Military Voices

It’s time to tell your story. Blue Star Families has partnered with Mission Belonging (MB) for a free virtual creative writing workshop. Open to everyone who served, as well as military families and military caregivers.

Writing is a powerful tool for communication, self-discovery, and reflection. Together over Zoom, we’ll read a short piece of writing, see what makes it work, and use it to enter into our own stories. No writing experience required—if you can think, you can write.

📅When

1st & 3rd Thursdays from 3:30 - 4:30 PM Eastern Time.

Upcoming Dates in 2025:

• August 7th & 21st
• September 4th & 18th
• October 2nd & 16th
• November 6th & 20th
• December 4th & 18th

🖊️What to Expect

• Poem Selection: Kevin chooses a thought-provoking poem.
• Interactive Participation: Read, respond, and write alongside fellow participants.
• Optional Sharing: Share your reflections and/or your work if you’d like.
• No Creative Writing Experience Required. All experience levels are welcome!

🔍Why Attend?

Countless studies link expressive writing to improved health. Military Voices offers a supportive environment to process emotions and connect with peers.

🌐Virtual Spaces for Connection

Over the past decade, MB’s workshops have reached thousands of service members, veterans, healthcare workers and more. Join us to slow down, reflect, and use ordinary language in extraordinary ways.

👏Anonymity and Affirmation

Share your accounts through writing in a safe, anonymous online interface. Receive affirming responses from fellow writers, promoting well-being and encouraging further care if needed. Don’t miss this opportunity to nurture resilience and connect with a supportive community.

Reserve your spot today! ✍️

🗨️Our Participants Say:

“Kevin's choices today led to beautiful, heartfelt writing.”

“As a veteran, I appreciate outlets like [Mission Belonging] that help me on my road to rehabilitation.”

"I love, love, love this workshop and look forward to continuing to attend."

“Cool group leader; terrific, supportive, talented group members.”

Kevin Basl

Veteran, Author & Facilitator

Kevin Basl is a writer and musician living near Ithaca, New York. He was a mobile radar operator in the U.S. Army. Over the past decade, he has taught many writing and art-marking workshops for service members, veterans, and their communities. He's author of Midnight Cargo: Stories and Poems (Illuminated Press), and he's co-author of a chapbook of poems: Corn, Coal & Yellow Ribbons (Out of Step Press).

❓New to Mission Belonging programs?

Explore our Frequently Asked Questions Page at https://missionbelonging.org/faq/#zoom including information about accessibility, or take a peek at the video below for a brief overview of what’s in store.

About Mission Belonging:

Mission Belonging is a charitable organization that builds healthy and connected communities where veterans and civilians share creative expression, mutual understanding, and support. Our combination of arts programs for veterans and community-building events and services has reached thousands of service members, veterans, and military family members around the world. Visit www.missionbelonging.org to learn more.

About Blue Star Families:

The families of our all-volunteer military make unprecedented sacrifices these days to serve our country. Blue Star Families was founded by military spouses in 2009 to empower these families to thrive as they serve. We're committed to strengthening military families by connecting them with their neighbors – individuals and organizations – to create vibrant communities of mutual support. We believe we're all stronger when we take care of one another. Visit www.bluestarfam.org to learn more.

This program is funded by the Walter Reed Society.

This program is funded in part by Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, an initiative of the National Endowment in partnership with the U.S. Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant program is managed by Mid-America Arts Alliance.