In May Exit12 felt that the best way to get an identity that was comprehensive, interesting, and encompassing of our identity, mission, and vision, was to hire a graphic designer.  We paid the deposit the designer requested and the designer went to work.  After paying a deposit and several iterations and sketches, Exit12 and the designer felt that we were well on our way to a brilliant new logo.  Then the logo-train, transporting us all to an amazing new identity, hit a wall.  The designer stopped communicating, stopped giving updates, and failed to meet deadline after deadline.  It was frustrating for an organization that uses donated funds for projects like this.

In order to explain a concept to the designer, our director sketched up a quick design and sent the photo along, and then, in order to explain details, he worked up a sketch on the computer.   Pow!   It worked.  Realizing that the concept worked so well, Exit12 decided to run with it, and put it out to our team for comment.

The minimalist E12 Digicam Logo gets its inspiration from the digital camouflage that was introduced by Commandant General Jim Jones, and was copied by the other four branches.

In the digital cubes you’ll find E, and 12, staying true to our beginnings as a company, off of the FDR’s exit 12 in Manhattan.  You’ll find the military in the olive green cubes, their loved ones in the light green, and the tan cubes illustrate our community outreach to all people at home and abroad.  There are two missing cubes, a testament to those who gave their lives in service.

So, without further ado, the new identity of Exit12 designed by Roman Baca!  (drum-roll please)

Ta da!

Here is the design brief:

Here are a few iterations we played with in the design stage, and a few placements to see it work.  Check out its use on the website as well!

Our testament to the digital cammies of the different branches.

We would love your feedback!!!

Looking back to push forward

Five years ago, 2007, I was still enlisted in the Marines, and fulfilling my end of contract in the IRR, Inactive Ready Reserve.  I had purchased a condo in CT as an investment, and had a secure job as a CAD technician for a firm that manufactured stormwater chambers.

Five years ago in February was the day that my girlfriend Lisa, who is now my wife, sat me down in my condo and told me that things were not ok.  She told I was different from serving in Fallujah and that she couldn’t handle my mood-swings, lack of purpose, anxiety, and depression.  She challenged me to make a change in my life, and asked me what I would do if I could do anything in the world.  I told her I would start a dance company, that it was something I always wanted to do, thinking that she would call me an idiot and move on.  Instead she said, “Then why don’t we do it?” So we, along with a ballerina she knew from before, started working on my choreography at a dance studio in NYC.  That studio wasn’t far from exit 12 off of FDR drive, so to be true to our small beginnings, we called ourselves Exit12.

Our first logo

Five years ago in June I went home.  I spent most of my adolescent years in Spanaway, Washington – near Seattle.  My cousin was getting married, so Lisa and I traveled to the wedding.  Not only did I get to reconnect with family, but it was an opportunity to see friends and places I hadn’t visited in over ten years.  I got to treat Lisa to all those wonderful things I remembered about the Pacific Northwest, great food, fresh fish, and awesome coffee.  I went to my old high school, and reconnected with two significant people in my life, the friend who inspired me to dance, and the friend who’s family inspired me to keep growing and challenging myself.  I told them about our recent venture, and they became some of Exit12’s strongest supporters.

Five years ago I sent out a bunch of emails looking for a position teaching ballet.  I figured that if I was going to create choreography and start a dance company, I should learn from the bottom – by going back to teaching.  I emailed every studio within a 100-mile radius, and one school emailed me back – Ballet Theatre Company in West Hartford, CT.  I started teaching, and developed a bond with the students teachers and staff that has grown into the position of Artistic Director for their Nutcracker, the one with a military twist, that has expanded to two different performance locations, and has been a sell-out since we put our spin on it three years ago.

Five years ago I applied to my first competition with my choreography.  As would happen many times forward, my application was rejected.  I see rejections as learning experiences, and emailed the director for advice on how to succeed in the future.  Stephen Mills, the Artistic Director of Ballet Austin gave me advice I have solidly adhered to including, “You learn by trial and error.  Just keep making as much work as possible… thank you for your service to the country.  That’s truly a gift”

Five years ago I felt the need to share that gift, which so few give, with others. I responded to the call of service in honor of those who have, or who continue, to serve.  I felt that turning my choreographic vision to the plight of warriors and their families, I could help in some way.    I wanted to inspire, educate, and advocate for my fellow service members.  I had visions of performing for the military, veterans and their families.  I had aspirations to teach dance in Iraq one day.  I had hopes of using movement to help ease the transition home for veterans.

