Colton & Eli.
“What’s mine is also his.”
These words are not just a catchphrase for the bond they shared.
My name is Mike Moore. In 2011, I was asked to sponsor Eli, a Military War Dog (MWD), because the military had decided to retire him since he would not respond to other dog handlers as was customary for most other MWD’s. Even the Rusk’s hoped he would finish his tour because the highly trained MWD’s save many lives and prevent even more injuries to our service personnel. After Colton was killed in action on December 6, 2010, Eli would lay on Colton’s bed and would not respond to other dog handlers. At that time, he was only the second MWD the military had retired to the family of a handler. I am deeply honored that the Rusk family trusted me with that responsibility. There were several veterinarians who helped support and advise me and the Rusk family in caring for Eli, so I would like to thank Dr. Fred Williams at Blue Pearl Stone Oak in San Antonio, Texas, and Dr. Rick Wall at the Center for Pain Management and Rehabilitation in The Woodlands, Texas, for sharing and donating their time and expertise in making Eli’s days as comfortable and as pain-free as possible. Our MWD’s bodies are not only put through a lot of rigorous training but absorb and endure trauma that most of our pets do not experience
Whenever I looked into Eli’s beautiful brown eyes, I always wished he could tell their story as seen through his lenses about his and Colton’s journeys in the service of our great country and the love and commitment he and Colton shared for one another. The final chapter of that story ended late one evening on November 8, 2022, at the Rusk family home when Kathy and Brady Rusk and I sent him home to be with Colton. The physical toll of his service on his body to our country had taken its toll on him, and it was time to relieve him of his never-ending pain. Colton and Eli’s bond was so special and unique that it inspires all who knew them as well as those who were aware of their commitment to each other. They touched many lives while in the military; but they continue making an impact through a scholarship at Texas A&M University Kingsville in Colton’s name, numerous highly coveted Colton Rusk scholarships for graduating seniors at Orange Grove High School in Orange Grove, Texas, assisting veterans through Justin Rokohl’s “Darkhorse Archery” in Orange Grove, Texas, and Eli’s Fund.
Their continuing impact is exemplified by the following story. I will never forget the afternoon in my clinic when I was examining a Boxer dog named Sandy that belonged to a very pleasant and well-mannered young man named K. C. Williams. As we began talking, I could already tell he was former military just by his respectful demeanor when he looked at my black commemorative wristband and asked in a surprising manner, “Did you know Colton Rusk?” I told him that I had only seen him running around as a young kid at my daughter’s wedding party but that I knew his family well. He replied, “Eli saved my life several times in Afghanistan before I was wounded and came home. Colton was later KIA.” I was speechless for a short time and trying to hide my emotions as anyone could imagine when I asked if Sandy was a service dog. After his reply, I said Eli was here to help him out again. Sandy had torn a cruciate ligament in her knee and would require an expensive surgery which was not in his budget at that time. I told him about Eli’s Fund, and the surgery was done at the Texas A&M Vet School.
Eli not only served our great country and Colton, but he helped a grieving family and the Orange Grove community deal with the loss of a beloved son, brother, and friend. Everyone knew Eli and looked after him. He was a mainstay at every community event.
Colton loved helping out his fellow Marines. I believe in my heart that he would be honored to know that we are continuing to honor his and Eli’s legacy by continuing to lend a helping hand to our veterans, active duty personnel, and first responders when they need us the most.
Rep. Blake Farenthold Recognizes Eli’s Fund
In 2017, during is his speech presenting the PAWS Act, a program and policy that supports service dog therapy for veterans, US Representation, Blake Farenthold recognized Eli’s Fund and the importances of continuing to support veterans and their service animals.
A Message From LCpl Colton Rusk’s Family
My words of thanks always seem to never be enough. Please know that the scholarship in memory of our son LCpl Colton Rusk means so much to me and my family.
The biggest fear as parents is losing a child. We have had to face that fear and now our fear is that our child will die twice. Once when his heart stopped beating and again when the life he lived is forgotten. The scholarship in memory of our son LCpl Colton Rusk will ensure that our son and his sacrifice will never be forgotten and for this we are forever grateful. May this scholarship and the story of Colton’s life inspire others to never take a day for granted and to always live their life like someone worth fighting and dying for.
Colton had a promise to us. He told us “I will go to college, I just have to do this first, my way”. He had been called at a young age to serve his country. As a mother, I saw this in him, but chose to ignore it in hopes of him out growing his calling…
