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Congressman Cuellar Announces Winner from American Humane Association’s Hero Dog Awards

Military Dog of the Year, Rambo, is from Converse, Texas

WASHINGTON — Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) announced today that Rambo, a military working dog from his district, took home the American Humane Association’s prize for Military Dog of the Year Saturday night at the Annual Hero Dog Awards in Los Angeles. Rambo was a finalist for the grand prize of 2015 American Hero Dog.

Rambo, from Converse, near San Antonio, served in the Marine Corps from January 2011 to April 2012 as an explosive detection military working dog based out of Cherry Point, North Carolina. While on active duty, Rambo conducted 994 hours of training and 622 missions on base and in the local community before being retired due to a shoulder injury. Rambo is currently the mascot for Gizmo’s Gift, a Texas nonprofit that helps families who adopt a retired working dog. Rambo visits local nursing homes and youth groups to bring joy to people’s lives.

“Rambo demonstrates the loyalty and teamwork that we value in our Armed Forces,” said Congressman Cuellar. “His crucial work alongside our soldiers in sniffing out explosives is greatly deserving of special recognition.”

Although Congressman Cuellar was not able to attend the award ceremony, he and Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12), together co-chairs of the Congressional Humane Bond Caucus, filmed a video address shown at the ceremony in which they congratulated all the finalists, including Rambo. The Humane Bond Caucus works to strengthen the human bond between people and animals in working environments, our homes, hospitals, educational settings, the wild and agriculture.

The award ceremony will be broadcast on the Hallmark Channel October 30 at 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT.