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Patriot story: Martha and Izzy

ClosedDeadline: 10/14/2013

Story Details

Background:

  • Assignment goal is to synthesize the information provided by the member patriot into a compelling story
  • It is not necessary to tell the veteran's story in the order that s/he provided the information unless that is the best way to tell the story
  • It is not necessary to use all the quotes provided
  • You may make minor adjustments to the quotes only to correct for grammer, punctuation, spelling, etc.
  • Punctuation always resides inside the quote marks, e.g., "like this," and not "like this",
  • Close the story with a compelling call to action or question based upon the story's narrative and place in italics at the end, e.g., What are you more willing and able to do now that you have a pet in your life?

Quotes:

Pet's Name
 Izzi
A little about me
 Currently live in Palm Harbor, FL and work from home as a software tester for Hewlett Packard, Enterprise Services. HP is one of many vendors supporting the VA Hospitals, across the US, in updating and maintaining their medical software.
My military experiences
 I served in the Army from 1974 to 1977, where I was stationed in Mannheim, Germany at the 28th Transportation Battalion. While there I worked as a bookkeeper, earning the Army Commendation Medal for my work. When I separated from the Army, I joined the CA National Guard, where I was with the 1st Battalion, 149th Armor. I had several roles: clerk; communications specialist; APC tank commander and lastly driver to the S3 officer.
My most memorable experience from my time in service
 The time I most remember is when our National Guard unit was deployed to Minnesota to train in cold weather. When we arrived the temperature was -108 and we were not dressed for this type of weather. When we landed they brought the bus to bottom of the C130 ramp, and were told to grab a duffel bag, any duffel bag, then rush to the bus. It was a very cold two weeks for us Californians.
Why I chose to adopt a pet
 I lost my previous pet in October 2011 and I have not been ready to adopt again until recently. I work from home and can use the company, so I decided that I was ready for a new furry friend. I started looking around, but just couldn't find the right pet for me. They say that the pet picks you, and I believe this to be the case. Izzi and I bonded right away and I have not regretted my decision one moment.
Why I chose to adopt through Pets for Patriots
 When looking into volunteer work at the Humane Society, we noticed that they had a link to Pets for Patriots. My friend researched it found that it was a win/win for us (Izzi and I), so I decided to pursue it. I was grateful for the support, as adopting a new pet can be expensive to start out with.
How my honorably adopted pet has changed my life
 Izzi has been a great friend to me. She brings laughter to my days, as she has tons of personality.
What I love most about my new pet friend
 I love everything about her.
What I would tell other veterans or service members who might be thinking about adopting through Pets for Patriots
 Go for it.. you can't go wrong. It will make your life more rewarding.