Voices of Maine Live with Craig Grossi, writer and Marine veteran

Grew up in the suburbs of Washington, Virginia, DC. Craig Grossi Marine Corps veteran, author and Purple Heart recipient. After leaving the Marine Corps in 2011, Grossi worked for the Defense Intelligence Agency, attended Georgetown University and earned a degree in international relations.

Grossi is the author of Craig and Fred: A Marine, a Stray Dog, and How They Saved Each Other, the inspiring true story of a stray dog ​​he met on the battlefield in Afghanistan and how they saved each other and traveled together. across America. and “Second Chance,” which details his experience working closely with prisoners in Maine who raise and train puppies to become service dogs. Learn more about Craig’s history and his books in this article by Ray Routier.

Grossi and his dog Fred appeared on Today show and Rachael Rayand in schools, bookstores and military bases across America as they told the inspiring story of how Craig found Fred while serving in Afghanistan and brought him home. While traveling, Craig was invited to perform at a Maine prison. There he met a special group of inmates who were part of a program run by the nonprofit America’s Vet Dogs.

Fred died of cancer at his and Grossi’s home on November 22, 2023. He was 14 years old. Grossi believes that Fred “saved” him by forcing him to open up to others and ask for help. Read about Fred in this article by Ray Routier.

When not writing or speaking, Grossi enjoys the outdoor life and dedicates his time to advocating for issues close to his heart, such as prison reform, animal welfare, and mental health awareness. He now lives on the Maine coast with his wife Nora. and their dogs Ruby and a recently rescued puppy named Bingo.