Oceanside) – There are two constants in military life: camaraderie with one’s fellow service members and a shared sense of purpose.
Upon exiting the service, many veterans lament the lack of this sort of common bond from their lives. But not members of the Veteran’s Writing Group of San Diego County.
Spanning four generations and comprised of veterans from all walks of life and all branches of the service, the membership of the Veteran’s Writing Group (VWG) is growing with each monthly meeting.
Garry Garretson, a long-time member of the group, believes that the growth is due to the organizational focus on growing members into proficient writers and fostering an environment where creativity and self-exploration is encouraged.
“Every veteran has a story to tell. They may be factual, related to their personal experiences both during and after their service. Or they may be total sea stories, but we encourage them all.” says Garretson.
To date, VWG’s resident authors have published three collaborative anthologies of stories. The content of these books comes from the author’s own lived experiences serving in our nation’s armed forces. The group’s third book, released last week, is entitled Stories That Must Be Told.
“In this anthology we’ve captured a couple dozen slices of military life; stories that describe terror and boredom, friendship and conflict, sacrifice and selfishness. These are stories that will both entertain and educate, and that must be told before they are lost forever,” says Bruce Rowe, a member of the group’s Digital Media Team.
To celebrate the release of the book, the Veteran’s Writing Group will be holding a Book Launch Reception this Saturday (12/14) from 2-4pm at the Veterans Association of North County (VANC), 1607 Mission Ave., Oceanside. The Book Launch Reception will feature readings and signings by the authors as well as libation and light hors d’oeuvres. You can also buy your own copy of the new book.
Congressman Mike Levin will be our special guest and have a presentation for the writers.
Proceeds of the sale of the books go towards providing free copies for military and VA hospitals and military retirement homes. The books are currently being sold on Amazon in both paperback and digital format.
All are welcome to join the Veteran’s Writing Group and attend group meetings which take place on the third Saturday of every month at VANC at 11am. VWG also offers a Women’s Group which meets on the same day, but prior to the larger group. For more information check out: veteranswritinggroup.org.
Congressman Mike Levin will be our special guest and have a presentation for the writers.
Don Gomez
Communications Director, National Veterans Group
760-893-6775
dgomez@natvets.org
