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July 25, 2016HVAF veterans tell their stories through writing
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| Fred Young, HVAF Recovery Coordinator reading his letter to the group |
Veterans at HVAF are finding their voice with the help of a local writing organization. A dozen veterans submitted written stories to “Writing Home,” a 2016 Spirit and Place Festival program sponsored by the Indiana Writers Center, Dance Kaleidoscope, the Indiana Historical Society, the Albert and Sarah Ruben Senior Resource Center, and the JCC which the stories of American Veterans will be interpreted in words and dance. Two free performances, showcasing the Veterans’ stories in words and dance, will be held at Partnerships for Lawrence, Theatre at the Fort, on Friday, November 11, and two will be held at the JCC on Sunday, November 13.
“Every veteran has a story,” says Indiana Writers Center Executive Director Barbara Shoup. “Each person’s experience tell us something we need to know about what military service is like, what we ask of people when we encourage them to serve our country.”
Air Force veteran, Michael W., reflected on his military experiences for the exercise and talked about his initial fear of leaving home. He learned how to embrace fear and unknown and through writing he opened up and shared old memories.
“Barbara really helped me share my feelings openly and express myself and she also encouraged me to keep on writing by giving me tools to use and guidance,” says Michael.