The Importance of Writing Groups

Veterans Writing Group:

We write, and then read for several benefits. For the veterans writing, it gives them the opportunity to express feelings or memories which have often been cooped up for years, if not decades. One of my fellow writers had not told anyone, including his family, that he'd ever been to Vietnam, but he was in some of most dangerous combat imaginable. After 50 years, in our group, he opened up, and then went to his current wife and his ex wife, who he was married to at the time, and said "I have something to tell you!". He's much better now. 

Another big reason we read in public it to reach out to veterans who may be having mental health issues, or simply want a feeling of brotherhood from fellow veterans. 

A third benefit is getting the stories out to people who may not be aware of some of the stuff veterans go through.

-Mike