Darius Carter (left), veteran and performer at 2018 NVCAF, and Sara Fowler, ALA National Headquarters staff member and ALA Foundation donor. Sara Fowler has been a full-time communications specialist and writer for the American Legion Auxiliary National Headquarters for over four years. Her interest in veterans, military, and their families peaked in college
Veteran Artist Michael Lentz Hosting a Veterans Creative Arts Festival (VCAF) is no small feat – and starting a festival in a new community is even more of a challenge. That’s why when members of the American Legion Auxiliary Department of Nebraska began their plans for their very first VCAF at the U.S.
Steve Banko had a plan for his life: Graduate high school, get a scholarship to play basketball in college, get a degree, be successful. In 1967, his plan was upended when he was selected for the draft. Six months later, he was sent to Vietnam. Steve served for almost the entirety of 1968 and was
Dr. Vaneada “Vee” Harvey was the first African American forward-deployed satellite commander in the United States Army, where she served for over 20 years. “I didn’t really know I was making history at the time,” Vee said, “but I am very proud.” Despite her historic and exemplary service, Vee experienced extreme hardship upon her return
Christina Vasquez was the first art therapist at the Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center in Wichita, Kan. At that time, many creative arts initiatives had been postponed or reduced due to staff turnover. Christina knew she would have to be an advocate for the return of these programs because of the profound impact art
Thousands of veterans take part in local Veterans Creative Arts Festivals across the country each year. From there, some are invited to showcase their talents at the national level. U.S. Marine Corps veteran Raymond Douglass discovered a talent he didn’t know he had. “I have no formal writing experience or anything like that. I just
