Considered one of the most diverse militaries globally, with significant representation from various racial and ethnic groups, is a key strategic asset (Army University Press, 2020).
Your life experience creates a force that reflects the broader society it represents; this diversity is often considered a strength, providing a wider range of perspectives and experiences to navigate complex situations. Through the use of a military helmet, your story displays the fabric of our nation.
Discover a community that celebrates heroes and their stories. Join us for events, resources, and support that empower.
Upcoming Workshops Listed:
Enjoy a workshop in the art room at the museum. Enter a space honoring art from around the world, and create a masterpiece of your own story!
Considered one of the most diverse militaries globally, with significant representation from various racial and ethnic groups, is a key strategic asset (Army University Press, 2020). Your life experience creates a force that reflects the broader society it represents; this diversity is often considered a strength, providing a wider range of perspectives and experiences to navigate complex situations. Your story displays the fabric of our nation.
There is a level of respect and understanding that stems from a cultural exchange. This comes from both sides of the exchange, but it also helps you get to know yourself better. By immersing yourself in the military, you inevitably noticed the differences between your assignment (MOS), your home and your native culture.
This new awareness can help you create a balance between adapting and honoring your history. Through your unique experiences and the sharing of your customs, you will learn that there are other ways of doing things or different ways of understanding that impact those around you.
Over time you’ll begin to create your own customs that work for you-you’ll uncover the traditions and practices that you believe in and start to differentiate those from the ones that you performed merely because they were a reflection of your assigned role.
A substantial benefit to sharing your culture is breaking stereotypes. By sharing your culture, you can help undo racist thoughts and break negative connotations. Telling your family’s story can help change someone’s perspective when they come to realize that they also share a similar mindset and background. By sharing, you are helping create a more open and culturally aware society For veterans to return home.
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Provided by Workshop Host:
We understand if you’re hesitant to be so open about sharing your story. It may seem like we are asking you to be the spokesperson for something personal or much larger than yourself. We also understand that you may just want to fit into your new reality and have no desire to be seen as different.
This sentiment of being seen as different is precisely what we’re trying to change. You have the unique opportunity to open a window to a world for a nation to see a different way of thinking. There’s power in the way you can create a social impact just by telling a story, painting a helmet, and sharing your experience.
The United States has a history of thriving on shared ideas and cultures. We invite you to be a part of that history by helping to create a better future for people of all backgrounds—a future filled with mutual respect, understanding, and boundless opportunities.
At the end of the workshop you will have the choice to take your helmet home, or to place it on public display for one year circulation. All helmets will be returned to their original story owner at the end of circulation.
