My father served in the Army during World War II. He was part of “The Red Ball Express,” a military initiative in the European theater that consisted of 6,000 trucks that moved 12,500 tons of supplies to the front lines every day. Drivers didn’t have regular shifts, they drove day and night to accomplish their mission, facing enemy snipers at every turn who shot at the drivers to try and stop the supply trucks.
I used to ask my father about his wartime experience, but he would rarely talk about it. He would say, “I drove a truck,” and that was about all. I got the sense that his memories—the sights and sounds of the war, caused him stress that he didn’t want to relive. He made jokes about drinking heavily during the war and I realize now that was his coping mechanism. After the war, he was released back into civilian life and for a long time, continued to use alcohol to cope with day-to-day stress.
A long time has passed since World War II, but wars continue to scar our military personnel to the tune of “22 a Day.” That means, on average, 22 veterans a day take their own life.
The American Addiction Centers published a report in July 2024 (“Suicide Among Veterans,” by Charles R. Hooper, MSW), stating that “Veterans comprise nearly a quarter of suicide deaths in the United States.” Additionally, according to the Veteran’s Administration, between 2001 and 2020, “The prevalence of mental health issues or substance use among veterans rose from 27.9% to 41.9%. Their study also indicated that other factors leading to suicide were anger, rage, mood swings and episodes of anxiety and agitation. Many expressed feelings of having no reason to live, which led to increased alcohol or substance abuse and self-destructive behaviors.” These numbers are validated by reports that since 2001, 7,050 military personnel have died in action. During the same period of time, more than 32,000 military personnel who participated in the same combat missions have committed suicide. The issue cannot be ignored.
On September 28, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 12196, is hosting an event that celebrates the 125th Anniversary of the Veterans of Foreign Wars. At this event, a new initiative, “VCAP,” or Veterans Creative Arts Program, will be introduced to address the growing need in the Cape Fear area. The mission of VCAP is to provide access to creative arts programs for veterans and first responders, especially those experiencing the effects of service related trauma, such as PTS and traumatic brain injury (TBI.)
In May, while in Raleigh with the Brunswick Arts Council, Commander Decker met with State Senator Bill Rabon to discuss the importance of the arts in Brunswick County. Senator Rabon asked Commander Decker why the Leland VFW Post didn’t have a creative arts program for area Veterans? He cited other successful programs of this nature and stated that with so many Veterans in this area, he felt that someone should make the effort to champion this initiative. State Senator Rabon spoke of programs of this nature, that he has witnessed in other areas, have proven to be effective outlets for veterans and first responders. The Senator is right. Programs like the Patriot Art Foundation is made up of Veterans, artists and educators with the shared mission of giving something of value back to our Veterans through art.
Artwork by Veterans declares, “In recent years, interests in the relationships between art and healing have become a talking point in the medical world. More than three hundred professional organization are researching, documenting and systematizing how engagement with these creative processes impact PTSD and depression.” In fact, the Veterans Administration and the National Arts Council devote a great deal of time and money to provide for these programs.
Commander Decker took the Senator’s suggestion seriously and introduced the idea of a creative arts program to Post 12196. Partnering with the Brunswick Arts Council, the Cameron Art Museum, Onslow Originals, the North Carolina Arts Council, Challenge America, Creative Arts for Vets (Cav Art), Over the River Theatre Company, Humana and the City of Wilmington, the Veterans Creative Arts Program (VCAP) is now a reality.
VCAP’s COO, Cammeron Batanides, explained, “The program has events, workshops, in-person and soon online classes that offer a variety of creative art options for participants. We also connect veterans and first responders to program options that are already established through our partners. Classes will be taught by professionals in the field of study, some of which are veterans. A description of creative offerings will be on our website. Space permitting, all classes and materials are free to active military personnel, veterans and first responders. VCAP is a safe space for all veterans and first responders.”
Cammeron (Art by Cammeron), a local teaching artist who has been working in the community for over 20 years, summarized, “There are a lot of statistics and data available which show that the arts enhance wellbeing and assist Veterans. We are creating art in our community and building community through creative arts. We invite Veterans and first responders to connect, share their stories and express themselves through different forms of creative art.”
“Our in person and online classes, workshops and events are growing,” Batanides said. “Currently open for registration are a digital arts class at Davis Center and a floating lantern making workshop at Cameron Art Museum. VCAP is collaborating to connect participants to both dance and theatre programs. Future classes and workshops will include murals, collage and mixed media options. On online classes will include writing and many more creative options.”
Cammeron Batanides wants all potential participants in the program not to worry about skill levels. “We want to ensure that every person is seen, and everyone knows that it’s OK if you have never painted or played an instrument before. We are all artists in our own way and there are so many different areas that encompass art. We want Veterans to know that their stories are valued, and they are supported by this community.”
Another class that is currently open for registration is a creative writing class, taught by a Professor at UNCW in their Creative Writing Department and his name is Michael Ramos, an Iraqi War veteran. His work focuses on dispelling myths about war and bringing military and civilian communities together through the power of art.
In an online podcast, Professor Ramos stated, referencing Veteran suicide, “Largely, it can be boiled down to a lack of support from the communities they return to.” He also said, “The military does a crappy job at re-integration of their members back into the ‘world.’ Add to that alcohol, drugs and medication and it is a perfect cocktail for isolation and despair.”
The VCAP program is a huge step in reaching out and helping those who have served our country and our communities. All proceeds from the VFW 125th Anniversary event will go to the VCAP program, which is now a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
If you are an active military person, a veteran or first responder, go to www.veteranscreativearts.org and register for an art program that interests you. Please take advantage of this gift from a community that says, “Your stories matter and we support you.”
Happily, the VCAP event is sold out, but please consider making a generous donation to the VCAP program by making a one time or monthly recurring donation online at www.veteranscreativearts.org.
For more information about the program, contact Cammeron Batanides at [email protected].
