First-ever Family Vets Town Hall
On Sunday, April 2nd, 2023, community members gathered at an event where family members of veterans were invited to speak about their experiences. Everyone – veterans, family, and nonveterans – was encouraged to attend and listen.
- Local 44: Veterans and families share experiences at town hall
- WCAX: Military families share experiences at Vermont Vets Town Hall
- Williston Observer: Voices of veterans’ family members lifted
“I have often felt that the burdens of war weigh heavier upon our families back home,” says event emcee and USMC veteran Jon Turner. “It has always bothered me that there are few events where our families may gather and share their stories. Today, we changed that with the first Town Hall for veteran families.”
Almost a dozen speakers – parents, children, spouses, and siblings of veterans – shared their stories at this gathering.
The event was organized by Vets Town Hall. Other local partners included Saint Michael’s College Military Community Services and Student Veterans Association, and the Vermont Veterans Outreach Program, which was available to offer peer support. This event was supported in part by the Vermont Humanities and the VEC Community Fund.
(Speaker Rachel Wylie is pictured above. Photo courtesy of Megan Humphrey.)
