Community Life Chesty XIV
The Marines Groom A New Mascot
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by Steve Holton
astern Market residents Christine and Marine Staff Sergeant Jason Mosser are on the shortlist of pet owners who can claim that their pet has cruised the talk show circuit, is the centerpiece of prestigious and ceremonial parades, and is recognized by the President of the United States. Chris and Jason are the proud caretakers of Chesty XIV, an English Bulldog, who is the Marine Corps Mascot Apprentice and Private First Class. At six months, 45 pounds and growing, Chesty seems to be the one holding the leash around the neighborhood. “He owns our block and day
after a long his favorite spot r. Chesty relaxing atcourtesy of Chris and Jason Mosse of playing. Photo
is adored by those who don’t even know who he is, but Chesty always returns the affection,” said Jason, who is a mellophone bugler and a music instructor of the “Commandant’s Own” Drum and Bugle Corps. Chesty officially became a U.S. Marine on April 8th and is the apprentice to current mascot Sergeant Chesty XIII, who has a James F. Amos, Commandant tentative date to retire and General of the Marine Corps, delivers remarks pass on the torch in late about Pfc. Chesty XIV during an Eagle, August, which will coin- Globe and Anchor emblem presentation the Marine Barracks. Photo: Sgt. cide with the end of the at Dengrier M. Baez. Barracks parade season. “We’re looking forward to Private First Class Chesty XIV moving from being the mascot apprentice to the official mascot. If he takes after his predecessor, and we expect he will, he’ll have several years of outstanding service here at the Oldest Post of the Corps. The Marines here at the Barracks are excited to have him on hand and looking forward to what he brings to the table. He’s going
to be a significant part of the public face of the U.S. Marine Corps here in the national capital region,” said Marine Corps Spokesperson Captain Jack Norton.
Honor And Excitement
After a lengthy selection process to be the future mascot’s sponsor family, Chris and Jason got the good word over the phone in early February. “I was very excited when I received the news and the officer who gave it to me laughingly said to remember this moment when he chews up your favorite pair of shoes,” said Chris. The Mosser’s live on Capitol Hill area and this was certainly a factor in their being selected. But the motivation and desire they expressed to be involved in a larger capacity with the Marine Corps could have been the deciding factor. “This is a huge deal for us to play a bigger part. We’re extremely dedicated and motivated, which is the Marine Corps way. Being the parents of Chesty XIV is our calling and the right thing to do,” said Jason.
Working Like A Dog
Chesty’s fame has him appearing in Friday night Marine Corps parades, Commandant House tours at the Barracks and popular talk shows such as Anderson Cooper 360, Fox News Sunday with Chris Wallace and Fox & Friends. His job at the parades is to sit and walk when prompted alongside his predecessor Chesty XIII. “Sometimes he doesn’t do it on cue, but he is maturing and growing more into his role every day,” said Chris. Chesty is featured throughout social media via Twitter, Facebook and various news outlets so his service time, which is generally three to five years, will be busy. The Mosser family feels confident that the Marine Corps will have a great ambassador in Chesty XIV. “Our goal is to train him into continuing the Marine Corps mascot tradition of being friendly and welcoming at events,” said Jason.
A Different Animal
On the job he may be Chesty XIV/Superman, but at home he is Chesty the dog/Clark Kent said the Mossers. His home life consists of playing with his brother, Dean Martin (a cat that sports a tuxedo-like fur pattern), and jumping on objects that he is able to reach. Chesty’s rapid growth rate has restricted him from accessing the tighter spaces such as the window (continued on pg. 55)
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