This Is My Brave - Stories from the Veteran Community

DEAR FRIENDS,
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR JOINING US IN THE AUDIENCE TODAY!
What a journey it has been since This Is My Brave produced its very first show in Arlington, Virginia, in 2014 – a show
inspired by our co-founder and former Executive Director, Jennifer Marshall. I know that she and her partner, Anne Marie
Ames, never imagined at that time the success that Brave would realize. Since 2014, This Is My Brave has produced 81
more shows in 49 cities across the U.S. and in Australia. Story by story, This Is My Brave is shining a light on mental
illness and addiction and helping end the stigma that has so long surrounded these issues.
The COVID pandemic presented us (and the world) with challenges we never could have expected. While our live events
had to pause, we at Brave were able to pivot our programming to a virtual platform and continue to offer inspiration and
hope to those who need it the most, maybe even those who didn’t need it before. As we all adjust to this “new normal,”
our society is finally understanding the need to prioritize mental health and wellness. And we at This Is My Brave are
here for it! Storytelling has and will always be a path to authentic connection and healing. We are especially proud to
have a platform in place where all stories can be shared and all storytellers can be affirmed and celebrated.
We are thrilled to host this very special virtual event! I am incredibly honored that this cast of amazing Veterans
has come together to be with us here tonight to share their powerful personal stories. I know their stories will bring
a new understanding of navigating mental health challenges following military service. Especially now, opening up
conversations in our Veteran communities about mental health through storytelling will have a lasting impact on all of
us. Whether you are a current military service member, a Veteran, or a family member or loved one of a Veteran, we hope
that the conversations you hear tonight will spark similar ones in your circles!
Every time a story is told — every time we shine a light on mental illness and addiction — we let someone know that
they are not alone. We can give someone the gift of hope and provide them with a sense of community based on
shared experiences.
YOU ARE A VITALLY IMPORTANT PART OF THIS STORY, TOO.
Mental illness does not discriminate. It could happen to you. It could happen to someone you
love. We need to acknowledge that mental illness is something that we may encounter in
our lifetime. We must break the silence that stigma has imposed on us and begin to speak
openly about our experiences. Together, we can work to end the stigma. We have come
so far in eight years, but we still have so much more work to do. There are millions more
stories to be shared, and we will start by sharing a few more on this stage here with
you tonight.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US ON THIS JOURNEY.
Erin Gallagher,
Interim Executive Director
2