Five years ago, this week, we premiered our first military-themed work at a converted barn in Woodstock, NY.  We took five dancers, including a dear friend who is now a demi-soloist at Staatsballett Berlin, and showcased what came to be Habibi Hhaloua our first, and most acclaimed work.  A synopsis that I sent out read: “

It’s going to be a Marine on patrol.  It will open with the Arabic Call to Prayer/Radio Traffic audio that I am working on with a few Marine friends of mine.  Once he gets on stage (he enters from the back of the audience in the darkness and all you see is his red/laser target designator) he stops and starts to daydream about home, love, life, honor/courage.  These become concrete manifestations (the four women) and they start to dance in his mind (on stage with lighting effects to suggest a dream-adagio 1st movement).  They lure him in to the dreamworld and out of the cruel world he is actually in.  He starts to believe they are real, and not in his mind and starts to dance with them.(adagio/allegro-2nd movement)

Our first performance of Habibi Hhaloua

Habibi grew to a seventeen-minute dance piece with video from Iraq about a Marine on patrol, with the ballerinas emulating the things he keeps close to protect him; courage, life, love, and the vision of home.  It has since been performed, along with all of our other works, for veterans and civilians throughout the nation.  We have been profiled in major publications, news shows, and in the Wall Street Journal.

Our first mainstream press photo

Five years ago I dreamed that all of this was possible, but I never thought it could all come to fruition in such a short time.  It all leads me to ask you, what can you do in five years?

I served in Fallujah in 2005-2006, and going back is monumental, not only for me, but for the people of Erbil, Kirkuk, Veterans of the Iraq war, and hopefully the world.

The next few posts, for the next ten days will be about the trip and the experience, so for these posts please excuse grammar, spelling and punctuation.  Like today, we are both working on very little sleep, different routine, different food, and tons of stuff to take care of during the day, and are usually posting at night.  Iraq is seven hours ahead of NYC and right now my head is pounding and I can’t figure out if it’s the coffee, water, or lack of sleep.

As far as I know, no American commercial airline flies directly into Iraq, so we flew from NYC’s JFK airport to Istanbul, Turkey and had a fourteen (14) hour layover.  It was a great plan, sleep on the plane, tour Istanbul, then hang at the hotel until the flight left at about midnight Istanbul time.

Nothing is ever that smooth.

The Istanbul airport was ok.  A little trouble with passport control, no trouble with visa, a lot of trouble with Turkish Airlines.  You see, in Istanbul, the staff is better at ignoring you than half of the people in NYC.  They seriously pretend you are not there.  So we spent a bit of time arguing, then gave up and headed into Old Istanbul to visit the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar.  I was on a mission to find a drink that a friend had recommended, but I couldn’t remember the name.

Since Istanbul wasn’t the mission, I’ll give you a quick rundown through photos:

Once the cab stopped barreling through the streets, we were on foot.  We found a fresh pomegranate cart where they made fresh pomegranate juice.  Knowing the anti-oxidant properties of pomegranates, the juice was awesome, although a bit tart.

Then we headed to the Blue Mosque. We wanted to check out the inside, but it was prayer time and the mosque wasn’t open for visitors so we decided to get lunch as we were both starving.

Along with lunch, we had Turkish Coffee.  A German rug-store owner was sitting next to us and read our fortunes from the grounds left in the cup.  Don’t get your hopes up. it was all hogwash.

We started walking from the Blue Mosque (shown) to St. Sofia’s Cathedral.

The Cathedral cost about twenty dollars so we decided to head back to the Blue Mosque.  The inside was incredible.  I’ll post more photos of it later, as they seem to have gotten lost in the bloggisphere.

After the mosque, both Robin and I had to use the Water Closet (WC) and there was one behind the Mosque.  Upon my arrival in the basement of the courtyard,  I was faced with my mortal enemy, the squat toilet.  A formidable foe that requires its opponent to have keen balance, a steady hand, and strong knees.  I quickly conquered the foe and surfaced to Robin’s exclaim of, “You had to make a doodie?  I am so proud!”  I knew that we grew closer that day, having served and conquered a mutual enemy.

One of the entrances to the Grand Bazaar.  The Bazaar was hard to get around and every shop owner tried to pull us in their shop.  They were rather friendly and good with conversation usually.

The handiwork and colors are incredible

And the mix of old and new was amazing

I wanted to buy this for Nutcracker

Amazing Turkish Delight, a yummy candy that I had to buy.  Robin bought Pasmanye, a cotton candy type candy that is the consistency of really fine hair.  It was weird but good.

