Bill OÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã¢â€žÂ¢Brien joined the National Endowment for the Arts in 2006 as Director of Theater. Since then, he has served as a Deputy Chairman of Grants and Awards and currently serves as the Senior Innovation Advisor to the Chairman. Bill has acted on film, television, and on stage in 48 states currently and works directly with military veterans through Operation Homecoming.

012: National Endowment for the Arts Senior Innovation Advisor - Bill O'Brien

To foster, encourage and promote veterans in the arts. This podcast serves as your destination to learn about the artists, leaders and organizations making a difference in the veteran artist community. After receiving a vocal performance degree, BR decided to enlist in the Army after the tragedy of September 11th. BR became an Arabic linguist and served as an operator in the Joint Special Operations Command. After many combat deployments, BR set out to create the Veteran Artist Program, a space for veterans in the arts.  Now after 5 successful years, BR will tell the stories of the talented veterans and artists who are transforming the creative arts community.

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Born in Robinsdale, Minnesota , Jessie recently retired from the U.S. Army, and has come back to his lifelong passion of art.  He is a painter, sculptor, poet, and a multiple award-winning producer/director/writer (winning both a Telly at the national level and two Addy's, locally).  In the last year he has exhibited several pieces of art at the Creamery Gallery, in Springfield MO.  With little formal art education Jessie is a primarily a self taught artist.  He is very eclectic in his art techniques, ranging from landscapes, impressionism, surrealism, to realism, and his newest technique that he continues to refine...Chromatic Pop.  Able to work in wood, clay, metal, oil, acrylic, water color, and print making; Jessie is a versatile artist.

042: Rediscovering the passion for your gift - Jessie Schwartz

My art has been a journey of self-discovery and self-expression as a man who celebrates the African American experience and our achievements in sports and music history. It is the process by which I choose to explore my past and future.

041: Being thankful for the opportunities that didn't go as planned - Dwayne Lester

I was a sergeant in the South Carolina Army National Guard for 6 years. I did a little bit of everything but towards the last 2 years, I worked in the R3SP Program (suicide prevention). I currently work for SCDNR. I love fishing, the outdoors, and my pets.

040: Recognizing that art is an option - Pamela Corwin

Mike Caimona is a Navy veteran and the Founder of Warrior Music Foundation, which provides free music lessons and music therapy to active duty, veterans and families. He is also the founder of 1710 Percussion, a custom drum manufacturing company.

039: Finding the intersection between aptitude and passion - Michael Caimona

Retired after 24 years military, Bernardine "Bernie" Donato started painting 5 years ago and now teaches workshops to others in her community. "Painting has given me an outlet for my demons and taken me to calmer places. It is my space for solitude where I can tune out, unwind, and create." Aside from the 24 years in the military with combat area deployments, Bernie spent a total of 40 yrs as an RN with 24 of those years in ER/Trauma, and 11 years as a reserve LAPD Police officer in South Central Los Angeles. Bernie is very active in the VAP Community, and also very active in the Team RWB community.

012: National Endowment for the Arts Senior Innovation Advisor - Bill O'Brien

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