I’m very proud to be part of a heritage of four generations of military service—my grandpa, my dad, me, and my son. To me, service in the military opened up a new world, for both good and bad. I’m grateful for all the new things I learned as a U.S. Air Force medic, such as suturing a wound, making a cast, and giving injections. I appreciated the chance to grow professionally and the opportunity to help people.
Although I faced many challenges, overall, I met some great people, developed discipline, and learned how to keep my mouth shut. In recent years, I started struggling with an autoimmune disease called Crohn’s Disease. Although I’m no longer able to work or carry on our family’s tradition of military service, I still try to help people. For example, whenever possible, I smile at others. Mother Teresa once said, “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”
Teal Enlightenment
Each year, I love visiting ArtPrize. Art has always been a part of my life; I especially enjoy drawing and photography. After getting sick with Crohn’s Disease, I learned a new art technique called quilling. To make these paper works, I use a tool with a slotted tip to roll paper strips into tight circles. Next, I pinch the rolled paper into different shapes and glue them into unique patterns.
Each design takes about eight hours to complete. After watching YouTube tutorials, I eventually learned how to create my own designs. Now, I even sell my quilling projects on social media. Art helps me to maintain a positive outlook and relax. This year, I’m so excited to be a part of ArtPrize, not as a visitor, but as an actual ArtPrize artist.
Our new type of ArtPrize venue gives veterans a voice as they share their stories of struggle and healing through art.
Teal Enlightenment is showcasing at Veterans Memorial Park
A special thanks to Kent County Veterans Services, Zero Day, Finish the Mission, West Michigan Veterans Coalition, PlexiCase Inc, and Healing in Arts for making this collaboration of veteran stories possible.