We spent an awful long time looking for this entrance.  Again, asking for Nargile, and for the Chululu Alipasa got us interesting and hard to follow directions.  But we finally found it.

I love these lamps, they look like hot air balloons

The Nargili (in Turkish, Hookah in Arabic) tasted like strawberries.  We also had apple tea and lemon tea.

A try at getting a panoramic shot of the Nargili shop.

Then we went on a search for a famous dinner restaurant (directions are all “on this corner, turn right, 300 meters).  The food was very good.  Robin had eggplant kabab, and I had lamb with cheese and pita.  The restaurant is famous for its flaming entrees and we saw a few served.  We almost ordered the one where they slice the bottom off of a flaming clay vessel.

On our way back to the Blue Mosque to get a taxi back to the airport we heard “Salep, Salep.”  I exclaimed, “THAT’S IT!”  My friend Quinn Pendelton wrote about it on her travels with Ballet de Monte Carlo and I wanted to try it while in Turkey.  It is a rice based drink with Salep (a type of seasoning only found in Turkey, and cinnamon, served hot.  It was perfect to settle dinner and keep us warm on a slightly chilly night.

Then we took pictures of the Blue Mosque illuminated at night.  Can you see the bats flying around the minnerettes?

Then we were back to arguing for a place to rest with Turkish Airlines, our flight got pushed back and hour and a half, but soon, we were on our connecting flight to Erbil, Iraq.

The Mission Continues held the orientation for its first group of Fellows in St. Louis, Missouri. I was to join this group, dubbed Alpha Class, for three days of paperwork, rules, regulations, events, activities, and MOTIVATION!

The Mission Continues has hosted 200 Fellows from its start in 2007 until 2011. It has taken the challenge of adding 500 Fellows in 2012 alone. The 38 Fellows in Alpha Class are veterans called to find a purpose by serving as volunteers in their community. Upon receiving my itinerary for the orientation, I noticed that the three days were packed. There were classes, lectures, talks, and a service project that was to serve as our graduation as Mission Continues Fellows.

The three days in St. Louis were a whirlwind of activities, but it is the people that I was inspired and motivated to meet and talk with. I met people who work with The Mission Continues, alumni, supporters, and other fellows. Every single one of them was motivating. Over the weekend each one shared, what they had been through, what brought them to the organization, and what inspired them to continue to serve.

The speech by The Mission Continues co-founder, Eric Grietens, was a great launching point on Saturday morning. Eric retold the story of General George Washington, but instead of a tale of victory, he told of defeat. The story was that Gen. Washington was defeated on the battlefield, and if not for an aide, would have stayed on the battlefield until he was captured or killed. Gen. Washington’s aide led him to safety and assured Gen. Washington that he was still needed. Eric drew the parallel to current veterans. That even though we may feel defeated, we are still needed.

Then Eric talked about personal growth. His talk took me back to a pivotal point in my life, right after high school. I was in a nowhere job, not in school, sleeping on a cot in my best friend’s breakfast nook, with no direction. His father sat me down for a man-to-man talk and said, “you’re not growing personally. You can stay here as long as you need to, but you need to put together a plan that will allow you to grow, no matter what it is.” That talk has stuck with me throughout the years, and whispers to me when I’m stuck, or not moving forward. Eric’s words echoed, “The amount of growth in your life depends on the size of the challenge you take on.” The slide Eric used showed an equation detailing the ratio of the size of growth directly relating to the size of the challenge. The bigger the challenge, the more growth will be gained. Then Eric challenged us to challenge ourselves, remember the people that depended on us in our lives, and to remember what drove us to serve: purpose.

Not only was Eric a motivating speaker but the weekend was full of people describing how Eric challenged them to challenge themselves. My recruiter, Tiffany Garcia said, “When I took this job Eric told me if I grew comfortable in it, I was probably in the wrong job. He constantly pushed me to do more, achieve more.” In his first talk to Alpha Class, Eric did the same, challenging us to serve and grow.

Another motivating event was working with the 38 Alpha Class Fellows, staff from The Mission Continues, and volunteers at a day homeless shelter called the Bridge, in downtown St. Louis. Service projects are an important facet of The Mission Continues, and the Alpha Class was to earn the title Fellow by conquering the tasks at the Bridge. We had four hours to empty their basement and paint their cafeteria. The basement was full of building materials, old furniture, and various compounds for cleaning or painting-a huge fire hazard.

