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Patriot story: Nathaniel and Mercedes

ClosedDeadline: 10/06/2014

Story Details

Background:

Nathaniel is an Army veteran who served in Afghanistan, and in June 2014 adopted Mercedes (originally named Vicki) through our partnership with Champaign County Humane Society.

  • 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 grammar, 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
Mercedes
A little about me
Currently i am pursuing a degree in human resources. College so far has been an amazing experience. and i believe as a adult i value it much more then if i would as entered at 18. I grew up in california however i am now in champaign, illinois because of cost of living.
My military experiences
I joined the army at exactly 18 as a infantrymen. I entered the military to escape the cycle of poverty and the activities i engaged in as a troubled teen. I do not regret my time in service even though i would say the bad times outnumbered the good. I met some great men and grew closer to them than any other people in my life.
My most memorable experience from my time in service
If i had to pinpoint the most memorable experience, i would have to say the first day coming back from Afghanistan in 2012. As your landing and get on the buses to drive to the parade welcoming us home, you could not help but feel overloaded with mixed emotions. Life overseas and now back here as a civilian is widely different. You felt a sense of pride and power knowing you endured some of the hardest times in your life, however that was equally matched by a sense of its irrelevance in the large picture. Definitely gives you a strong perspective on the place we all stand in comparison to the world at large.
Why I chose to adopt a pet
I always thought pets were expensive and required lots of work for its measured benefit. Thinking of the situation through practical terms. However upon working as a volunteer at a local shelter, i felt a sense of wanting to do my part in giving a homeless animal a opportunity for a better life. Like all things i suppose you rationalize the decision and i adopted mercedes and of course the benefits of pet ownership are unmeasurable by normal standards. Showing its rewards in the feeling of companionship.
Why I chose to adopt through Pets for Patriots
I choose to adopt through pets for patriots because of its core idea. I love the idea of providing opportunity to improve or save a life through my actions.
How my honorably adopted pet has changed my life
I often joke about how easy it must be to be a cat with everything provided for you (including bathroom service). However after a long day of work or any intense task its nice to relax and see my cat just playing or running around the house.
What I love most about my new pet friend
if i had to choose the one thing i love the most it would be watching her running around the house for no apparent reason. Makes me think or analyze her mind.
What I would tell other veterans or service members who might be thinking about adopting through Pets for Patriots
Take the jump! Research and plan of course but just know you're helping a life achieve happiness.