Armed Services Arts Partnership

Overview

The Armed Services Arts Partnership strives to build and sustain communities around the expressive arts at no cost to veterans and military families by partnering with respected nonprofits and colleges located in areas with high military populations. We focus on developing the literary, musical, and comedic skills of our veterans in sustained, community-based environments. In the process, we also hope to foster resiliency and improve well-being among our participants, and bridge divides by connecting veterans, students, and local communities through the arts. In June 2015, the Echoing Green Foundation recognized ASAP as the first VSO to ever receive their highly competitive Global Fellowship. This award, along with the momentum and support of our incredible communities, has positioned us to expand our initiative nationwide.

Stories of Transformation

Isaura Ramirez | Iraq Veteran: "I spent 13 years in the Army and a 15-month tour in Iraq. It was tough, and being a female leader in the Army made it even harder. Often, you’re labeled as too soft, or too hard. It was stressful, and I never felt like I could truly be myself. The Comedy Bootcamp encouraged me to be myself, the real Isaura - it’s like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders. This workshop helped me. It helped my family. I feel like for the first time it’s really okay to show people the real me."

-  Read more about her story at http://soldiers.dodlive.mil/2015/05/former-soldiers-give-audiences-and-themselves-something-to-laugh-about/

 

Joe Bruni | Iwo Jima Veteran: "Our stories must be told - we are part of our American History. We share our current writings for therapy, but also for emotional knowledge of what war influences and involves, so that sacrifices are not in vain, and hopefully, to stop the need for wars."

- Hear Joe's riveting story at http://www.cnn.com/2015/05/25/politics/memorial-day-joe-bruni-iwo-jima-poet/

 

Daniel Reichwein | Post-9/11 Veteran: "I've gone through 32 years of life without ever feeling like anyone has really understood me. I've been through child abuse, sexual abuse, homelessness for three years. When I eventually got to William & Mary, I looked around and saw a bunch of 20 year old kids, and still didn't feel like anyone understood me. What this writing group has given me is the feeling that, finally, there are people who understand the real me."

- You can learn more about Daniel's story at https://www.wm.edu/news/stories/2015/reichwein-offers-fellow-graduates-a-lesson-in-perseverance.php

 

**Please note that, as of September 1, 2015, the Armed Services Arts Partnership is a 501c3 Tax-Exempt non-profit.