You can see the gallery of photos from the day here:

Click here to view these pictures larger

The cafeteria, where a hundred or so people are served warm meals, was in desperate need of a cleaning, and a new coat of paint. Half of the Alpha Class grabbed rollers and paint. My half of the class donned hardhats, dust masks, and gloves – tackling the basement. A true leader leads by example, and Eric is a true leader. He put his time in, hauling huge items out of a dusty, dirty basement. The basement crew filled two huge dumpsters with the contents of the basement. Everyone was so driven and motivated that we completed the major tasks in two hours. Alpha Class had pledged four hours and used the extra two to spruce up the grounds, clean out offices, and haul decorations to storage. After the service project, we recited The Mission Continues pledge and received our coins as a token that we were now Fellows and our work had only begun.

Motivating us even further was the keynote speaker that greeted us on Sunday morning. Lt. Col. Mark Weber’s motivating speech is below. In his speech, Lt. Col. Weber details his daunting challenges and his fight. His words are incredibly motivating. Instead of paraphrasing, I challenge you not just to watch it, but use it as an example to challenge yourself in the service of others.

The Mission Continues challenges veterans to select a host organization and develop a mission.

I was excited to apply when I met the staff from The Mission Continues in NYC, but one of the requirements was that I had to be rated disabled by the VA.  So, I did not apply.  A few months ago, I received a phone call from The Mission Continues, and was asked if I would like to apply for a fellowship.  The organization had opened up applications to all veterans and was looking forward to adding 500 Fellows to its roster in 2012.  I jumped at the chance to apply and started booking meetings in search of a host organization.

The task of finding one that could develop and carry out a mission, and that gave back to my community – seemed impossible.  I wanted to commit to a mission that included affecting Veterans and at-risk children.  I also wanted a mission that I felt passionate about.  I scheduled a meeting with a friend that I have known for five years – Jonathan Hollander, the Artistic Director of Battery Dance Company.

Jonathan recently developed a program called Dancing to Connect.

Summary

Dancing to Connect (DtC), an award-winning initiative created by the Battery Dance Company of New York City, engages youth in creativity and team-building through the art form of modern dance. Students of all abilities work under the guidance of Battery Dance Company’s teaching artists, who are also world-class performers, creating and performing choreography of their own devising. DtC workshops open doors for teens as they transition into the leaders and engaged citizens of tomorrow.

Mission

The term Dancing to Connect was coined to refer to the leitmotif of the project, which makes connections between:
· Cultures and languages of the host country and the U.S.
· Professional dancers and high school students
· Spheres of education and culture
· Secondary schools of all types
· Natives and immigrants
· Students of diverse socio-economic backgrounds
· Communities in conflict
· Boys and girls
· Student mentors with younger students      -from Battery Dance Company’s Website

The Dancing to Connect program has been successful in over 25 countries.  Battery Dance’s Teaching Artists have worked with groups of disadvantaged children, victims of violence, and other at-risk groups.  The Dancing to Connect model allows the participants to have a role in the creation of the dance work, and gives them the power to tie it to a theme that is important to them.  The works that have been developed have dealt with the AIDs epidemic, hygiene, fair elections, and other issues that are amazingly important to young people.

Our mission description for The Mission Continues adds a few new groups to the list:  Veterans of the wars and their loved ones.  Not just American, but coalition forces, and people from Iraq and Afghanistan.  We are exploring the possibilities of using the program to help Veterans express themselves through movement, to bridge the Veteran/Civilian divide through teamwork, to build a sympathetic understanding with those affected by the wars, and to assist in the healing process.

It is a huge mission.  The roadblocks and obstacles are many.

It’s not a charity, it’s a challenge.

In April of 2011 I volunteered with an organization called The Mission Continues to help with a Service Project.  The task of the day was to pack arts and crafts packets for children in hospitals.  Yours truly, The Mission Continues, Project Sunshine, and Comcast Cares built 1200 art packages for children in hospitals that day.

It was also the day that I was introduced to one of The Mission Continues’ Fellows, Josue “Ace” Avecedo.

Ace is an Disabled Army Iraq Veteran.  While on patrol in Iraq, Ace’s Humvee hit a large hole in the road and Ace was tossed and injured.  Ace still suffers from PTSD.  Ace is one of The Mission Continues’ first Fellows.  He partnered with East Coast Assistance Dogs and helped train his own service animal, Aires.  Aires helps “Ace” by being a barrier from crowds, and alerts Ace to break flashbacks and nightmares, and lots more.

