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Megan Leavey, CPL (Ret. USMC), & Rex Statue

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HAVERSTRAW, NY – The statue is located at Haverstraw Bay County Park in Rockland County, New York and is purposely set back on overwatch of the sacred ground of the Rockland County Gulf War/War on Terror Monument.

Leavey is well known for her fight to keep Rex following her service in Iraq, which was portrayed in the 2017 Hollywood film “Megan Leavey.”

The film starring, Kate Mara as Leavey told her inspiring story.

Leavey and Sgt. Rex completed two six-month tours in Iraq and more than 100 missions together.

Towards the end of their second tour in 2006, the duo was wounded in the line of duty.

Insurgents watching from a rooftop detonated an IED (Improvised Explosive Device) as they watched Leavey and Rex in front of a patrol sweeping the area.

With a full year left to her enlistment in the Marine Corps, Leavey completed physical therapy along with Rex, and helped train fellow dog handlers preparing for their future deployments.

Leavey was then discharged in December 2007 from the Marine Corps and unfortunately, she could not take Rex back home with her.

Rex was unable to deploy anymore, but was still able to work stateside at Camp Pendleton.

He was deemed “not adoptable” in his medical records, so toward the end of Rex’s service, it was unclear what his future would be.

After involvement from Rockland County veteran advocate, Jerry Donnellan and instrumental efforts by U.S. Sen. Schumer, Rex was granted retirement and entrusted to Leavey.

Leavey and Rex were able to spend the last eight months of his life together at her home in New York.

Rex, a German Shepherd passed away in December of 2012 and the pair shared a special bond serving two tours in Iraq together where they carried out sweeps for explosives.

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Two Bald Eagles Spotted Soaring Over Rockland County, Captured in Stunning Photo

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — A powerful symbol of American wildlife was recently spotted soaring high above Rockland County, as two bald eagles were captured in flight in a striking local photograph.

The image, taken by Rockland County photographer Owey Cramsie Jr., shows the pair of bald eagles gliding through the sky — a sight that has become increasingly common in the Hudson Valley but remains awe-inspiring for residents and wildlife enthusiasts alike.

Once endangered, bald eagles have made a remarkable comeback in New York State, particularly along the Hudson River corridor and surrounding waterways that provide ample food sources and nesting areas. Their presence in Rockland County is widely viewed as a sign of improving environmental conditions and successful conservation efforts.

Local sightings of bald eagles continue to draw attention from birdwatchers and photographers, especially during the winter months when the large raptors are more active and visible in the region.

Photo credit: Owey Cramsie Jr.

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Rockland Report Throwback: Remembering Mike Conklin’s Iconic Snow Sculptures in West Nyack

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WEST NYACK, NY — As winter weather brings back memories of snowy days past, residents are taking a nostalgic look back at the incredible snow sculptures created over the years by local artist Mike Conklin in West Nyack.

Following major snowstorms, Conklin transformed piles of snow along Green Road into detailed works of art that quickly became local attractions. Among the most memorable creations were a massive snow turtle and an intricately carved dragon, sculptures that stopped passing drivers and drew visitors from across the area.

The temporary artworks showcased both creativity and craftsmanship, turning ordinary winter snowfall into moments of community wonder and conversation. Photos of the sculptures circulated widely, with residents sharing admiration for the time and effort poured into each piece.

Though the sculptures were fleeting — eventually melting away with warmer temperatures — they left a lasting impression on the West Nyack community and remain a fond memory for many Rockland County residents.

Photo credit: Betty Basnight Crowley
Location: Green Road, West Nyack, New York

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