.

[@drhyshek]

That was truly a solemn and stoic reunion.

[@jamesdean8669]

Wouldn't suprise me if he had PTSD upon leaving the military. There's nothing more perfect than having a dog like Earl to help him through what they both went through..♥️

[@Utubememar18]

Great story! To two well deserved soldiers reuniting to live and be partners again!

[@russjosey2012]

This should have been done years sooner! God bless you soldier.

[@jbreezy101]

I'll never get tired of watching this.always brings tears

[@77778598]

What a beautiful moment for both of them 😢😇❤️😘🙏🏻

[@everetteholland1848]

God bless the Road Island State Troopers for reuniting two old war buddies God bless you marine and earl for your service

[@lucysmithers357]

I'm sitting here crying. Thank you for your service and Thank you Earl for your service to

[@julieschubert6341]

The officer looks blind. This reunion brought tears to my eyes! As his wife said, this brings positive closure to a dark past.

[@stephensmith7502]

That was his sister 😂

[@Trixler4]

This is exactly how it should be. The military dog, going home with its handler!!!

[@samtrujillojr]

Thank you Corporal. I pray you both enjoy a peaceful retirement.

[@kleinemaus6094]

Lance corporal

[@judithcampbell3354]

Both are brave Marines, it Should matter that one is a very brave Dog of War!

[@pattyt9791]

Can you believe that 28 people disliked this video? How horrible is that!? We should respect all our Military Forces and their canines for protecting our Country! God Bless each and every one of you!🇺🇸👍😀❤🐶🐕!

[@TheSgt340]

Moron.

[@thomascarlier4882]

Vageegee Smithins oh yeah the one with the negative attitude

[@thomascarlier4882]

Vageegee Smithins Well I'm going to say this. So you live in the United States of America? If so do yourself a favor and SHUT UP.

[@thom4446]

Vageegee Smithins Yo let me tell you yes you have the 1st Amendment. If you don't Love or even Like our military then leave and live somewhere else. As for me our military is number one in the world. I served in the United States Marine Corps never went to war. When I signed my contract with the United States government my oath was protect my nation from enemies foreign and domestic and yes I would lay down my life for my country.

[@jacksoncarter7679]

They're all cat lovers. So, speaking of microwaves; it isn't a coincidence that cats fit inside.

[@donnaplatten4038]

May God Bless the heroic soldier, & his hero companion. It truly touches my heart that they were united, after both being injured & finally united again.Bless them for their service & heroism, thank you both, may "GOD" bless you both.

[@rylog74]

Animals are a blessing

[@laurelgirard8475]

Thank you for your service Mr. O’Keefe and Earl. Now you can retire together. Life is so much sweeter when you have a pet to love you unconditionally, be it canine or feline! You and Earl know you can count on each other thru he’ll & high water!,

[@janakujawa1629]

So wonderful to have your closest buddy with you. My daughter is dating a disabled Marine. I think he would benefit from a service dog.

[@tomgreenough3235]

Sorry, I lost it when Earl showed up.

[@stanstenson8168]

Me too. I'm glad they both made it back. Doesn't always happen.

[@nat88282]

Don't be sorry guys. You both are decent human beings with great empathy and compassion for these two Marines. I lost it too.

[@xlavahott4547]

That dog was like "whose this guy?"

[@jiujitsu290]

live long and prosper lance corporal O'keefe

[@charliemartin5482]

Annd Earl !

[@mikhellen3267]

The dog doesn’t seem to remember his soldier.

[@kneestothechin]

hes trained not to freak out

[@timmiller8495]

Maybe he doesn’t recognize “the soldier” because he’s a Marine

[@jackierhodes1042]

Marine not soldier.

[@HyperNebula]

@@timmiller8495 Damn

[@kevincrosby1760]

As a general rule, it's normally considered a bad thing when an explosives detection dog gets really excited. It means that you should probably go elsewhere rapidly.

[@robif3631]

God Bless Them Both!! From 2 Army Vets - HOOAH, MARINES!!! ✝️💓🇺🇸🙏

[@chadross5341]

Those dogs are so loyally to his handler .no words explain.

[@waaaaantube]

1:53 That lip angle twitch is priceless!!!!! He tried his best! Haha!

[@simonnoble7589]

SUCH a loveing ending ... thank you both for your service

[@jennifer1980]

Dogs Are Truly A Gift From God 🥰🥰🥰

[@michaeldrummerboychapman4230]

Thank you Both for fighting to keep us safe. Well done Marines.

[@betsylawson2805]

Can't stop crying. I am so happy these two brave heroes got reunited

[@Michelle-CA-USA]

THANK YOU TO YOU BOTH FOR YOUR SERVICE ❤️ GOD BLESS YOU BOTH, MAY YOU BOTH HAVE A BEAUTIFUL FUTURE TOGETHER! ❤️🙏🏻 ~ Michelle, CA 🥰🐾

[@marylougreen9136]

This made me cry! Thank you for your service!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️💋

[@Lolosmommie]

Seriously, how can someone dislike this ? How amazing this is , love love love it ! ❤👇🐕🦮

[@12vinyl]

True heroes!!

This is a good news story..... Great job sir....and dog congrats!

