Pat was born in Glenridge, New Jersey where she lived with parents and siblings. In the middle of the third grade her father's job moved them to Florida. Pat say's her love for the outdoors comes from when she was growing up in Florida; there was a large wooded area by their house where she and her friends would always play and go on regular treasure hunts. She recalls one day in particular when her and her friends were "digging for buried treasure" that she came across a priceless find. She found a little rusty tin box and in it was a plastic bag that contained a French Land Grant. It is dated 1809 and has the Kings seal on it. Several years ago when Pat was in Washington D.C., she took theopportunity to visit the Smithsonian with her treasure. The land grant was in French and they were kind enough to translate it for her. Wow, what a find! Ever since Pat was a little girl she always wanted to be in the Army.  Three days after her 18th birthday she fulfilled her life long dream and enlisted. After graduating from basic training she went straight into the 14th Army Band where prior to basic training she had already auditioned. This unique, all women band has existed in the Army and the other branches of the military throughout American history. The 14th Army Band holds the distinction of having been active the longest. Unfortunately health challenges forced Pat to retire from the Army long before she wanted to. In 1984 Pat moved to Port Orchard Washington. The area provides her plenty of opportunities to do outdoor activities, which she is fond of.  Something you probably don't know is Pat has a two year certificate in home construction. She has put her certificate to great use by volunteering for the local Habitat for Humanity. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing. Speaking of volunteering; Pat has worked as a volunteer records clerk for Madigan Hospital for the past 23 years in the pediatric neurology department. She felt she should do more than file records saying "I felt like something was missing." One day while in a store she saw some teddy bears and said "ahh that's it." She decided to create a toy box that is stocked full of teddy bears of all different colors, slinkys, toy cars and much more. The kids look forward to being able to pick out a toy to take home after their treatment. Pat says teddy bears are the most popular. Pat contemplated partnering with an assistance dog for quite some time. She spent 2 years looking for her perfect partner, fondly recalling "I looked into his eyes; he snuggled right underneath my chin." She said "that's my dog; I just knew he was the right one."  Coby's name came to Pat one day while she was relaxing on the couch; she remembers looking up and seeing that name on her home stereo system, Coby®. She giggled as she told me "people think he's named after a famous basketball player, but he's not." Coby plays a crucial roll in Pat's ability to not only live independently, but also feel more relaxed knowing he is there for her when she needs help. Coby is able to retrieve vital medication and he is very perceptive to Pat other needs and he reacts according to his training. He is constantly learning new tasks that assist her in making life easier. This independence allows Pat to be more self confident and helps her feel more self assured. At the ADC picnic this year Coby won the smallest assistance dog award. He is a small dog with a big heart - way to go Coby! Not only has Pat had a long career serving this country but she has also spent a lot of her life giving and helping others. We personally want to say thank you for your many years of military and volunteer service to this country.