Operation Valor Arts; A Veteran Initiative

To secure Veterans the necessary resources to design and construct public art as a means to (1) process and interpret their experience of war (2) engage collaboratively with fellow service members to accomplish a mission (3) connect with opportunities in art, design and technology fields (4) create a lasting tribute to the service members and families who sacrificed so dearly

In Southwestern Pennsylvania, known to have one the larger concentrations of United States Veterans, a diverse group of community leaders, health scientists, and Veterans came together in 2011 to explore an innovative approach to addressing issues facing transitioning Veterans. While recognizing the military, VA and organizations across the country primarily focus on healthcare, rehabilitation and job readiness and equal fundamental need is being overlooked. The necessity to "continue to serve" and have a "mission" is not being fulfilled. After conducting a national survey of Veterans programs, OVArts was found to be the only non-therapy-based cultural arts and design program for Veterans.

OVArts is committed to helping Veterans who are transitioning into civilian life, demonstrate their exceptional abilities with uncommon ingenuity, adaptability, and leadership skills. By completing a project with OVArts, our Veterans employ these skills while interpreting their unique experience of war. The process of creating the public art also provides an outlet to the Veterans and can mend a gap by providing better understanding from the public of the sacrifices and experiences of our servicemen and women

Testimonials

Featured Veteran Artist
RICHARD SANDERS
Staff Sergeant, US Army

Rich is a veteran, designer, entrepreneur and philanthropist.

He is currently serving in the Army Reserves and was recently assigned to the 303rd Psychological Operations Company, which drills in Coraopolis, PA. Upon moving to Pittsburgh he joined TechShop where he launched his business SHPlates. In addition to running the business, serving as a Reservist, and working full time, Rich has run fundraising campaigns through SHPlates raising well over ten thousand dollars for a number of veterans and other charities.

SHPlates designs and manufactures custom steel weight plates for military-style athletic events in addition to a variety of other custom motivational products. All manufacturing, artwork, and business operations are done by Rich and a very small staff operating out of TechShop. The business concept and its name were inspired by veterans as well. Says Rich, "SHPlate stands for Strength and Honor plate. The first SHplate was designed after a buddy of mine, a prior Army Infantryman who became my close friend after moving to Pittsburgh, gave me a hunk of steel- and I got an idea. Not a few days later, I had etched a plate to honor Todd Harris and Jason House, the two military deaths that have hurt me most. Their memory gives me the strength and honor needed to push through my training.".

Rich has a lot to be proud of, but when you talk to him it's immediately apparent that his charitable giving is a top priority and perhaps his greatest point of pride. To date he has executed two highly successful steel plate raffles that raised well over $1000 and also made a donation of PSYOP promotional patches to OVArts. His dedication to giving back is not limited to his substantial monetary donations. As an accomplished entrepreneur and designer he loves to tell other veterans, "I did it, and you can too.". He has given back to the TechShop maker community by hiring TechShop members and giving informational and inspirational presentations at TechShop's Veteran Meetups.

Our profound gratitude goes to Rich for all his contributions. OVArts is honored to work with such a skilled artist and maker that embody the values that our projects are designed to promote. Staff Sergeant Sanders, we salute you!