U.S. Marine, Afghanistan Veteran Coming To Bristol Public Library

By Brian M. Johnson, The Bristol Press

April 28, 2022

The Bristol Public Library, Connecticut Humanities and American Legion Post 209 are coordinating to bring U.S. Marine, Afghanistan veteran and author Craig Grossi and his dog Fred to the library May 12.

Scott Stanton, assistant director at Bristol Public Library, said that Grossi and Fred will be coming to Bristol Public Library, located at 5 High St., for both children’s programs and an adult program. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Bristol Public Library will be having a “dog day,” where Grossi will read the children’s version of his book to dogs and children. Fred and “Clifford the Big Red Dog” will also be there that day.

Then, at 4 p.m., Grossi will also be speaking to adults about how his experiences with Fred motivated him to help connect other veterans to service dogs.

“Craig is a U.S. Marine who served on recon missions in Afghanistan,” said Stanton. “He has since written several books, including Craig & Fred, about a dog that he encountered during his service and they ‘adopted each other.’”

Grossi’s website, fredtheafghan.com, provides some additional details on how he met Fred.

“In 2010, Sergeant Craig Grossi was doing intelligence work for Marine RECON - the most elite fighters in the Corps - 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.”

Stanton said that these programs are part of the library’s ongoing efforts to connect veterans with the community.

“There are a lot of people that don’t know much about veterans anymore,” he said. “Only a small percentage of the population volunteers to serve. The library has been putting together programs like these to show the community that veterans deserve our gratitude and our support.”

Brian Avery, commander of American Legion Post 209, said that Grossi came to the Post’s meeting and asked for their support. He said that Post 209 was glad to step up to sponsor the event.

“I said that I would be glad to help coordinate the best day to do it and that I’m looking forward to going to it,” he said.

For more information on Craig Grossi and Fred, visit fredtheafghan.com.

Brian M. Johnson can be reached at 860-973-1806 or bjohnson@bristolpress.com.