That was the day I met Tiffany Garcia, the New York Representative from The Mission Continues and we talked about the possibility of me becoming a fellow.

In the next few posts, I will detail how I became a fellow, and chronicle the fellowship and mission as it happens.  First, I thought I should tell you about The Mission Continues, and organization that challenges Veterans to continue serving.

What is The Mission Continues?

The Mission Continues is the only national nonprofit challenging post-9/11 veterans to rebuild a sense of purpose through community service. Many veterans struggle to find purpose at home without the structure, mission and camaraderie of a military unit. The Mission Continues does not offer charity; rather, we challenge returning service members to utilize their tremendous skills and leadership to continue serving our country at home. Through service, veterans find renewed strength and purpose while building stronger communities. Our mission is fueled by a deep belief that our veterans are assets and are poised to become the next greatest generation.

The Mission Continues awards community service fellowships to post-9/11 veterans, empowering them to transform their own lives by serving others and directly impact their communities. Mission Continues Fellows serve for six months at a local nonprofit organization addressing key educational, environmental or social issues. Each Fellow works to achieve one of three outcomes at the conclusion of the fellowship: full-time employment, pursuit of higher education or a permanent role of service.

At the culmination of the fellowship, each Fellow will lead a service project in his/her community, bringing veterans and civilians together in days of service nationwide. These projects are bridging the military-civilian divide, allowing veterans to feel more connected to their communities and helping civilians gain a better understanding of and appreciation for our men and women in uniform.

Link

Military officials will develop a “reverse boot camp,” with the goal of better preparing service members who are leaving the military for civilian jobs or college classes. The program is part of a host of new initiatives announced by President Barack Obama on Friday to reduce unemployment among veterans.

During a speech at the Washington Navy Yard, Obama lamented that too many veterans have struggled to find work upon returning to civilian life. He told of Army medic Nick Colgin, who saved the life of a French soldier who was shot in the head in Afghanistan. But back home in Wyoming, Coglin had to take classes he could have easily taught just to get a job as a first responder when he got back home.…read article

The two wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are generating an unprecedented number of Veterans returning to the US from abroad. Some of those men and women will stay in the military and look forward to retirement. Some will bide their time looking forward to their impending separation from the service. Others will have watched their End of Active Service Date fly by while they were deployed and the minute they demobilize, they find themselves on the street in search of housing, a job and a normal civilian existence.

The picture above is of a bunch of Marines, including me, that served in Iraq. Some of the guys have it all figured out, some are in the process of figuring it out, and unfortunately a sad few (not pictured) have fallen by the way-side. I can tell you from experience, and the experience shared by these Marines, that a “reverse boot camp”, if done right, may just have made a big difference. It’s the least they could do for our war-fighters, hopefully they do it right.

Lets look at three typical military types and how the new training could serve them:

1. The Young One in the Platoon
Probably the youngest in his platoon, he joined right after high school. Probably did the delayed entry program, had a girlfriend back home until she realized that she was tired of waiting, tired of turning down other strapping young suitors, and tired of being alone on Friday nights. He has served 2-4 years and is looking at getting out in about the same. The only post-high school education he has had are military required on-line courses where he reads a book and answers multiple choice. Well, really he just gets the answers from another person in his platoon. He is physically fit, can field strip an M-16 and clean it carbon-free in fifteen-minutes. He has his whole life ahead of him, the G.I. Bill and a Veterans plate when he gets out. However, there is little mentoring. His college of choice doesn’t have a Veterans program. His combat pay doesn’t last as long as he wanted it to. Studying is boring and the other kids in college don’t relate to his demeanor or outlook on life, politics and the war. He tries to get a part-time job, but has no marketable skills apart from those imparted to him in a combat zone. He is having mental issues, but doesn’t want to be the p*ssy with PTSD, and so he filled out the VA questionnaire extremely liberally.

2. Joined the Military Later in Life
This is the older guy in the platoon, usually given the moniker “grandpa”. He had a little college, some job experience, and for whatever reason, joined the military rather late. For him the military solved a myriad of issues, whether financial, school related or life-changing. Maybe he was looking at job-loss or financial problems and the military offered a paycheck. Maybe he had issues in college and was either looking to receiving the G.I. bill or more discipline from military training. Maybe he felt stuck or maybe he felt a duty and changed his life entirely to serve his country. When he gets home he is faced with similar problems to the young one above, but everything is made worse with a few more years. He is more abrasive at work or at home. Road rage is an extreme problem. Distraction and a waning work ethic plague whatever job he can pick up at the time. He looks to the benefits offered by the VA and the G.I. Bill, but can’t balance the time it takes to learn the system, go through the motions and stay committed. His short tempered-ness, makes it even worse.

