Vets Town Hall at the Bristol Community College Attleboro Campus

Please register here: Sign-up Form

It takes courage to stand up and speak. Veterans of any era who served in any capacity are invited to stand before their community and speak for up to then minutes about what it was like to serve their country.

It also takes courage to sit down and listen. Non-veterans are encouraged to attend and listen. There will be no debate about American foreign policy, simply listening. A moderated Q&A will follow the presentations. Bring your questions and get to know your Veterans! (The Q&A is optional for speakers. Speakers can indicate whether they're comfortable taking questions from attendees when registering.)

The Town Hall will be moderated by Jonathan Rodriguez from the Bristol Community College Student Veterans of America Chapter. Coffee and snacks will be provided. Parking is free. The campus is ADA accessible. Please call (774) 357-3235 to request additional services.

Vets Town Halls were originated by author Sebastian Junger, with the aim of increasing communication and understanding between veterans and civilians in their communities.

RSVPs are optional, but encouraged.

For speakers: Tell us what your service means to you. Please tell us about your own experiences, whatever they may be, rather than speaking broadly about an issue or organization. You’re a member of our community, and it’s your stories, reflections, and insights that we’re anxious to hear.

Each veteran will be given up to 10 minutes to speak. Veterans who would like to speak can indicate that when registering. If you’re considering speaking but prefer not to register, we encourage you to attend. After pre-registered speakers go, the host will take speakers from the floor, time permitting. The goal is for every veteran who would like to speak to have a chance to do so.

Of course, veterans (and all community members) are also welcome to simply attend and listen.

If you're interested in speaking but aren't sure what to speak about, click here for some questions that can serve as starting points.

For all attendees: All community members are encouraged to attend this event. Only veterans will speak, but non-veterans are encouraged to attend and listen.

Throughout the event, you may hear something you agree or disagree with. You may have a question. Or you may want to say encouraging words with the intention to help. However, we ask that you please refrain from responding. We are simply here to listen and learn about what it was like to serve in the wars that this nation has chosen to fight.

Directions & Parking: Bristol Community College is located between Field Road and Willard Road. Free parking will be available for attendees.

Parents: Your children are welcome to attend with you, but when deciding whether or not to bring them, please be aware that speakers will address serious topics and that this is not a rehearsed event.