Part 2 of 2 - Text from Article on Eddie by: Anonymous
(Part 2 of 2)
"He used to do morning traffic runs with us," said Perdun. "He would jump into the truck and ride around and everything would be okay. When he was about two he jumped in with his leash on. As we were driving he jumped out the window and got caught under the tire. The leg just wouldn’t set right so the vet had to amputate it. For a while we thought he wouldn’t make it but he pulled through.
Eddie had many problems throughout his life. In his service record it says he had to take convalescent leave for 30 days after he had surgery on his tongue. “He got mixed up with a poisonous caterpillar,” said OSC Phillip Cunningham, member of EOD. “The vet had to remove part of his tongue.”
He has also had a severe ear infection and a near death experience with heart worms. Eddie has just learned to adapt and overcome when problems face him, explained Perdun.
Eddie is a highly decorated Beagle with many awards. According to his service record, he has received the expert pistol and rile ribbon, the good conduct medal, the Det. Sigonella Battle “E,” Meritorious Unit Commendations from Det. Sigonella and Mobile Unit Eight, the Joint Service Medal, the National Defense Service Ribbon, the NATO ribbon, and the Desert Storm meaal. He also has passed the Navy/Marine Corps parachute test.
So, with such great medals you would think Eddie never got into trouble. Wrong!
“Eddie went to mast for an unexcused absence when he was younger,” said Perdun. “He was restricted to the compound for 45 days.”
According to his service record he also received non-judicial punishment in November 1989. “Violation Article 92 (failure to obey a lawful order) in that Puppy Apprentice was running loose on base without lawful authority.” He received “restriction to compound for 45 days, Reduction in Rate to next inferior paygrade (suspended for six months.)”
But, after eight years of hard work after his punishments, Eddie has worked his way from Puppy Recruit to Puppy Apprentice in October ’89. He made Puppyman in December 1989 and then beagle Master third class (BM3) in July 1990. Eddie is now a Beagle Master second class and awaiting advancement.
“Ed will never be an officer,” said Perdun. “He’s an enlisted dog and always will be.”
Eddie has proven himself to be a major morale booster for the members of EOD. “I remember when I first got here,” said ETC Tim Surratt, “I was a little distraught that Ed was able to run the PT faster than me. He can run to ComSta and back. He really motivates me while I run PT.”
Surratt, with the help of YNC (slect) Martin Bell of EOD, are building Eddie new living quarters. The ribbon cutting ceremony for these new barracks is scheduled for today during his advancement ceremony.
So, when you see Eddie around the base, remember to congratulate him. Food gifts are accepted. (“He won’t eat bread, he’s a very picky eater. He won’t even eat his dog food most of the time,” said Perdun.)
-End-
Jun 15, 2009 Rating
Part 1 of 2 - Text from Article on Eddie by: Anonymous
Servicemember enlists at birth (Part 1 of 2)
by JOSA Jennifer Setzer – Staff writer – (NAS Sigonella Base paper, 1997)
Who has three legs and was the youngest enlistee in the United States Navy? Beagle Master 2nd Class Eddie Oliver Dupont, 533-14-8027, USN.
Known to his co-workers as Ed, this eight-year old broan and white beagle mix enlisted in the Navy at one-and-half-months of age in July 1989. After eight years of dedicated service to the Navy, BM2 Dupont is being advanced today to Beagle Master 1st class.
Not only does Eddie have his own service record and identification card but he also has several uniforms. During different occasions you will se Eddie in his service dress whites, dress blues and camouflage uniform.
This official military mascot of Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) spends his days doing physical training every morning with EOD, spending time at his favorite hang-outs (Bee-Bar, NAS II Galley when it's open, and the 7-Day), and sunbathing.
There are many rumors and stories floating around the base about Eddie. Many people think that Eddie is missing a leg because someone from EOD hit him. A lot of people also believe this is why EOD has Eddie.
"We've had Eddie since he was a puppy. We got him from LT.j.g. Dianne Tillman from the Weapons Department," said GMCS Michael Perdun, member of EOD since '92. Tillman owns Eddie's mother, Scruffy Jane, and his father is a "Motta mutt" named Zorro.
