The story of Megan Leavey and her military working dog, Rex, is one that has captured the hearts of many. Their bond, formed on the battlegrounds of Iraq, has been immortalized in the 2017 biographical film “Megan Leavey,” which also introduced the character of Matt Morales. This article delves into the real-life events that inspired the movie, focusing on what happened to Megan Leavey and the fictional character Matt Morales after the events depicted in the film.
The Real Megan Leavey
Megan Leavey is a former Marine corporal who served as a Military Police K9 handler. She was paired with a bomb-sniffing German Shepherd named Rex. Together, they completed over 100 missions until an improvised explosive device (IED) injured them both in 2006. After recovering from her injuries, Leavey fought to adopt Rex, who had become aggressive and was unable to continue service. She succeeded in 2012, and Rex lived with her until he passed away in December of that year.
The Character of Matt Morales
Matt Morales is a fictional character portrayed by Ramón Rodríguez in the “Megan Leavey” movie. He is depicted as Leavey’s love interest and fellow Marine. While the character is based on a composite of people Leavey knew, there is no real-life counterpart with the same name or story. Therefore, the question of what happened to Matt Morales after the events of the film does not apply to real life.
Megan Leavey’s Military Career
- Enlistment and Training: Leavey enlisted in the Marines in 2003 and was later trained as a Military Police K9 handler.
- Deployment to Iraq: She was deployed to Iraq with Rex, where they worked on detecting IEDs.
- Injury and Recovery: Both were injured in an IED explosion, which led to Leavey’s honorable discharge in 2008.
The Bond Between Leavey and Rex
The bond between Leavey and Rex was not just professional but deeply personal. Leavey credited Rex with saving her life and the lives of many others during their service together. This bond was a central theme in the film and a driving force behind Leavey’s efforts to adopt Rex after her discharge.
Efforts to Adopt Rex
- Challenges: Leavey faced significant challenges in adopting Rex due to his aggression and the military’s policy on working dogs.
- Public Support: A public campaign helped raise awareness of Leavey’s fight to adopt Rex.
- Success: In April 2012, Leavey’s efforts were successful, and she was able to bring Rex home.
Life After Service
After her military service, Leavey attended college using the GI Bill and became an advocate for military working dogs and veterans. She has worked to raise awareness about the importance of these dogs and the need for proper care after their service.
Legacy of Leavey and Rex
The legacy of Megan Leavey and Rex continues to inspire many. Their story highlights the bravery of military working dogs and their handlers, as well as the deep connections that can form under the most challenging circumstances.
The Making of “Megan Leavey”
The film “Megan Leavey” was directed by Gabriela Cowperthwaite and released in 2017. It stars Kate Mara as Megan Leavey and tells the story of Leavey’s deployment to Iraq with Rex, their injury, and her fight to adopt him after returning home.
Public Reception of the Film
The film received positive reviews for its portrayal of the bond between Leavey and Rex and for shedding light on the roles of military working dogs. It also brought attention to the challenges faced by veterans in adjusting to civilian life after service.
Impact on Military Working Dog Awareness
The story of Leavey and Rex has had a significant impact on raising awareness about military working dogs. It has led to increased interest in the welfare of these animals during and after their service.
Continued Advocacy by Megan Leavey
Megan Leavey has continued her advocacy work for veterans and military working dogs. She has been involved in various initiatives and continues to share her story to support these causes.
FAQ Section
Did Megan Leavey get married to Matt Morales?
No, Megan Leavey did not get married to Matt Morales, as he is a fictional character created for the film. Leavey’s personal life after her military service has been kept private.
What happened to Rex after he was adopted by Megan Leavey?
After being adopted by Megan Leavey, Rex lived with her until he passed away peacefully in December 2012. He was able to enjoy his retirement in a loving home.
Has Megan Leavey been involved in any other films or books?
While Megan Leavey’s story was the subject of the 2017 film, she has not been involved in any other films or books. Her story has been covered in various news articles and interviews.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Megan Leavey’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond between a soldier and her military working dog. While the character of Matt Morales is a fictional element of the “Megan Leavey” film, the real-life events that inspired the movie continue to resonate with audiences. Megan Leavey’s advocacy for military working dogs and veterans ensures that the legacy of her and Rex’s service will not be forgotten. Their story serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel and their four-legged partners.
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