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Veterans And Families "Talking Service" At WMU

WMUK

Actor, writer and Marine Veteran Benjamin Busch says people who serve in the military come from different backgrounds and have different experiences while they serve. But he says that’s not always the public perception.

Busch is leadinga series of workshops at Western Michigan University this fallfor Veterans and their families The first program begins Wednesday night at 6:30 in Schneider Hall. Busch says the Talking Service program will include writing about military service.

Busch told WMUK's Gordon Evans that service is only part of a veteran's identity. He says there are 18 years before their time in the military and the time after leaving the military that help shape that person. 

Writing about their experience preserves a record, Busch says. He says that veterans sometimes don't realize the important things they have witnessed during their service. Busch says the experience of women in the military is something that needs to be written about.

benjaminbusch20-web.mp3
Interview with Benjamin Busch - web version

Busch says some veterans write as a form of therapy, some worry they will forget their experience. And he says others write in memoriam for people close to them who have died. Busch has written for magazines such as Harper's about his experience as a combat veteran. He is also an actor. Busch's credits includes a recurring role in the HBO series The Wire

Gordon Evans became WMUK's Content Director in 2019 after more than 20 years as an anchor, host and reporter. A 1990 graduate of Michigan State, he began work at WMUK in 1996.
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