Throughout the week, our ACC Team searches through emails and news articles looking for someone who deserves to be the Hero of the Week… Find out how you can nominate a Hero of the Week at the bottom of the page.
Marine Richard Casper’s Humvee was blown up four times within his first four months of deployment. And, while in Iraq, he lost his gunner who had become one of his best friends. When Richard was sent home, he suffered from PTSD. Then, in 2007, he went to the VA hospital where they told him if his brain injury didn’t get better in two years that it never would.
Richard knew he had to find a purpose, so he searched for a way to get a college degree. He enrolled in art class, and he was glad he did. He started feeling better, not only surviving but thriving.
Richard thought that maybe art could be used to help other veterans struggling to get back to a normal life. So, he started CreatiVet where veterans use art, drawing, sculpting and even songwriting to tell their story of loss, ultimately leading them to cope and heal. The group has come to Nashville where they have sat backstage at the Opry and worked with hit songwriters to write songs about their stories.
For more on this story, check out CNN.
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Kix’s Response:
Richard, for all the work you have done and continue to do on behalf of our veterans, we would love to honor you as this week’s ACC Hero. And, thank you for your service!
Nominate a Hero of the Week
Now, we want to know who has made a difference in your life. Nominate a local firefighter, police officer, EMT or someone who is serving our country in the military. It could even be a neighbor, family member or friend who lent a crucial helping hand. Let us know all about the person who you feel is a real life hero by emailing us here and please feel free to send us a picture!