3. Guy who has it all figured out
This guy has been the go-to guy in the platoon. Any questions about anything or everything, ask him, he has it. No one worries about him getting out, because his road is seemingly paved. Everything seems easy. Skate out of the military into college or a good job as a contractor or consultant. No housing issues. No significant other issues. One day he wakes up and realizes his life no longer has purpose. It’s to easy. He misses the feeling of doing something important, he just doesn’t know how to start.

The direction that the military has taken in creating a “reverse boot camp” to aid service members in the transition looks great on paper. It immediately generates thoughts and hopes of what it could be and what it could do. Looking at our three very vague and overly stereotypical examples, this is what I hope that the “reverse boot camp” will do.

Set it up like a conference with required plenary lectures, panels and one-on-one sessions.

1. Job Training: The service member will receive some training relevant to his/her MOS that is marketable in the job world. Creativity would have to be employed in some of the grunt MOS’s, but it can be done. Give the service member something to put on his/her resume that states exactly why he/she should be hired. Some of the employers out there aren’t that creative and cannot see the benefits of military service and how it could translate into the real world. Oh, and the classes should be taught by civilians in the civilian work-force, not by another service member.

2. Financial Management: We all got the red Marine Corps Institute course on how to balance your checkbook. It’s not relevant any more. Half of the things we were offered at our separation from the military aren’t used because service members don’t have the financial training to see the long term benefits. From keeping Tricare (no matter what it costs) to holding onto the SGLI, most military members see the short term costs and turn them down, only for them to be ineligible for the future. Instead of sitting down with a checklist, explain and encourage forethought, budgeting and planning for a secure financial future. This class should be taught by a guy who wears a suit and tie to work every day, and can offer real-world investing, and financial experience.

3. VA Benefits: G.I. Bill, Home Loan, VA Medical Centers. Advance training in all aspects of benefits would help not only the service member, but the VA in the long term. Don’t just hand them a book. Sit them down and explain, even start the process. Get them on the website and show them how to access their benefits. This class should be taught by someone familiar with the inner-workings of the VA process.

4. Life Skills: Crash courses with textbooks: Networking, organization skills, study skills, professional relationships, health and nutrition (no more MREs and chow hall), maybe a cooking class, and thrown in, maybe underwater basket weaving. Include 1-on-1 sessions with representatives from different Veterans service organizations so that they know where to go for representation and assistance, or just so they know they’re not alone.

5. Mentoring: This is not in the same vein, but something that can help all three of our examples. Just like you have older NCO’s and Officers to look to for advice and help in the military, keep those NCO’s and officers engaged offline. Give them an incentive to mentor younger or lesser-grade service members, and just check in on them now and then. Who knows, that relationship may be the only one they turn to when they feel all is lost.

It all starts to look a lot like required courses at a University, and maybe it’s an overkill, but without a dream or two, there is no reality.

From a Marine wife:  ”Most importantly, it can’t be a one shot deal. The programs can’t be given in a week then you’re on your own. There needs to be some progression in the process. Three months, six months and/or a year later these same skills need to be reviewed and support services available. The contract might end but the supports should always be in place, without having to show a DD-214 or ID to access them.”

Bottom line, there are some clear issues that need to be covered in a “reverse boot camp” and there are a lot of service members who will benefit from them. Do it right. They deserve it.

If you missed it, catch up here before you read on.

Jaeson has just returned with his memory cards full of images from his trip and his mind full of stories from the soldiers and local Iraqis.

BBB: Last time we talked you were mounting a journey to Iraq with the purpose of documenting more “Graffiti of War”. You and your team have returned, safely, from your trip. Can you tell us briefly about the cities you spent most of your time in while in Iraq?

First, we were severely restricted by the US Army’s Public Affairs office (CIPC/USF-I) as to the locations we could visit. Their “official” statement was that “they could not find units to support our mission”. However, according to officials (anonymous sources) they completely dropped the ball and the unit at CIPC/USF-I has a history of this. That being said, the units that we did visit were very resourceful, welcoming and professional. We started at LSA Ali Al Salem in Kuwait. We took a flight into Tallil and were located on Camp Adder. Then we were slated to fly to Kalsu, but were forced to abandon after our rotary-wing (helicopter) flight was cancelled due to weather. We ended up staying our remaining time in Basrah.

