Sully H.W. Bush appointed to the honorary rank of Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class

Sully, the service dog who symbolized devotion lying by former President George H.W. Bush’s flag-draped casket, joined Walter Reed National Military Medical Center’s dog program to help wounded veterans. Sully offered his paw as he was administered an oath streamed on Facebook to “support, comfort and cheer warriors and their families.”

Sully received a new vest and is considered a Navy hospital corpsman second class. Sully’s Instagram account posted he looks forward to continuing his mission “as my best friend wanted me to.”

190227-N-AM903-1043 BETHESDA, Md. (Feb. 27, 2019) Capt. Mark Kobelja, left, director of the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, appoints Sully H.W. Bush to the honorary rank of Hospital Corpsman 2nd Class during his welcome aboard ceremony at the USO Warrior and Family Center, Feb. 27, 2019. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Julio Martinez Martinez/Released)

Sully is a Labrador retriever trained to work with persons with disabilities. He was named after U.S. Airways pilot Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger III, who safely landed a jet on the Hudson River in 2009.

When Bush passed away at age 94 in November, it was the family’s wish that Sully go to Walter Reed and work as a service dog for disabled individuals.