The following is a guest blog post by liaison specialist Owen Rogers.
On November 10, 2022, the eve of Veterans Day, join the Library of Congress Veterans History Project for a performance of Modern Warrior Live, a powerful jazz and spoken word performance chronicling the journey from combat to catharsis. The Cleveland-based organization is a recipient of the National Endowment for the Arts Creative Forces Community Engagement grant and engages veterans’ traumas directly, weaving a story of Post-Traumatic Stress – and Growth – across multiple combat deployments.
Led by Jaymes Poling, a veteran of the elite 82nd Airborne Division, the musical production recounts his three tours of duty in Afghanistan, his transition home, and his growth as an artists. While Poling’s story is his own, his experiences resonate with the Project’s purpose and the themes explored in the performance are universal.
Adding to the backdrop of this special performance are more than 114,000 U.S. military veterans who have shared their firsthand experiences with the Veterans History Project. The production effects meaningful conversations on veterans’ mental health and concludes with a panel discussion collecting cast members, veterans’ non-profits, and public health specialists.
Join us next week as the Library becomes a venue - and a vehicle – for developing a greater understanding of veterans and their Post Traumatic Growth journey. Sign up for your no-cost timed entry pass, which is required to attend that larger “Live at the Library” open house by clicking here or scanning the QR code on this page.
