Author Craig Grossi to Discuss His Book, “Craig & Fred” At Virginia War Memorial on August 7, Public Invited To Hear Inspirational Tale of Afghan Marine Veteran And The Dog He Brought Back Home
Author and Virginia native Craig Grossi will discuss his book “Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog & How They Rescued Each Other,” at the Virginia War Memorial in Richmond at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 7. Doors open at 6 p.m.
The family-friendly event is free and the public is encouraged to attend. Following his presentation, the author will sign copies of both his book and the new Young Readers’ edition.
“Craig & Fred” is the “uplifting and unforgettable” true story of a US Marine and the stray dog he found on a battlefield in Afghanistan in 2010. Sergeant Craig Grossi named the dog “Fred” and they became inseparable friends. Grossi was successful in having Fred shipped back to his family in Virginia. Months later, when Grossi returned home, Fred was instrumental in helping the wounded Marine recover from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Grossi wrote and published his book in 2017. Since then, he and Fred have traveled across the country speaking to students and other groups spreading their inspirational story of hope, resilience, and optimism. They have appeared on numerous local and national television programs, including “The Today Show” and “Rachael Ray.” More information is available online at https://www.fredtheafghan.com/.
“We are so pleased that Sergeant Grossi can come tell his story here at the Virginia War Memorial,” said Morgan Guyer, the Memorial’s Assistant Education Director. “He will be visiting family here and they helped us arrange this special program. We especially hope that students and their parents will come to this program, learn about this book, and hear Sergeant Grossi’s inspirational message.”
Guyer noted that while there is no admission charge for the program, seating will be limited. Those wishing to attend are encouraged to pre-register at http://vawarmemorial.org/event/author-talk-craig-fred-marine-stray-dog-and-how-they-rescued-each-other or by calling the Memorial at 804.786.2060. Due to construction, parking will also be limited in and around the Memorial. Free parking will be available in the VHDA surface lot on Belvidere Street next door to the Memorial after 5 p.m.
About the Virginia War Memorial
The Virginia War Memorial’s mission is Honor Veterans, Preserve History, Educate Youth and Inspire Patriotism in All. Dedicated in 1956, the Memorial includes the names of the nearly 12,000 Virginia heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and the Global War on Terrorism. The Virginia War Memorial is a division of the Virginia Department of Veterans Services and serves as an integral part of its mission in support of all Virginians who served in our military forces. The Memorial is located at 621 South Belvidere Street in Richmond. For more information and directions, please visit www.vawarmemorial.org or www.dvs.virginia.org/virginia-war-memorial
About VDVS
The Virginia Department of Veterans Services (VDVS) operates 30 benefit offices throughout the state that assist military veterans and their families in filing claims for federal veterans benefits; two long-term care facilities offering in-patient skilled nursing, Alzheimer’s/memory care, and short-term rehabilitation for veterans; and three cemeteries that provide an honored final resting place for veterans and their families. VDVS provides veterans and family members with direct linkages to services including behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, education and other programs. The Department also operates the Virginia War Memorial, the Commonwealth’s monument to honor the memory and sacrifice of Virginia’s men and women who served and fought to defend our way of life from World War II to the present. For more information, please visit www.dvs.virginia.gov