By Lori K. Joyce
A lively group of veterans recently gathered on a Saturday morning for coffee, camaraderie and something equally important—writing.
Members of The Veterans Writing Group of San Diego County, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping veterans and their families tell their stories, meet on the third Saturday of every month from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Veterans Association of North County Resource Center in Oceanside or online via Zoom.
Writers of every experience level are welcome, whether their goal is publication or simply preserving family memories for future generations.
The meetings provide an opportunity for members to read their work, receive constructive feedback and learn from guest speakers, published authors and educators. June’s meeting featured New York Times bestselling co-author Sara Vladic, who discussed research techniques for nonfiction writing. Randy Davis, mentor, editor and instructor at MiraCosta College, also led an interactive workshop on giving thoughtful, constructive critiques.
Founded in 2010, the organization includes members aged 21 to 97. Their fiction, nonfiction, and poetry reflect military service, family life, hardship, humor, and perseverance.
Among them is Navy veteran Tom Crosby, 92, who recalls being an 8-year-old American living in Manila when Japanese forces imprisoned him and his family in a civilian internment camp for three years during World War II.
“It gives me a good feeling to collect and share my memories,” Crosby said of his decision to write a book about his experiences.
Another member, Vietnam veteran Danté Puccetti, 76, contributed a poem to the group’s fifth anthology, A Seat at the Table: Stories and Poems by Veterans. He also wrote about surviving an attack by North Vietnamese Army sappers while serving as an Artillery Surveyor near Pleiku. Despite suffering devastating injuries, Puccetti remembers making a simple decision while hovering between life and death.
“I resolved to live for my parents,” he recalled.
When asked what it is like to tell his story today, his answer was brief.
“It’s cathartic.”
Board member Holly Kress-Hall, an Army and Air Force Reserve veteran, believes that is exactly why the organization exists.
“We hope to not lose these stories and to create a healing environment for the writers,” she said.
Beyond its monthly meetings, the organization awards scholarships to college students, participates in community outreach events and launched its first annual writing competition in 2025.
President Gary Garretson, a Vietnam veteran and 15-year member, said the group’s vision extends well beyond San Diego County. Future plans include establishing a permanent home for the organization, expanding into five additional states and helping create writing groups within other veterans service organizations.
“Our meetings, book publishing, brand, and outreach are our vehicles for serving those who paid the price and made the sacrifices,” Garretson said.
For those interested in learning more, ordering one of the group’s anthologies, subscribing to its newsletter, making a donation or becoming involved, visit the Veterans Writing Group of San Diego County. The organization continues its mission of preserving history—one veteran’s story at a time.
