The war against terrorism in Afghanistan has cost thousands of lives. Many of our soldiers who made it back home also suffered from injuries caused by IEDs and suicide bomber attacks, which is horrifying. Army Spc. Alec Alcoser is one of the many Americans who came home with severe injuries.
During Alec’s time in Afghanistan, he worked as a military service dog handler and worked closely with his canine companion named Alex. While patrolling a narrow street just outside Bagram Airfield, Alec saw a young man coming toward him and his dog.
Three Czech and two Afghan soldiers then moved between Alec and the civilian to start conducting a search for security. Alec called for Alex to come back as he bent down to pick up a cigarette. That’s when the horror happened.
While picking up a cigarette, Alec just heard the explosion and saw a bright flash. He also heard Alex’s yelp. The force of the blast was so significant that Alec was forced to the ground. Alex stayed by Alec’s side, but he was in shock.
Alec tried calling out to Alex, but he wouldn’t respond. Alec remembered that Alex’s ears would twitch, but he wouldn’t look at him when he called for him. Miraculously, Alec and Alex survived the ordeal, and they were rescued and taken to the nearest field hospital.
After Alec’s condition was stabilized, he was flown back to the US to go through rehabilitation and recovery. Alec suffered from a traumatic brain injury after the incident. Despite his injury, Alec wanted to know if his dog was okay.
He finally got the chance when he and Alex were reunited at a VA hospital. Alex immediately recognized his handler and started licking his face. Alec was also very emotional and couldn’t help but cry at the sight of his friend. Alex had one of his legs amputated due to severe injuries from the blast, but he’s doing well moving with three legs.
Alec and Alex each received the Purple Heart, and if everything goes well with their rehabilitation, they will be together for good. Military service dogs are properties of the Department of Defense. However, in Alex’s case, the Department of Defense made an exception and decided to let Alec adopt Alex after they retired him. Here’s a video featuring two war buddies reunited after getting injured on the battlefield.
Video Source Zoo Land via YouTube
