Memoir Writing For Veterans:

I played soccer back in high school, and two years during college.

I usually played the Center Midfield position – which is in the middle of the field – and which acts as a link between two other lines of teammates:

– The Strikers (the guys up front who typically scored the goals).

– The Fullbacks (the defensive guys in the back that stop the other team from scoring).

It is our job to link those two lines, often doing a little bit of both jobs.

And, because you’re in the middle of the field and supporting both lines (forward and back) you usually have to run – A LOT.

Sometimes we would run the entire 90 minute soccer game, which could equal about 5, 6, or 7 miles.

So I was a decent “endurance type” runner back then.

– – – Not super fast, not slow either, and always moving (!)

And as I’ve gotten older, I have been able to keep up with the running (jogging) but at a much slower pace. 🙂

(Can you say: “Hustling Turtle” or “Lumbering Dinosaur”)?

I like to hike also, and go on 1-2 hour hikes from time-to-time.

I was on a hike this morning at a park near our house, when I saw something that affected me greatly.

It was a young guy (probably early 30s) in a wheelchair, wheeling himself around the park in the early morning semi-darkness.

And it was cold outside this morning, about 34 degrees, which is really cold for North Carolina.

I purposely walked near the guy to say “Good Morning”.

He didn’t respond (which is okay) but I could see a fair amount of emotional pain on his face.

He was built like a college wrestler – very strong – so I’ll bet he was prior service, a military veteran, who was probably wounded in battle.

Seeing Him Made Me Realize Two Things Quickly:

1. I have it pretty damn good (mentally and physically) and especially for my older age.

2. Our company has FAILED with one of our primary objectives: Which is to bring life story writing to U.S. military veterans.

… But, it’s not like we have not tried.

I have reached out to the local VA Hospital here many times (including via phone calls, emails, and going to the VA myself in person)!

I have also reached out to a half dozen veteran service organizations.

I even wrote to the Governor’s wife here, about establishing a life story writing program for veterans.

The response from them all was exactly the same: Nothing. Just Crickets (sound).

So, I decided to try harder and do something new about it.

Today.

I signed into the local NEXTDOOR app and created a new group there: Veterans Writing Group.

And I posted this there:

I have created this group to help veterans (and non-veterans) via writing, and especially life story memoir book writing at any age.

That process is often beneficial and therapeutic. It can also:

– Give form to thoughts, feelings, and experiences

– Make sense of what has happened or is happening

– Provide a therapeutic release

– Gain control of traumatic experiences and memories

– Remember and commemorate experiences

– Bridge the gap between writer, reader, family, and society

– Challenge the notion that difficult experiences should not be revealed

– Find common ground and foster camaraderie

– Inspire, empower, and improve lives

All veterans in this group will receive FREE access to The Life Writer App (www.TheLifeWriter.com) which normally sells for $95.00. Non-veteran members can access the app for 50% off.

Membership Will Include:

– Writing support

– App use support

– Life story snippet sharing support (if interested)

– Group video meetings (if interested)

– Other activities (your ideas + suggestions welcome)

Please Note: The Life Writer App is online and available on most devices (desktops, laptops, tablets, and phones).

You DO NOT have to be a resident of Cary, NC to participate.

Questions? Respond here or call/text me directly at: 919-619-5097. Email is also an option.

Thanks.

Marc 919-619-5097 [email protected]

(writing benefit list courtesy of WHOLEHEALTHLIBRARY/docs/Narrative-Medicine.pdf/va.gov)

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I did the same thing on Facebook also.

I created the new Facebook Group: MEMOIR WRITING FOR VETERANS with much of the NEXTDOOR app content there.

Here is a link to that group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/807532369979750

I hope that I can make some progress with helping our veterans!