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    Veterans showcase their creativity

    GRAYSLAKE, IL, UNITED STATES

    03.10.2016

    Story by Sgt. Alfonso Corral 

    318th Theater Public Affairs Support Element

    GRAYSLAKE, Ill. – On Thursday, March 10, at the College of Lake County, more than just students occupied the C wing of the conference center. Veterans of all branches of the military filled the C wing, viewing art displays. A large crowd of people watched live performances from the Navy band and other singers in the auditorium.

    It’s the Ninth Annual Creative Arts Festival where veterans have the opportunity to display their creativity.

    “This is so our veteran patients have a way to express themselves. For some of them, it’s a part of their recovery,” said Jayna Legg, the public affairs specialist at the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center. Jayna is former military herself. She’s a retired lieutenant colonel who served in the Army, National Guard and Army Reserve for a combined 25 years.

    Jayna added that the festival was open to veterans who were receiving treatment at the health care center. They submitted their work in creative writing, photography, sculpting and other forms of art.

    Veterans participating in the festival explained their reasons for submitting work or performing. Some of them just sang a song from their favorite artist on stage.

    Michael Richardson, a retired Army Reserve veteran, who performed a pop vocal cover of the song True by Spandau Ballet, said the festival was extremely therapeutic to veterans who had problems and issues.

    “It’s my third year competing in this festival,” said Anthony Sarpy, a retired Army veteran who did three combat tours in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. “The work I’m submitting is inspirational hip-hop music. It’s more of a hobby because I have a career outside of hip-hop, but there has always been an emotional attachment to me. One of my songs is a tribute to my combat tours and experience.”

    The festival received a visit from Brad Schneider, a Democratic congressman from Illinois.

    “I think the festival is fantastic,” said Schneider. “It’s the federal health care center getting together with the College of Lake County to give veterans the opportunity to have the space for an event like this. That’s what the community is about. There was someone playing piano tonight who served in General Patton’s Army.”

    Schneider’s visit seemed to provide a boost to morale, as many people were eager to shake hands and take a photo with the congressman.

    They didn’t announce the winners the day of the event, but Tricia Stewart, who helped to organize the festival, said the winners of each category would be announced at a later time.

    Jayna ended with, “We have this every year. We encourage people to come out. It’s a really good festival. It’s a really good experience for our veterans. These are real professional performers.”

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 03.10.2016
    Date Posted: 03.14.2016 08:49
    Story ID: 192103
    Location: GRAYSLAKE, IL, US

    Web Views: 36
    Downloads: 1

    PUBLIC DOMAIN