BBB: How was the trip? Was it successful?

Though we had hoped for 60 days and at least a dozen locations, we were only offered 3 and 2 weeks, though we stretched it to 22 days. Since our original contact expressed to us, in writing, that we had every division except for Andar Province we locked in a date. This was changed with only 10 days left before our flight. We did object and do our best to use our networks of contacts to intervene, their efforts we not successful.

That being said, we consider this expedition to be a complete success. We were able to capture over 2,000 images and a dozen interviews and we significantly increased the awareness of our project, book and mission. Since our return there have been over a half dozen articles publish by Wired, Business Insider, Maxim and others. We have made quite a bit of progress over the last 7 months.

BBB: It has been over a year since the end of combat operations in Iraq. What is the general feeling, from the soldiers you spoke with, concerning the security of the country?

Most of the men and women we spoke with seemed ready to get home, tired and drained. Many of these warfighters are on their 4 or 5 even 6 deployments. The new soldiers, that is always going to be a different story as they want to earn something, nothing wrong with that. One soldier I spoke to stated that very fact, he was angry that he was sent to where he was, he wanted action. However, a veteran NCO with 3 deployments under his belt was content with air conditioning and hot chow this time. His previous deployments were all too full of action.

BBB: Best/worst experience in country?

Best experience, would have to be…..that is actually difficult to answer, but I would say it was the day we captured the local national art and were shadowed by an LTC and an Iraqi interpreter. He made very interesting conversation as he was born in Baghdad, vacationed as a youth in Basrah, which is where we were located, but after graduating Baghdad U, he moved to the US and has lived in LA for the past 2 decades. His insight was enlightening and his manners were impeccable, but his wit was sharper. Let’s just say, Paul Bremer isn’t his favorite person.

My worst experience would also be the only time it truly felt like Iraq (despite the 120-degree days) was the indirect fire incident the morning we left Basrah. Though it was no danger to us in any way, it brought back some memories of Ramadi where we truly were in danger every day. It was surreal actually but not something I would prefer to do on a daily basis, I was very grateful to my ability to leave in days after that.

BBB: You spent time with an interpreter, Matthew, in Balad. What were his feelings on your mission to document murals and paintings, not only from American soldiers, but from some Iraqi artists as well.

Matthew, our interpreter, loved our project. His take on it was very similar to ours as he feels, as most of us do, that these creations need to be documented as a part of history. He was quite proud, though never said it, to show us these murals. Though he was just as American as you and I, there is something to be said about your true heritage and he seemed to take pride in the old Iraq, he doesn’t have much hope, if any at all, for the future of the country.

BBB: When I was in Fallujah, the interpreters expressed openly the need for an outside military force to help with security. Did Matthew’s opinion mirror that of the populace? Did they express a need or a want for an outside military presence?

Good question, however, Matthew’s opinion was a bit skewed as he was a naturalized American. His opinion was that Iraq will simply fall after our departure. He didn’t speculate as to the timing of it, though I feel he was leaning that direction.

BBB: Your favorite mural was an Anchor Man spoof that read “Stay Classy Iraq”. Have you collected more that have unseated your favorite.

My new one, though SCI will always have a place in my heart, is the Boondock Saints that we captured on Camp Adder.

BBB: How did your wife, friends and family handle you going back to a warzone, unarmed, as a civilian?

My wife was nervous, though she supported it the entire time. My family and friends were mixed. My dad seemed to understand my desire to go back, but thought it was a risky venture. I thought it felt a bit liberating as I didn’t have to worry about a weapon, if people got hurt, I wasn’t responsible, less rules, etc. It was a new twist on warzones, but Afghanistan next year will test that theory.

BBB: Has this trip solidified the need to go to Afghanistan next?

Absolutely. We are definitely going to Afghanistan, no question.

BBB: In a lot of the press you have received, your battle with PTSD has been referenced as the genesis of the project. Did this trip help or exacerbate your injury?

I don’t feel it did either/or. I suspected it might affect it, but to be honest, I only had issues with sleeping (forgot some of my meds) and the one or two days it affected me, but nothing out of the ordinary or better. Though since working on this project, I have seen a dramatic improvement and my wife can agree with me (she is the true test).

