Photo by Karyn L. Carpenter of Bainbridge Island http://www.karyncarpenter.com/

Orphaned in Mexico, David Griffin was adopted and moved to America when he was four. His new life in California seemed to be fine when, at the age of about 9, David remembers interactions with his mother becoming more and more agonizing. He recalls being locked in his room for days, being let out every so often for a bath. Food and basic care were withheld, making David’s life utterly unbearable.

The family relocated to the Northwest when David was 11, and David suffered more trauma due to extreme neglect, physical and emotional abuse. His plight finally attracted the attention of his teachers whose concern would not allow him to go home. Instead David was taken to the Crisis Residential Center (CRC) where he stayed until he entered the Intensive Children’s Services at Kitsap Mental Health Services. He was placed with an excellent foster family who for the first time in David’s life gave him acceptance, love and structure.

Through work with Intensive Children’s Services and respectful guidance from his foster parents of 6 years, David has found happiness and his passion. In 2007 he graduated from High School, proud of his accomplishments. Three years of ROTC have placed him in a position of leadership, and when in uniform, his chest is covered with the ribbons that are a tribute to his hard work and dedication.

In the summer of 2007, David followed his passion and enlisted in the Army to serve his country.