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Purple Heart veteran and his rescued companion Fred discuss their book at Kenton County Library


By C. Nate Swope
Special to NKyTribune

Outside friends played and families picnicked across the Bluegrass state as cheery scattered clouds and a cool seasonal draft commenced the start of spring. Wonderful weather to take the dog out for a walk.

Marine Veteran Craig Grossi and Fred-the-Afghan at Kenton County Public Library in Erlanger. (Photo by: C. Nate Swope)

Inside Kenton County Library in Erlanger, Craig Grossi, a counterintelligence veteran and Purple Heart recipient and his adopted Afghan accomplice, Fred, inspired 200 Kentuckians.

The pair were there to talk about and sign their book, Craig and Fred, a story of rescue.

“I like how he rescued Fred,” said Hudson Rodgers, 9, a student at Shirley Mann Elementary School in Union who aspires to become a doctor someday. “I don’t know what kind of doctor I want to be. But I want to do something cool like Craig did. Like help others and be friendly and stuff.”

The Craig-Fred duo informally discussed building a friendship in Afghanistan that ultimately rescued Fred from abuse and neglect and war and helped Grossi adjust to its aftermath.

Grossi served as a Marine Corps interrogator assigned to a special operations reconnaissance unit in the bloodiest year of the long war, 2010.

Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis who was then a Marine General and USCENTCOM Commander dubbed them the deadliest unit in Afghanistan.

“This story, which the more I told and the more people listened, the more I realized maybe this is what I’m supposed to do. Maybe this is why I made it back, you know, after that rocket just missed me,” said Grossi who left his civilian counterintelligence career to craft his HarperCollins memoir Craig & Fred.

Selah Swope, 5, pets Fred-the-Afghan as Hudson Rodgers, 9, and Jackson Rodgers, 16, talk to Craig & Fred author Craig Grossi. (Photo by: C. Nate Swope)

“So now we’re pouring our heart and soul into not just the book but events like tonight.”

Gulf War Veteran Steve Bernard of Crescent Springs said he enjoyed listening to another Marine tell stories of selfless sacrifice.

“It reminds me of my time in the Corps. I was intel too,” said Bernard who was with his wife, Heather.

“I really enjoyed this,” she said. “It makes me appreciate what all our service members have to do for us.”

Selah Swope, 5, says she wants to do intelligence work when she grows up “and find lost treasure too.” Her first chapter book was Craig & Fred Young Readers’ Edition. She said her favorite part was getting to pet Fred and asking questions about the Marines.

“It was such an adventure,” Selah said. “I was looking forward to seeing Craig and Fred all year.”

“It’s just a great book,” said Saint Agnes School librarian Carolyn Bergs. She brought a bundle of books from the school’s shelves that Craig signed and Fred pawtographed. “The kids can’t get enough of this story,” she said. “And I just love how excited it makes them.”

Gulf War Veteran Steve Bernard of Crescent Springs, his wife Heather petting Fred-the-Afghan and author Craig Grossi signing Craig & Fred. (Photo by: C. Nate Swope)

C. Nate Swope and Grossi were teammates in a special operations Marine Reconnaissance unit in Afghanistan. He was there when Fred was rescued. He lives in Independence.


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