U.S. Embassy Coordinates with Marshall Legacy Institute

December 11, 2008

The Marshall Legacy Institute, a U.S. based, non-profit organization dedicated to providing war-torn nations relief from the problems and suffering arising from unexploded ordnance, arrived in Lebanon December 3 with a donor delegation.  They observed de-mining dogs in action at the Lebanese Armed Forces’ Lebanon Mine Action Center dog training facilities in Hamana.  The donor group also observed demining operations in Nabatieh and visited with U.S. Ambassador Michele J. Sison during its five day visit to Lebanon.

The Institute assists nations in establishing affordable and sustainable programs to rid their land of the scourge of landmines.  It works to restore hope, alleviate suffering, and nurture stability in war-torn countries.  The Institute supports countries with three major de-mining programs:  K9 Dog Demining Corps Campaign, the Survivors’ Assistance program and the Children Against Mines Program.

In the past eleven years, the Institute has provided 120 life-saving, mine-sniffing dogs to eight countries around the world.  Lebanon received six lifesaving dogs in May 2008 and six more in November.   All are now in training and working with their handlers.
The twelve lifesaving dogs are all sponsored by private citizens, companies, foundations and/or schools in the United States.    The Institute implements the mine detection dog program in partnership with the Lebanese Mine Action Center, part of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and the U.S.  Department of State.