[@monag8183]

My heart aches for that Marine. So much pain in those eyes. I pray he gets the treatment and care he deserves. Thank you for your service.

[@mitchkelsey8743]

Okay, so I'm nine (9) years too late on my comment. It still brought tears to the eyes of this 76 year old man...

[@TheSkipper1921]

The Dog is distracted by all the other activity going on around him. If they were alone he would have reacted as you would have expected...

[@thomascarlier4882]

Vageegee Smithins really such a stupid remark. Why don't you join any branch of service. Or maybe you can become a United States Marine.

[@robertyoung3992]

@Vageegee Smithins you're an idiot

[@lindahull5793]

Tony, bear in mind that the dog is also a fully trained military officer.

[@kleinemaus6094]

@Vageegee Smithins wtf even is this comment?!

[@johnogo7886]

Nice he got a excellent dog I’m proud of them.

[@menoraho383]

I am the daughter of a new air force master sergeant achieve Master Sergeant Corliss Miller and he got out standing in front of the Year twice for the HTC command he almost where was appointed 3 times and that would have been the first one in history to get it three times outstanding in a Man of the Year anyway I am so proud of our and even if they just have a desk job they are still part of the group that's really protects our country and shows his love for a country as worthy of my respedelete

[@brandonc5965]

These soldiers really need there dogs back that they was with in battle and more

[@dianeambrose683]

God bless them both. The bond between these dogs and their handlers is a blessing! Love crosses species!

[@danellekelley7062]

I am just in tears! This is beautiful and that he is back with his partner and handler! This dog is a hero! Mans best friend, is shown right here!❤

[@shaynelahmed6323]

Happy! They Both Made it home...hope they ALL do. Thanks to both of you for awesome service!

[@cooperharvey6624]

So cool God Bless them both

[@AmberLynBigelow]

I’m from Rhode Island and this is the first time I’m aware of this reunion. Don’t remember seeing it on the news and definitely don’t remember people talking about it. Thank you, both, for your service!

[@judyhoffman1359]

So happy they do this!❤They should have done this a long time ago! 😊

[@chucksmith155]

This is beautiful thank you both for your services GodBless you both

[@todddinezza3921]

Excellent story & reporting! Thank you for sharing this with all of us. So proud of our RI State Troopers for making this happy ending actually happen! 🇺🇸⚓️

[@dezaraemichelle509]

that poor man has that thousand yard stare

[@theendoftimesgodhelpusall9570]

Dezarae McEntee THATS WHAT WAR DOES PEOPLE.SAD.THE DOG WAS TAKEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR A REASON?

[@mastersdollie9818]

Natalie Suemori the video said that they had a surplus of dogs, usually because a new generation came in. they then retire older soldier dogs, but give thier previous/first handler the opportunity to reunite with thier canine companion. hope i helped 😊

[@DaPainterDude]

A babe with a brain! Such a turn on!

[@novicereloader]

It looks like he pulled himself out of a dark place when the speaker talked about the explosion. The discipline to handle that is amazing.

[@shubhampanda7280]

K-9 had seen same war like his handler... They are tougher but emotionally, war has torn something inside... Have a great life ahead... Both of you!!!

[@dorapreston9928]

Thank you for your service.

[@fernandochavez4312]

Thank you both, your service and families sacrifices. Thanks again

[@MariaRodriguez-ez9sj]

Clicked on the video without realizing its my hometown!! ❤❤❤ Thank you for your service!! (Both of you)

[@nat88282]

Very touching emotional video. Many thanks to both Marine and his fellow K9 for their loyal service and dedication to duty. Semper Fi! 👍🙏👮‍♀️👮‍♂️🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@bobbyjoyce2483]

Thank you both for your Service!

[@pudgesmum1509]

Thank you so very much for your service. Stay healthy and strong.

[@kevinbrooks9740]

Thank you for your service. It is because of brave men and women like yourself that we get to live in the greatest country on earth, You sir are what a super hero looks and acts like.

[@forcesightknight]

That poor dog has had so many handlers it didn't even show any recognition of his friend. That's a sad story in itself. Semper fi earthlings.

[@angela88leija]

Warms my heart.

[@rachellevegas1470]

I always have something n my eye when i watch these videos... And thank u for ur service 💞

[@glenndagilbert303]

Thankyou both for your service

[@michaelcourts3605]

Thank you for your service and its awesome you got him back again thank you

[@avoidingtrees560]

Thanks dearly for your service guys.

[@laughtoohard9655]

Now Earl can retire with honors too, and learn how to love.

[@kimberlyandrews6899]

Thank you both, for your service.

[@williamstalvey6920]

God Bless these two heros; thanks for all you do!!!

[@koalasez1200]

As it should be. Thank you both for your service.

[@catherineshaw3388]

Wow, What An Awesome Reunion With The K-9 That Helped So Many Military Men From Being Killed. Thank You Sir For Your Many Years Of Service In The Military. Thank You For Sharing This Video.

[@douglasarledge4559]

Thank you, for your service and sacrifices...

[@USMC_BABE38]

thanks for your service

[@msbean1]

This gets to me everytime I watch it.

[@shanasmith2068]

Thank you Earl and O'Keefe for your services.

[@garybruce5619]

Could these people look more unhappy? What's going on?