‘Modern Warrior LIVE,’ spotlighting the veteran experience, coming to National Museum of U.S. Air Force

Front view of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt. Cecilio Ricardo)

Front view of the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by MSgt. Cecilio Ricardo)
Lifestyles
By
Nov 9, 2024
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“Modern Warrior LIVE,” a theatrical storytelling experience illuminating the strength and resilience of veterans, will be presented Thursday, Nov. 14 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

Co-created by U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jaymes Poling and internationally acclaimed musician Dominick Farinacci, the show follows Poling’s story as a service member, particularly covering three deployments in Afghanistan and his transition upon returning home. As narrator, Poling, who grew up in Warren, Ohio, shares his personal experiences of war, trauma and post-traumatic growth. Leon Bibb, U.S. Army veteran, Bronze Star recipient and member of the Ohio Broadcasting Hall of Fame, is also featured in the production, sharing his Vietnam War experience and cross-generational perspective of returning home after war.

Jaymes Poling brings to "Modern Warrior LIVE" the fully immersed experience of a three-tour warrior with the 82nd Airborne in Afghanistan. CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

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Credit: CONTRIBUTED

“‘Modern Warrior LIVE’ brings to light the emotional complexities of reintegrating into civilian life after service,” said Selene Martin, associate vice president of corporate affairs for CareSource Military & Veterans (CSMV), in a press statement. CSMV is an organization dedicated to improving health care access, delivery and outcomes for service members, retirees, veterans and their families.

“Through art, music and storytelling, ‘Modern Warrior LIVE’ gives a voice to veterans in a unique way that resonates with audience members,” Martin added. “This performance is a catalyst for the conversation about mental health during and after service — a pillar of health care we are passionate about at CareSource Military & Veterans.”

New York City-based trumpeter Dominick Farinacci served as ambassador to Jazz at Lincoln from 2013-2015 in Doha, Qatar, working to further integrate music into communities around the world in culturally collaborative ways. CONTRIBUTED

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Credit: CONTRIBUTED

The music in the production is composed and performed by Farinacci, who is joined by musicians from around the country. The music particularly incorporates a wide range of U.S. and global musical influences, fueling the emotional depth of Poling’s story.

“We are grateful for partners like CareSource Military & Veterans for providing an incredible venue, full production and an audience ready to receive this emotionally raw experience,” said Poling in a press statement. “This performance deepens awareness of the psychological toll of war, the challenges veterans face upon returning home and the potential for healing and growth. We hope the audience leaves inspired to advocate for increased resources for our veterans.”

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In addition to the performance, there will be a panel discussion featuring Poling, Farinacci, Bibb, and Jennifer DeFrancesco, Dayton VA Medical Center chief executive officer, as well as a nonprofit resource fair highlighting key programs and resources available to the veteran and military community. Organizations include:

· Better Business Bureau Veterans Program

· Blue Star Families/Elizabeth Dole Foundation

· CareSource/CSMV

· Dayton VA

· Disabled American Veterans

· Greater Miami Valley My Veteran Community/Soche

· Greene County Veteran Services

· Montgomery County Veteran Services

· Ohio Department of Veteran Services

· United Way Vets Link

· WPAFB Airmen & Family Readiness

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“Modern Warrior LIVE” has been performed more than 125 times across the country. Organizers note the performance has reached more than 10,000 veterans, 30,000 civilians and has connected more than 4,000 veterans to mental health service providers.

HOW TO GO

What: “Modern Warrior LIVE”

When: 6:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Opening remarks begin at 6:35 p.m.

Where: National Museum of the United States Air Force, 1100 Spaatz St., Dayton

Cost: Free

More info: Visit eventbrite or modernwarriorlive.org.

Broadcast journalist and Vietnam War veteran Leon Bibb has interviewed numerous political leaders and notable figures, including President Barack Obama, President George H. W. Bush, Neil Armstrong, and James Earl Ray, the convicted assassin of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He is a member of the Ohio Broadcasting Hall of Fame. CONTRIBUTED

Credit: CONTRIBUTED

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Credit: CONTRIBUTED

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About the Author

Russell Florence Jr. is team leader/coordinator of Lifestyles/Dayton.com. He has been an arts/lifestyles reporter for Dayton Daily News since 2012. He formerly served on the Dayton Daily News Community Board of Contributors and assisted the Dayton Daily News Editorial Board. He received his BA in mass communications from Wright State University.