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Freedom for Veterans, Dogs with a Mission.

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Your generous donation helps fundamentally transform the lives of our veterans, their families, and our communities. In 2017, 88% of all donations went to support our programs for veterans and service dogs.

Believet Presents: An Evening with Craig and Fred

Friday, May 3,  2019 – 7pm
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A heartwarming story of a stray dog and a U.S. Marine who met under the unlikeliest circumstances in Afghanistan—and who changed each other’s lives forever. ​After Afghanistan, Craig left the Marines in search of a new mission – to share his story and his adventures with Fred, and the message of “stubborn positivity” that Fred inspired.

To empower the military men and women who have served and sacrificed for our country, our goal is to help them return to civilian life with dignity and independence.

​In my forty plus years of hosting and attending library programs (including many fabulous concerts), Craig and Fred were one of my favorite programs ever!  Craig really is extraordinary–smart, funny, warm, modest, kind, thoughtful and a natural speaker. People LOVED him and his message—I don’t think I have ever had so many people thank me for arranging a program or tell me how much the program meant to them.  Honestly, it was a remarkable experience.
Deborah Rutter

Cheshire Public Library (Cheshire CT)

A Little About Craig and Fred

Fred is a street dog from Sangin District in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. Despite being from one of the harshest environments in the world, he managed to maintain a positive attitude.

Craig was a member of an elite team of Marines. Sangin was his most dangerous assignment, not the place he thought he would meet his first dog, but with some proper scheming and a lot of help, Craig was able to send Fred home to his family while he completed his tour.
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​After Afghanistan, Craig left the Marines in search of a new mission – to share his story and his adventures with Fred, and the message of “stubborn positivity” that Fred inspired. His first book, Craig & Fred: A Marine, A Stray Dog, and How they Rescued Each Other is available in stores and online as adult and young reader’s editions from William Morrow and HarperCollins Children’s.

Craig Grossi’s presentation at our school was one that we will be feeling the effects of for years to come. His book brought together everyone in our community–from sixth graders to silver-haired seniors, veterans and so many in between. Watching Fred play around as he shared his story with us, meeting him in real life, and seeing the genuine person Craig is was incredible!
C.A.R.E.S Community Read Program

Hillsboro, Wisconsin