When Jaymes Poling returned home from his three tours in Afghanistan, he felt isolated and struggled to figure out how to move forward. Through that struggle he created a way to share his perspective and while doing so, reach other Veterans and connect them to resources.
On today’s episode, we speak with Jaymes about his experiences and the narrative and musical performance he co-created, Modern Warrior LIVE.
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About Jaymes Poling, Co-Creator, Modern Warrior LIVE
Jaymes enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17. He was assigned to the 82nd AirborneDivision in Fort Bragg, North Carolina as an infantryman. After serving three tours in Afghanistan, he was left with memories of war, the loss of friends, and the isolation a combat veteran finds when leaving the military.
Through education, writing, and public speaking, and now with the added layer of music, Jaymes came to recognize the universality of his journey which has evolved into a mission to bring to other veterans.
About Modern Warrior LIVE
Modern Warrior LIVE is a uniquely immersive narrative and music experience that chronicles the transition from combat to civilian life. The production was originally created as a live performance, and has delivered over 125 shows reaching more than 10,000 veterans and 20,000 civilians, and connected more than 4,000 veterans to local veterans and mental health service organizations since its inception. In addition to resuming live performances post-pandemic, our completed film adaptation serves as a way to reach and impact more communities around the country.