Every Veteran has a Story to Tell
Since 2011 we have partnered with organizations across the state to provide veterans and their families with an outlet for self-expression through writing. Our Veterans Programs offer support to both new and experienced writers through workshops, readings, a podcast, and an annual publication, Proud to Be. Together, these programs encourage hundreds of veterans each year to tell their stories.
Proud to Be Anthology Series
Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors is a creative writing anthology of poetry, fiction, essays, interviews, and photography submissions by and about veterans from across the nation. The anthology preserves and shares the perspectives of our soldiers, veterans, and their families — spanning generations.
This yearly anthology is funded by the Missouri Humanities, edited by Dr. James Brubaker, and published by Southeast Missouri State University Press.
Purchase Proud to Be, Volumes 1 – 11
Proud to Be is an annual series, which was first released in November 2012. The anthology is funded by MH, edited by Dr. James Brubaker, and published by Southeast Missouri State University Press. Submissions are reviewed by a panel of judges for inclusion in the anthology, with a $250 first prize in each of the five anthology categories. No fee to enter.
GETTING VETERANS INVOLVED
Veterans Storytelling & Writing Workshops
Our Veterans Workshops are free of charge and open to veterans, military personnel, and their families—empowering them to share their stories.
Facilitated by professional writers and educators, participants are guided through writing exercises with meaningful feedback. Beginners to advanced writers welcome.
The workshops are a collaborative effort with libraries, universities, and veteran support organizations.
About the Workshops
Our Veterans Workshops provide veterans, service members, and their families with the writing and narrative skills to empower them to better share their stories, thoughts, and experiences.
These workshops are FREE of charge and taught by professional writers and educators. The workshop facilitators provide professional writing instruction and leadership through high-quality, dynamic workshop facilitation as they guide participants through writing exercises with meaningful feedback. Participants are not required to write solely on their military experience. Beginners to advanced writers welcome.
Military Trails of Missouri
Proud to Be Podcast
Our Proud To Be Podcast highlights veterans, military personnel, and family members published in Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors—a creative writing anthology that preserves and shares our nation’s military experience through poetry, fiction, essays, interviews, and photography.
