#BorneTheBattle 60: Craig Grossi – Marine Veteran, Author of “Craig and Fred”

Happy Birthday, Marines! This time of year is always fun for Marines as we get to celebrate our birthday and Veterans Day back-to-back. I hope each of my fellow Devil Dogs get a chance to get some cake.

Since I left the military, I have been involved in telling Veterans’ stories through audio, video and writing. Each story is unique and significant in its own right, but occasionally I come across an especially powerful story.

In 2010, Sergeant Craig Grossi was doing intelligence work for Marine RECON in a remote part of Afghanistan. While on patrol, he spotted a young dog “with a big goofy head and little legs” who didn’t seem vicious or run in a pack like most strays they’d encountered. After eating a piece of beef jerky Craig offered—against military regulations—the dog began to follow him. “Looks like you made a friend,” another Marine yelled. Grossi heard, “Looks like a ‘Fred.'” The name stuck, and a beautiful, life-changing friendship was forged.

Craig joins Borne the Battle to talk about meeting his best friend Fred, getting him home, and how Fred has played an integral role in Craig’s transition and recovery.

Covered in Episode 60:

• Veterans Day coverage
• Interview with Marine Veteran Craig Grossi
  • Why Craig joined the Marine Corps
  • Deploying to Afghanistan and meeting Fred
  • Figuring out a way to get Fred home
  • His book “Craig and Fred”
• #VeteranOfTheDay Marine Corps Veteran Robert Carlos Pahcheka
• Navajo code talker Thomas Begay sings Marine Corps hymn

The #VApodcast is now available in iTunes, Stitcher Radio, Google Play, and Spotify. Search “Borne the Battle” in your podcast app of choice to subscribe.