On the eve of Veterans month, the VA, in collaboration with Got Your 6 and local Community Veteran Engagement Boards, will host a nationwide series of StorytellersX events in November and December. These events feature Veterans sharing their stories of post-military life.
For these Veteran storytellers, who have included elected officials, filmmakers, entrepreneurs and educators, the project connects Veterans with their communities, helping to bridge the civilian-military divide.
“Research shows that the percentage of Americans who currently serve in the military is at its lowest point in history,” said VA secretary Dr. David J. Shulkin. “StorytellersX will showcase the exemplary talents and experiences of some of our nation’s brightest Veterans and shift the conversation to more accurate perceptions of Veterans. The reality is that most Veterans are exceptional citizens with life experiences that few understand. Veterans vote and volunteer more and serve their communities at higher rates than their civilian counterparts.”
During StorytellersX, audiences will listen to Veterans share how military service prepared them for civilian life and personal and professional success. The 2017 StorytellersX dates and locations are:
- Hebron, Connecticut — 9-5 p.m. Nov. 4, Easter Seals Camp Hemlocks, 85 Jones St., Amston, Connecticut
- Montpelier, Maine — 6-7:30 p.m. Nov. 7, The General Henry Knox Museum, 30 High St., Thomaston, Maine – Video Posted
- Colorado Springs, Colorado — 3-5 p.m. MST Nov. 9, Mount Carmel Center of Excellence, 530 Communication Circle, Colorado Springs, Colorado Will be broadcasted on Facebook Live
- Lake County-McHenry County, Illinois; — 4-5 p.m. Nov. 15, Grayslake, Illinois
- Marion, Illinois — 6-7 p.m. Nov. 9, Varsity Theater in Carbondale, 418 S. Illinois Ave., Carbondale, Illinois – Will be broadcasted on Facebook Live
- Mooresville, North Carolina — 4-5 p.m. Nov. 9, 215 N. Main St., Mooresville, North Carolina
- New York, New York — 3-5 p.m. Nov. 11, 4 W. 43rd St., New York, New York
- Grand Junction, Colorado —3-5 p.m. Nov. 11, Avalon Theater, 645 Main St., Grand Junction, Colorado
- Cleveland, Ohio — 3-6 p.m. Nov. 17, American Red Cross of Northeast Ohio, Myers Room, 3747 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio, and
- Tucson, Arizona — 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 8, Military/Veteran Community Network-Southern Arizona 4th annual Community Summit University of Arizona, 1303 E. University Blvd., Tucson, Arizona. Register and more info
This page will be updated with additional locations, information and links to watch the events live.
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Is there any future plans for a live feed/internet based program, for those of us who do not live in one of those cites? I personally would love to sit in with these folks and here what’s going on now vs when I was serving. If something becomes available for those of us outside the scheduled cities, please contact me.
Thank you for your service.
“Veteran Proud”
As a 10 year County Veterans Service Officer (CVSO) accredited, Grey-area Retiree (8+ yrs AD (4 DD-214s) & 13+USAR), who has assisted 100’s of veterans and spouses file there paperwork with VA (Healthcare, Compensation, Pension, Aid & Attendance, Adaptive Auto & Housing Grants, Headstone/Markers, Residency at Veteran Homes,….) I hope like heck you have folks like me on these panels. And that you have table set-ups like the ones I do where veterans in the audience get the benefits handbook and ask questions. I just did a hockey game in Green Bay and over a 100 veterans / family members left with the federal benefits book.
Over 60% of our veterans are over 55 and unfortunately many of them are ill or dying because of where they served (Vietnam, Thailand, Camp Lejeune (’53-’87), Middle East,….) or simply because they served and their injuries have worn them out (ALS is a presumptive).
Anyone have questions feel free to reach out to me on LinkedIn (Jane Babcock) (REDACTED)
I am a vet and served from 1958 until January 1960 with the 237th Engineer Battalion stationed in Heilbronn Germany.
After my discharge I spend fifty years in the apparel industry. The highlights of my carrier were as follows. From 1981 until 1990 I served as Senior VP with Liz Claiborne Inc. From 1990 until my retirement in 1998, I served as Corporate VP with the Spiegel group.
After retirement I started a new carrier as a writer. I am now the proud Author of eight published novels.
Al
How does one get to be involved with this Vet story telling? I am a Canadian Vietnam Veteran with almost seven years in Canadian Army and three years in US Army and 3/4 of a tour in Vietnam. I am funny, knowledgeable and 100% disabled. Able to walk talk and dance slow for a few minutes. Quit drinking, don’t take drugs. Any info would be appreciated. I also like going to schools. Thanks good project. You should study Canada’s prior Military volunteers that go around talking to schools, public groups. Anyone who is interested in Canada’s Military past and present.
Bill Braniff
Great ideas for Retired personnel…RLTW