BBB: You met with a few medial personnel. How are they doing over there with PTSD and other invisible injuries, or is even a concern of theirs?

Many of these medics/nurses/doctors have been deployed multiple times, they repeated that this deployment is much easier. Most of them had symptoms of PTSD, some more pronounced than others. Though patient-confidentiality is of high concern to them, what they did express is that most of the injuries they are receiving are minor surgeries/scheduled surgeries/sick call/accidents but that is for soldiers. The Iraqis are coming in pretty harsh, attacks are still going on in the populace, but improvements have been the norm.

BBB: What is the general outlook of the soldiers on the ground? Did you get a chance to talk/warn them about PTSD?

I was able to speak with some service members that “left the wire” to conduct missions. They mostly shadowed the Iraqis, finding nothing, no action. There have been increased IDFs and in Kalsu, they were still being attacked. One Army official, to remain anonymous, stated that they had been told by “higher” that increased attacks are likely due to the insurgents/Al Sadr/Al Qaeda wanted to use them as propaganda. The reasoning is that if they attack us on the withdraw, they can convince the greater populace it was truly a retreat.

BBB: How does it feel to be back?

It went so fast, but it does feel great to be back home. I didn’t miss the sand, heat, food, heat, dust, did I say heat?… It is the little things that you miss over there sometimes. Fast internet or TV even the stupid shows, at least you have a choice. Normal tasting food…..something about even the AAFES “concessionaires” like Subway or Burger King….they just didn’t taste the same.

You can view more coverage of the Graffiti of War project at these links:
http://thestory.org/archive/the_story_070711_full_show.mp3/view
http://wvutoday.wvu.edu/n/2011/07/01/wvu-student-veteran-brings-solace-to-soldiers-through-art
http://www.businessinsider.com/jaeson-parsons-graffiti-of-war-project-funded-student-loans-2011-7
http://www.whatgives.com/2011/06/24/the-graffiti-of-this-generations-war-captured/
http://www.graffitiofwar.com/1/post/2011/06/killing-in-the-name-of.html

A while back I interviewed Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist, about his new venture craigconnects.  He mentioned that craigconnects would soon launch a major initiative involving non-profits that were “getting the job done” in relation to Veterans and their families.

Last night was the culmination of a three day fundraising challenge between four organizations that are at the forefront of Veterans issues; Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, The Intrepid Air and Space Museum, The Bob Woodruff Foundation and BlueStar Families.  The challenge was tied with an extensive social media outreach effort to build awareness and involvement.

“These guys really get the job done, effectively providing services and advocacy where they’re needed,” said Newmark.

Newmark said he will donate a total of $100,000 to the four organizations based on the number of donations they receive during the challenge, rather than the amount of money they raise.  “What I want to do with craigconnects is help build involvement, not just raise money.  All non-profits need money, but what they really need are supporters who will be there long term.  I hope everybody will come to our site, check out these groups, and decide which they want to support.”

He added that he is also using social and traditional media to support government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs and local VA medical centers.  All month long there will be blogging, guest blogging, tweeting and outreach through social media that will focus on Veteran and military family organizations and the issues they face. “They’re starting to use social media to provide better customer service and outreach to our veterans,” he said.  “I want people to know about the good stuff they’re getting done.”

Additionally, the non-profit organizations will participate in craigconnects’ extensive social media effort through Twitter, Facebook, and the craigconnects website.  Guest authors on the site will include several individuals prominent in the field of veterans support, including NASCAR CEO Brian France and entertainer Eddie Money.  Newmark said guest authors will write about the organizations and issues they support.

craigconnects is Newmark’s personal, Web-based initiative aimed at helping people work together for the common good using the Internet.  In addition to veterans’ organizations, the initiative spotlights many other organizations and agencies working in the areas of community building, connectivity, journalism integrity, open government, service and volunteering, and technology for social good.  To find out more or participate, visit www.craigconnects.org

Craig volunteered to answer a few more questions about the challenge.

BBB:  Congratulations on a wonderful initiative.  As you are aware, your challenge grant will assist these organizations in the support of Veterans and their families and the issues they face.  IAVA has just launched a campaign to battle the staggering Veterans unemployment statistics; the Intrepid’s Fallen Heroes Fund, the Fisher House and Intrepid Relief Fund directly assist Veterans and their families in need; BlueStar Families just released initiatives on preventing military suicides; and ReMind, the Bob Woodruff Foundation is assisting in the healing of the psychological and physical wounds of war.

Could you touch on your experience and choice of each organization?