Megan Leavey is a former United States Marine Corps K-9 trainer famous for her special bond with Rex, a military working dog, during their deployment in Iraq.
Their partnership and story of resilience was later adapted into the 2017 biopic Megan Leavey, in which actress Kate Mara played her.
This moving story of loyalty and service brought Leavey widespread recognition, cementing her status as an icon of courage and dedication.
File
- Full name: Megan Leavey
- Date of birth: October 28, 1983
- Age: 41 years old
- Gender: Female
- Place of birth: Valley Cottage, New York, USA
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Veteran, veterinary technician, motivational speaker
- Height: Not applicable
- Parents: Ellyn Leavey, Bill Leavey
- Siblings: Not applicable
- Spouse: Matt Morales
- Children: One daughter
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Not applicable
- Ethnicity: White
- Net worth: $500 thousand
Early life and education
Megan Leavey was born on October 28, 1983 in Valley Cottage, New York, and is 41 years old this year. She was raised by her parents, Ellyn and Bill Leavey, who initially opposed her decision to join the military. Leavey attended Nyack High School before briefly enrolling at the State University of New York at Cortland.
After September 11, 2001, Leavey joined the Marines, marking a period of change in her life. She then completed basic training at Parris Island and pursued specialized training to join the K-9 unit.
Personal life
Megan Leavey is married to Matt Morales, a veteran. Both deeply understand the challenges and sacrifices associated with military life.
They had a daughter together, although Leavey kept her family a secret. She spoke about the mutual respect and support that defined her relationship, emphasizing their commitment to advocating for veterans and service animals.
Career
Leavey’s military career began in 2003 when she joined the Marine Corps. She trained to be a military police officer and later partnered with Rex, a German shepherd.
Their deployments to Fallujah in 2005 and Ramadi in 2006 were fraught with danger, including a life-threatening IED explosion that injured both Leavey and Rex.
After being honorably discharged in 2007, Leavey successfully campaigned to adopt Rex in 2012, with whom she spent his final months.
Leavey worked for MSA Security as an explosive detection handler after a military career before transitioning to a veterinary technician role.
She currently serves as the chief veterinary technician at a veterinary hospital in New Jersey and continues to advocate for military and veteran working dogs through public speaking engagements.
prize
- Purple Heart
- Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with “V” device
- Combat action ribbon
- Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal
- Medal for service in the global war on terrorism
- Iraq Campaign Medal
Net worth
Megan Leavey’s estimated net worth ranges from $500k to $900k. Her income comes from her job as a veterinary technician, her military pension, public speaking engagements, and partnerships with brands like Royal Canin and Eukanuba.
Social Media
- Instagram: Not applicable
- Twitter: Not applicable
Cinema
- Megan Leavey (2017) – Biopic in which Kate Mara plays Leavey
Book
- Memoir (co-written with Mindy Franklin Levine) – In progress
