Alexis, active in the Navy, lives in Washington state. In December of 2017, she adopted a then 3 year-old cat named Simon from the Kitsap Humane Society. For Patriot stories, no interview is required. You'll be taking this veteran's submitted info and crafting a compelling, fleshed out story from that. It's important you find a theme to tie it all together and add to the story as needed to create a 700 - 900 word blog post. Perhaps you want to reference outside sources based on the theme you find in their words.  We'll give you the veteran's contact info should you need to follow up with clarification questions.

Pet's Name
	Simon
A little about me
	Hi, my name is Alexis. I am currently in the Navy stationed on the USS Nimitz out of Bremerton, WA. I am currently transitioning out of the navy to start school in the Fall at washington state university to become a speech therapist.
My military experiences
	I joined the Navy when I was 18 because I felt a calling to serve. Truly, I also didn't know exactly what I'd like to do when I grew up. Being in the Navy has given me many opportunities to grow and to discover things i like to do and what I dont like doing. I was forced to learn to become a leader and that has shaped the foundations of most of my aspirations. Though i have only been in for 4 years, I have learned an immense amount and gained a lot of life experiences that I'm thankful for.
My most memorable experience from my time in service
	I've had some time to really think about it and my favorite experience in the Navy was while I was TAD to the USS Pinckney, DDG91 on deployment when we were in port Pattaya Beach Thailand. We were there for a special event involving many different countries' navies and while I was on duty in uniform at the liberty boat pick up, many of the navies were out and about too in uniform. When those sailors saw us in uniform, they were so excited to see the U.S. Navy that they asked us to take pictures with them. It was like being famous. It was a really cool experience to see us connecting with different countries and to feel the respect they give us. It shows that you truly are representing America when you're in a different country.
Why I chose to adopt a pet
	I chose to adopt a pet when I came back from deployment because I felt like I needed a fellow companion. Its lonely when you live 3000 miles away from your closest family members so coming home to the sweet face of a pet makes things easier. Not only that, but its also nice to know that you're also saving an animal in need.
Why I chose to adopt through Pets for Patriots
	I chose to adopt through Pets for Patriots because I thought it was an honorable program. It's great that they help fellow service members help shelter animals. It's like a win-win for both parties and that's truly inspirational
How my honorably adopted pet has changed my life
	My adopted cat, Simon, has changed my life drastically. He brings me love and comfort every day. I know that when I come home from work I always have somebody waiting to greet me home.
What I love most about my new pet friend
	I love how much Simon loves to cuddle and play. Hes a very active cat which has been great but he also loves to settle down and cuddle on the couch when we watch TV. I love that he waits in the same spot for me to come home every day and greets me with a warm welcome
What I would tell other veterans or service members who might be thinking about adopting through Pets for Patriots
	I would tell other veterans- dont hesitate! Pets for Patriots is a FANTASTIC program that truly cares about their members. Not only do they help service members adopt an animal, they're helping animals at the shelter find loving homes. It's a great concept that work

1/30/2018  Meet Simon, my sweet little cuddle bug. He's been super with adjusting to a new home. He's very playful and loves to play with his lazer and wrestle. He's also very thankful for all of the sweet treats and toys he received from DR Fosters and Smith's! It's been a joy having him especially since just recently coming home from a deployment, my stress level has decreased a lot by having a furry friend to come home to. Thank you for all you guys do. Very respectfully, Alexis