Hudson Honored to Help Reunite Soldier and War Dog

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2014

Hudson Honored to Help Reunite Soldier and War Dog

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Richard Hudson (NC-08) released the following statement after helping reunite Spc. Brent Grommet and his retired military dog, Matty.

“When I first learned of this situation, I was heartbroken and determined to do all that I could to get Matty back to Spc. Grommet. I am truly honored to have played a small role to help reunite these two heroes. Moreover, I am deeply humbled and grateful for the family that cared for Matty and selflessly returned him to our soldier. I spoke with Brent this morning and was thrilled to hear the details of their emotional reunion and how excited Matty was to see him. I also look forward to working with my colleagues on legislation to amend Robby's Law to ensure mishaps like this don't happen again in the future.”

Background

As first reported by the New York Post, Spc. Brent Grommet and his military dog, Matty, returned from Afghanistan in July 2013 after both sustained injuries in the line of duty. Instead of allowing Spc. Grommet to adopt Matty as allowed under Robby’s Law, the two were inexplicably separated.

Upon hearing of this story, Rep. Hudson utilized his relationships with various stakeholders and was able to track down Matty’s whereabouts. The family who had adopted Matty in good faith and had cared for him for almost a year graciously offered to return the dog to its rightful owner and Matty and Spc. Grommet were reunited over the weekend.