Family Vets Town Hall

This event is non-political, and all perspectives are valued. There will be no debate on American foreign policy.

There may be an optional question-and-answer period with some of the speakers at the end of the event.

RSVPs are optional but encouraged.

REGISTER NOW 

For speakers: If you’re an immediate family member (e.g. the partner, child, parent, or sibling) of an individual who has served or is currently serving in the military, you’re invited to speak. Please tell us about your own experiences as the family member of a veteran, 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 speaker will be given up to 10 minutes to speak. If you would like to speak, you 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.

Of course, all are also welcome to simply attend and listen.

For all attendees: All community members are invited to this event. Only immediate family members of veterans will speak, but everyone is 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 is like to for the families of our service members.

Directions & Parking: McCarthy Arts Center is located at Saint Michael’s College, off of Route 15 in Colchester. Click here for detailed directions. There will be free parking available.

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.

For organizations: There won’t be any tabling at the event, in order to make sure the focus is clearly on the speakers and the experiences being shared. Of course, it’s important to share information about resources as well, so there will be a table with literature from various organizations. Please don’t hesitate to bring some fliers for this table. Representatives from Veterans Service Organizations are also welcome to bring business cards and share those. If your organization has representatives who are family members of veterans, they are welcome to speak – but we ask that they speak as individuals, not on behalf of the organization.

Jon Turner will host the event. Jon served with the Marines between 2003-2007 and deployed to Haiti, Fallujah and Ramadi, Iraq. Since his discharge, he has traveled extensively and worked with various communities to assist in the veteran reintegration process from paper-making to outdoor recreation and farming. In 2014, Jon began to utilize the agricultural landscape as a classroom for community members interested in resilient food systems through service learning projects, internships, and site visits for K-12, college students, and military veterans. Jon is the founding and former chair of the Vermont state chapter of the Farmer Veteran Coalition, recipient of the National Farm to School Innovations Grant, Sierra Club Military Outings Leader, and currently operates Wild Roots Community Farm in Bristol.

Thank you to:

• Jon Turner, for hosting the event
• Saint Michael’s College Military Community Services and Student Veterans Association for sponsoring the venue
• Vermont Veterans Outreach Program for attending and being available to provide peer support
• Vermont Electric Coop members for their Community Fund’s donation in support of this event
• …and the many individuals and organizations who have offered advice, feedback, and support