I Received the Gift of Life—Twice

By Jason Haag

Twenty-two years ago today, I lay wounded on a street in Iraq. I’d been in the country mere weeks, part of the 2nd Batallion, 5th Marines, “the tip of the spear” tasked with securing key terrain at the outset of the invasion.

I’d been shot, and I was sure I would die.

It turned out that the wound was relatively minor. After a quick patch job, I rejoined my unit. But the date — April 9, 2003 — has stayed with me. It is my Alive Day.

Exactly six years later, on April 9, 2009, a German Shepherd puppy was born. I don’t know much about his early life, only that he would wind up in a shelter, severely underweight, before he was rescued and trained as a service dog.

Retired Marine Corps Capt. Jason Haag with his service dog, Axel. Jason shared his “Alive Day” with Axel’s birthday.

His name was Axel. By the time I was paired with him, I’d tried everything to help with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury that ultimately ended my career in the Marine Corps. As most of you know, Axel saved my life. He also set me on a path I could never have anticipated, including founding this organization that provides life-changing dogs to other veterans.

For more than a decade, Axel and I celebrated April 9 together: his birthday and my Alive Day. Although he is no longer here, I still choose to celebrate.

I received the gift of life not once, but twice.

Retired Marine Capt. Jason Haag is founder and CEO of Leashes of Valor.