The casino night, held at the Palms of Largo, included fun, food, fellowship and music. All proceeds went to the VACTB to support education and healing programs.
The VACTB hosted an exhibition of images captured by 1st Lieutenant Glenn Hoover in the Republic of South Vietnam during 1968. This collection of photographs taken during his tour in Vietnam as a combatant was a true account of his experience during war.
This community outreach event honored Veterans and included music, food and entertainment.
Attendees had the opportunity to
Attendees also were the first to hear the original song 'Come Together' written by members of the Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay first Music as Therapy Group.
Come Together
composed august 2017 by the first Music as Therapy group at the VACTB
WE can only pray, that the NIGHTmares end someday
There were SO many heroes, and SUCH a high price to pay
That DAY in September, we’ll ALways remember
Yet Even 9/11 brought us closer together
We're TRYing to overcome all the HURT and the pain
With reSILience and strength, ‘cause Everything can change
We COPE, we recover, there’s HOPE in store
LIFE’S no longer a wall, but a wide open door
We MUST not treat each other with HAtred and violence
We MUST condemn such actions and NOT remain in silence
We ALL come together to KEEP our nation free
WE must act with purpose; it takes you and me
1st Instrumental Break
I was an island, just DRIFTing in the sea
And the MORE I drifted, the more LIFE was about me
I LEFT behind others who were drifting about
The MORE I isolated, the less they heard me shout!
UnTIL I built bridges, and BRIDges came to me
And ONCE reconnected, I FInally felt free
NOW I feel inspired to HELP others more
I’M part of a change that shakes the nation’s core
We MUST not treat each other with HAtred and violence
We MUST condemn such actions and NOT remain in silence
We ALL come together to KEEP our nation free
WE must act with purpose; it takes you and me
2nd Instrumental Break
Come toGEther, make the WORLD a better place
We have GREAT opportunity to participate
We LEARN to love, and NOT to fight
HAVE THE COURage, to DO WHAT is RIGHT
We MUST not treat each other with HAtred and violence
We MUST condemn such actions and NOT remain in silence
We ALL come together to KEEP our nation free
WE must act with purpose; it takes you and me
America The Beautiful
O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
Be the first to hear and sing along to the original song 'Come Together' written by members of the Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay first Music as Therapy Group.
The VACTB was honored to host Colonel Larry Redmond, U.S. Army (Ret). Colonel Redmond traveled the world during his 24 years of service. In his book, Colonel Redmond describes the unique people he encountered, the unusual experiences he lived and the events that helped shape the world.
Attendees enjoyed a discussion with Colonel Redmond, book signing along light snacks, beverages and raffles.
To help celebrate the event, Army veteran artist, CWO Greg Crumbly, donated two pieces of art work for auction. The first painting available for bid was a portrait of Captain Matt Bruce, host of Captain’s America – Third Watch on AM 860 radio. Captain Bruce is a Vietnam vet, a retired Fire-Rescue Captain and was a 1st responder to the 9/11 attacks at the World Trade Center.
Also being auctioned was a chance to have Greg commission a portrait of an individual or family.
CLICK ON IMAGES TO SEE FULL VIEW
The VACTB was honored to host Kristin Beck. Kristin served for 20 years before her transition and took part in 13 deployments. She was a member of the United States Navel Special Warfare Development Group (aka DEVGRU), a special counter-terrorism unit known as SEAL Team Six. Beck has received multiple military awards and decorations including a Bronze Star and Purple Heart.
Events included a screening of her film Lady Valor: The Kristin Beck story, an exhibit of her artwork and Kristin was also a guest in the St. Pete Pride Parade.
The grand opening featured incredible artwork created by military, veterans, first responders and their families. Throughout the day visitors enjoyed art demonstrations, entertainment by local musicians and a variety of food options from local vendors.
The Veterans Art Center Tampa Bay participated in the St. Petersburg Bowl Half Time show at Tropicana Field. The bowl game featured Mississippi State facing off against Miami in this ninth annual game. The game was featured on ESPN nationwide.
Solvability CEO Jenny Clark presents 5000K Founder contribution to the VACTB !!!
Palladium Theater 1 Nov: The VACTB presented the United States Army Band with two pieces of art work. The VACTB looks forward in future concerts with the Army Band. The theater was maxed full with 840 in attendance. "The Force for Performing Art"
Thanks to these two outstanding Army Veteran Artists who were commissioned
"The Jazz" SGT Anthony Apolinar (right photo)
"America" CWO Greg Crumbly
Wednesday, the Veteran’s Art Center of Tampa Bay honored Willie Rogers, one of the last surviving members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen with a portrait commemorating his service and his sacrifice.
By Trevor Pettiford, Reporter
Last Updated: Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 10:41 PM
At age 100, Willie Rogers is living history. He’s seen more than most can imagine.
Rogers is one of the last surviving members of the famed Tuskegee Airmen.
Wednesday, the Veteran’s Art Center of Tampa Bay honored the World War II veteran with a portrait commemorating his service and his sacrifice.
“I’m very proud mostly for my children and grandchildren,” said Rogers. “They will know some of the things that their daddy and granddaddy did in the past.”
Rogers was born March 4, 1915 and was drafted into the Army in 1942, eventually earning the rank of Master Sergeant of the 100th Air Engineer Squad, before leaving the military and settling down in St. Petersburg in 1949.
Artist Greg Crumbly said it was a challenge capturing all that history in one painting.
“I wanted his face and his memories to be front and center,” he said. Rogers said his key to longevity is, “See nothing, hear nothing and say nothing unless you’re involved in it.”
The VACTB hosted an exhibition of images captured by 1st Lieutenant Glenn Hoover in the Republic of South Vietnam during 1968. This collection of photographs taken during his tour in Vietnam as a combatant was a true account of his experience during war.