by Guest contributor Tamara Buchwald
Photo credit: Courtesy of TCC
The Creative Coalition hosted an extraordinary evening of celebration, unity and recognition at the Creative Coalition’s 100 Leader Dinner & Salute to the Military honoring four organizations for their unwavering commitment to empowering military families and their innovative use of the arts as a powerful tool for healing and connection – Blue Star Families, TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), American Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces, and Armed Forces YMCA. The event brought together prominent figures from diverse sectors—entertainment, media, policy, business, and philanthropy—to shine a spotlight on the dedicated men and women who serve in the U.S. military, as well as the organizations that offer vital support to military families through the arts.
Robin Bronk and Diedrich Bader
The evening got off to a wonderful start with comments from Robin Bronk, CEO of the Creative Coalition and Diedrich Bader (Veep, Better Things) expressing their gratitude to those who serve. Diedrich’s parents are buried at Arlington Cemetery. The evening continued with the extremely funny comedian Jeffrey Ross, who personally has participated in over 100 USO tours. Jeffrey acknowledged the room full of West Point Cadets “So shout out to the World War II vets and all the way down to the cadets that are here today. I don’t know what the drinking and uniform policy is these days, but I say it’s don’t ask, don’t tell.” After speaking to the young, bright cadets, I was assured that the future of our country is in great hands.
With these organizations, we are reminded what a crucial role the arts play in our society– from expressing ourselves, to entertainment and most importantly to working to heal those who serve our country.
Yolanda Ross presented the first award to the Armed Forces of the American Red Cross, which “provides support to military personnel, veterans, and their families through art therapy, which helps reduce symptoms associated with PTSD, fosters the ability to experience hope, gratification and confidence, and not to mention reduces isolation and stigma.” Accepting on behalf of the Armed Forces of the American Red Cross was Dr. Michael Jordan who was a US Marine Combat veteran and a gold star father who has served in both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Desert Storm. Dr. Jordan established the Travis Jordan Healing Arts Gallery in honor of his son who played guitar. He explained it as follows: “[i]t is a guitar center. And so we’ve gotten a lot of donated guitars for the troops to come in and have a place of respite to getaway from all the hustle and bustle of their job war fighting and training to fight wars.”
Brianna Keilar
The second award was presented to Blue Star Families by Steven Weber (Wings, Chicago M.D.) whose connection to the event comes from the fact he is “the son of a veteran of two wars my dad was at the end of World War II and then incredibly enlisted into Korea.” He continued explaining how his father was “young fresh faced smart alec and came back much changed.” Only through his work through another organization he began to “understand an inkling of what his dad was going through.” Accepting the award on Blue Star Families was Brianna Keilar, who herself is a military spouse. Blue Star Families provides emotional support, a sense of belonging, empowerment and connection for the service members and their families, specifically in the area of provided access to the arts specifically the Blue Star Museum Programs offering free admission to military families.
Ian Armitrage
The third award was presented to T.A.P.S. by Ian Armitrage (Little Sheldon). Ian’s grandfather is Richard Armitrage, who was Deputy Secretary of State alongside General Colin Powell. In his remarks Ian acknowledged his grandfather, “[t]hank you for mentioning my grandpa. I’m incredibly proud of him. He’s an incredible man.” The award was accepted by the founder of T.A.P.S., Ms. Bonnie Carroll, retired United States Air Force officer, the surviving widow of Brigadier General Tom Carroll who died while serving and a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom. T.A.P.S. is so essential to the well-being of those who serve. Many of their programs including creative workshops, exemplify the power of arts to provide therapeutic outlet for survivors.
Sami Gayle
The fourth and final award was presented to the Armed Services YMCA by Sami Gayle (Blue Bloods, Bad Cinderella). Sami’s personal connection is that she is the granddaughter of an army veteran. The award was accepted by the Armed Services YMCA CEO, Vice Admiral Bill French, United States Navy. Vice Admiral French’s Distinguished Naval Career earned him multiple honors including the Defense Superior Service Medal, and five Legion of Merit Awards. The Armed Services YMCA for its exemplary arts programs, including visual arts, dance, music, and theater, which foster creativity and confidence. Their annual art and essay contest gives military children a bespoke platform to express themselves.
It was an incredibly heart-warming evening. To see first-hand how there are such fine people providing essential support for those who struggle in the Armed Services provided a level of comfort. It was so fitting for Robin Bronk to shine a light on these essential organizations that serve a dedicated population that keeps our nation safe.
