War is a complicated and delicate subject for those of us who have experienced it firsthand or indirectly. Many brave soldiers have fought on our behalf, protecting us from our enemies abroad and domestically. Beginning as Armistice Day in 1918 to commemorate the end of WWI, the holiday known as Veterans Day is celebrated on Nov. 11 to thank and honor our soldiers and veterans.
One such veteran, Richard Casper, has served our country overseas as well as our community here at home, establishing a nonprofit called CreatiVets. The mission of CreatiVets is to empower veterans to heal through the arts and music, aiming to equip veterans with lifelong skills and confidence to excel in life.
Casper joined the military as a Marine in 2003 after witnessing 9/11, feeling the drive to stand up and defend our nation and its citizens. He earned a Purple Heart and served as Guard of the President.
Returning home from Iraq—where he served for four years and a month—Casper was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury after surviving an incident. He also lost a close comrade, and upon returning home, he began healing through the arts of songwriting, drawing, painting, and sculpting. Casper decided to finish school with a degree in art. CreatiVets was soon to follow.
Casper attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with his primary focus in ceramics. After a chance meeting with songwriter Mark Irwin, Casper was invited to Nashville to write music with him. Experiencing the catharsis of composition, Casper wanted other soldiers to experience the same. He started CreatiVets in July 2013 with co-founder Linda Tarrson.
The nonprofit helps veterans express their emotions, find healing through the arts, and repurpose their war experiences. There are numerous programs for veterans to choose from: Visual Voices, which involves art and mixed media; Stories in the Stars, which teaches astrophotography and allows veterans to explore the cosmos as a metaphor for resilience; Scars to Scripts, where veterans turn their life stories into screenplays, reclaiming their narrative through theater; and the music program, Songs of Survival. Veterans can share their stories through music—much like Casper—finding connection and voice through songwriting.
Veterans are encouraged to try the program and are flown to Nashville, all expenses paid, to participate. The Grand Ole Opry even welcomes the vets and writers backstage at their iconic venue. One such veteran wrote his song and opened for Dave Grohl from the Foo Fighters in his first-ever performance!
The fine arts program explores painting, ceramics, 3D printing, sculpting, photography, and mixed media. The theater arts are also a part of the mission. Veterans can write a screenplay about their experiences, viewing their story through an objective lens. On Nov. 12 at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center, there will be a ticketed fundraiser for CreatiVets. Performers will showcase the veterans’ plays, bringing them to life on stage.
Veterans need to be understood, and the arts are a way for them to tell their stories. The therapy that the program offers allows a veteran to rewrite their memories and experiences, from traumatic to positive. They hear their song come to life and are immediately proud to share it with their spouse and family in a way they were unable to before.
Being in the military created a community—a meaningful and enduring camaraderie. It has taught Casper to be compassionate, understanding, and courageous. Serving your country is what Casper terms agape love—the love in which one lays down their life for another. There is no greater sacrifice.
It’s amazing what one man, with the help of those around him, can start. By sharing his story, Richard has helped his military peers to heal and recover. Casper hopes his message, story, and contributions will save lives.
“I’ve witnessed countless veterans over the years heal from their own wounds of war, and it is my vision to bring these programs to as many veterans as we can reach, and today the demand is high,” said Casper.
CreatiVets is in the process of purchasing church property in Nashville to begin a 24-hour art and music center. To help with their cause, visit the website below and click on the volunteer link. One of the ways you can contribute is through teacherships—teachers are welcome from all walks of art. Currently, they even have a stained-glass artist teaching class.
You can listen to the songs of our noble soldiers on all streaming platforms. There are 60 songs and over 20 million streams, beautifully written with heartfelt passion and sentiment.
Veterans, there are not enough words to express our gratitude for your service, strength, and bravery. You are our heroes.
Happy Veterans Day.
CreatiVets.org
“I’ve witnessed countless veterans over the years heal from their own wounds of war, and it is my vision to bring these programs to as many veterans as we can reach, and today the demand is high,” said Casper.