Ehren Tool, a big, burly guy, enlisted as a Marine in 1991. His grandfather, a World War II veteran, said, “They are going to take your soul.” And his father, a Vietnam veteran, warned that the images of war would haunt him forever. Five years later, with a combat action ribbon and a seven-month Gulf…
Lead Patriot Guard Rider, Mike Myers, wore several hats throughout his military career. He started as an artilleryman, transitioned to a wheeled vehicle mechanic, and later served as a medic. Following his honorable discharge, he worked in retail and eventually managed more than a dozen Target stores throughout Michigan. Earlier this spring, I contacted Mike…
Come celebrate the opening of Voices 2022 on Saturday, September 17, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Veterans Memorial Park will host the public in an opening weekend event to honor the twenty-two veteran artists shown at ArtPrize, an international art event held in Grand Rapids, Michigan. While at the park, take a moment to sign…
As the Voices project took shape last year, many of the participants found a space to express their unspoken history of struggle, pain, and loss. These veterans have found it difficult to return to civilian life after risking their lives to serve our country, and some battle with alcohol or prescription drugs. But the Voices…
The Connections Project invites individuals to connect with those who don’t look, think, or act like us. Various stances on social issues, race, gender, and the economy spark heated debates in the public sector, on social media, and around family dinner tables. This project challenges individuals to take a fresh look at how they see…
Two words that guide my daily decisions are “intentional” and “purposeful.” I’m constantly asking myself, does this particular choice or opportunity fit my overall life purpose and help me to remain intentional? These words guide me as I think about my life goals and where to invest my time each day. One of my goals…