University News

Veterans Literary Magazine Celebrates New Issue

May 6, 2016

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MACOMB, IL – A reading reception to commemorate the second issue of a publication written and edited by Western Illinois University veterans, service members and alumni begins at 4 p.m,. Wednesday, May 11 at the University Art Gallery.

"SITREP: Veteran Perspectives on Combat and Peace" is a collaborative project between the WIU Department of English and the WIU Veterans Resource Center. More than 20 submissions make up this publication, ranging from fiction and non-fiction to poetry.

Complimentary copies of the first printing will be available during the May 11 event. The reading is open free to the public.

"SITREP: Veteran Perspectives on Combat and Peace" was designed for a wide audience of both veterans and non-veterans. Often, people who have never experienced military or combat situations express that they are unsure of the best way to connect with veterans and service members on campus and in their lives. The literary project is a unique opportunity to learn more about the personal experiences of WIU classmates, co-workers and friends and an opportunity to show support, to better understand what it means to say, "Thank you for your service."

An important mission of this project is to help give a voice to veterans and service members. Not only can the writing and sharing of stories help to heal an author, the activity of reading stories about familiar experiences can also be very therapeutic when one is trying to find solace and community.

The following is a short excerpt from "The 22," a poem by WIU student and service member Jared Worley, which can be found in its entirety in the literary magazine.
"Battle-hardened soldier, I watch you,
Pull the trigger so fast it scares me
Mind games don't leave me
Move so fast don't lose me
It matters where you are.

As reality hits, I'll be waiting
With the coffins under the flag.
Hey, survivor, you're still returning
From a war you cannot escape."


For more information about the publication, email BC-Harroun@wiu.edu, or J-Wilson-Jordan@wiu.edu or call Kathy Meyers at (309) 298-3505. The new website is sitrep-vv.org.

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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