Hometown Heroes Share Their Stories This Veterans Day

Telling Jersey Shore Veterans

by Elizabeth Stacy, OCC Student

Telling: Jersey Shore Debuts at the Grunin Center

With a lot of social and political issues going on in the world today, it is difficult to concede with most of what circulates in the media. One thing that we as Americans, and as human beings, agree on is the importance of those who have laid themselves on the line for this country. Not only do they miss holidays, birthdays, and the small moments that we take for granted every day, these men and women risk their lives, rick becoming disabled, and can develop stressful conditions. These sacrifices were made to make sure that the people back home are safe.

Telling: Jersey Shore allows us a diverse glimpse into the life of a soldier. An important stage performance that lets the audience get close to these men and women by letting them express their stories, this is an event for younger and older generations alike. It isn’t just for those who have been directly affected by war or know veterans, it is for anyone who would like a deeper understanding of the lives of veterans and to support each other as human beings.

About the Veterans Participating

Two of the local veterans that will be sharing their stories are Phillip Zimmerman and David Rosenak.  Phillip served in the U.S. Navy until he was discharged in December of 1986 when a colleague turned him in to the National Investigative Service for being gay. What would have been a long and promising career in the Navy ended abruptly. However, he has taken a negative and turned it into a positive by serving as a veteran’s services officer. He now helps other veterans, especially those who have been treated unfairly, to regain their honor and benefits which they very much deserve.

David Rosenak spent his nine years of service in the U.S. Air Force, traveling all over the world. He’s had assignments in, but not limited to, Texas, England, Kansas, France, and Vietnam. Although he got to see much of the world, it wasn’t without sacrifice. David has many stories, some involving rocket attacks, losing friends in Cambodia, an emotional visit to the American cemetery in Normandy, and coming home with PTSD. Despite his time in the Air Force, David still has a long history in professional theatre, as well as a background writing poetry, which is another reason he was thought of for this project.

Show Your Support of Our Local Veterans

Don’t miss the opportunity to not only show support to these brave men and women but also to gain knowledge and consideration. Not only will this be a glimpse at the lives of veterans during their service, it will also allow the audience to see that they are more than soldiers, they are people. This performance looks at the human side of war and what serving your country really means. It is a truly emotional and riveting performance by and about Jersey Shore Veterans and their families. The best way to help Veterans transition back into normal, everyday life is to understand what they have been through.

Get your tickets now! All performances take place in the Black Box Theatre.

Friday, November 10th at 7:30pm
Saturday, November 11th (Veterans Day) at 8:00pm
Sunday, November 12th at 2:00pm

Thursday, November 16th at 7:30pm
Friday, November 17th at 7:30pm
Saturday, November 18th at 8:00pm
Sunday, November 19th at 2:00pm

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