Events Calendar
Explore family friendly events, theatres, galleries, concerts, nightlife, things to do, and more in the Greenville, SC and Upstate areas.
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“Brothers and Sisters in Arms providing direct service to Veterans in Greenville, SC.”
Share this with all of your veteran friends and lets help our Greenville Elks. We all need some assistance every now and then.
The Greenville Chamber’s Leadership Greenville Class 48 started its “Be Hope for a Hero” project at the end of 2021. This project involved partnering with Homes of Hope and Upstate Warrior Solution, two local non-profits, to identify a deserving veteran and provide them with a safe, affordable home. In order to complete a full renovation, the group originally planned to raise $65,000 but surpassed that goal, raising $85,000. The renovation included gutting the home, updating it, and putting on an addition to accommodate a larger family.
Because of the funds raised, Homes of Hope will be able to offer a custom and very affordable rental rate, based on the veteran’s income. Once the veteran and family are selected for this home through Upstate Warrior Solution, Homes of Hope will work individually with the family to provide financial wellness training and mentorship that helps them craft their own personal map to success and achieve greater economic mobility. This home won’t just benefit one family – multiple families will rent this home for many years to come.
ABOUT LEADERSHIP GREENVILLE
The Chamber’s flagship leadership program is a ten-month intensive experience where
participants work in teams on a volunteer project designed to make them more informed,
committed and equipped to be a leader for Greenville County. By taking an intensive look
into the issues affecting Greenville County, Leadership Greenville chooses projects that
prepare and motivate participants to provide quality, dynamic leadership within the area.
ABOUT HOMES OF HOPE
Founded in 1998, Homes of Hope opens doors for economic mobility through housing,
economic and workforce development. The organization’s affordable housing program
extends beyond developing affordable rental options for low-to-moderate income individuals
by connecting housing clients to economic mobility opportunities with a focus on budgeting,
banking and building assets. Its Men’s Workforce Development Program is a voluntary, one
year residential program where men overcoming addictions can pursue revolutionary change
through biblical-based discipleship, life skills and construction-related job training. Since it
began, Homes of Hope has developed over 670 homes, graduated more than 320 men and
invested over $85 million in community and economic development. For more information,
visit www.homesofhope.org
ABOUT UPSTATE WARRIOR SOLUTION
Upstate Warrior Solution is a community-based, nonprofit organization serving
warriors and their families in the Upstate of South Carolina. Their mission is to
connect warriors and their family members to resources and opportunities, lead them
through the process of self-empowerment, and inspire the community to embrace
local warriors and their family members as valued neighbors and friends. Since their
inception in 2013, Upstate Warrior Solution has helped over 8,800 unique warriors
and their families, working with them and community partners to assist with housing,
employment, healthcare, education, and family support services. Although they have
already made an impact on thousands of warriors, they hope to connect with each
one of the 100,000 veterans living in the Upstate. To learn more about Upstate
Warrior’s mission click here to view their website.
“Brothers and Sisters in Arms providing direct service to Veterans in Greenville, SC.”
Share this with all of your veteran friends and lets help our Greenville Elks. We all need some assistance every now and then.
Since 1972, each U.S. Navy Chief of Naval Operations has encouraged a Navy-wide birthday celebration to enhance a greater appreciation of our Navy heritage, and to provide a positive influence toward pride and professionalism in the naval service.
The Upper South Carolina Council of the Navy League is honored to co-host the celebration of the Navy’s 247th birthday, along with the Palmetto Chapter of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and the Greenville Navy Reserve Center, on October 14, 2022, at the Poinsett Club, 807 E. Washington Street, Greenville, SC.
You do not have to be a member to attend, and the event is open to the public. Please plan to come and enjoy Navy tradition, fabulous Poinsett Club dining, music, dancing, and reconnect with friends and shipmates at this patriotic celebration of our country’s Navy and Naval heritage!
For details and reservation information, click on https://bit.ly/NavyBirthdayBall101422, or email us at [email protected]. Admission for active duty and active reserve members of the uniformed services is at a reduced cost.
Stop by Saturday, October 22nd to meet Author, TEDx speaker & captain, US Coast Guard (ret) Martha LaGuardia-Kotite. She’s bringing her three of her five award winning books: Changing the Rules of Engagement, So Others May Live, and My Name is Old Glory.
Using her own “sea stories” and profiles of top leaders to inspire others, Martha’s leadership and inspirational presentations and books are influenced by her 30-year career serving at sea and ashore. She believes that no matter your age or experience, you can be bold, you can achieve your daring dreams and you can enjoy the journey of life!
Come meet her, hear more about her books and life, and get a signed copy!
MORE ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Captain Martha LaGuardia-Kotite’s bold leadership style empowered her to be one of the first female officers to serve aboard two Coast Guard cutters with all male crews. Patrolling the Pacific, Atlantic Oceans, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea, Martha remained true to herself while changing the rules of engagement.
Martha is qualified as a USCG Master of Vessels less than 100-tons. She drives Seabourn’s Zodiac MK6’s and MK5’s in Alaska, British Columbia, Norway and soon around the globe while also sharing stories from her career and award-winning books for Seabourn cruise guests on center stage.
Martha is an experienced TEDx speaker, TEDx coach and keynote speaker, making a difference using her own “sea stories” and profiles of top leaders to inspire others, her leadership and inspirational presentations are influenced by her 30-year career serving at sea and ashore. She believes that no matter your age or experience, you can be bold, you can achieve your daring dreams and you can enjoy the journey of life!
A graduate of the Coast Guard Academy with a masters from Harvard University, Martha rose to the senior rank of captain in the US Coast Guard, earned numerous personal and team awards for her mobilizations during national disasters, missions saving lives at sea and work as a public relations spokesperson for the Service. Hand- picked to serve as the Commandant’s Press Secretary she also worked in New York City for a public relations firm as account director for IBM.
She is an award-winning author of five books including the award-winning So Others May Live – Coast Guard Rescue Swimmers Saving Lives, Defying Death which was used by Kevin Costner and Ashton Kutcher for their roles in the movie The Guardian.
An avid sailor, paddle boarder, mother of two sons, Martha lives in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida with her husband.
Chimney Rock honors veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel with a free visit to Chimney Rock State Park from November 7-11, 2022. Must present military ID or proof of service.
Chimney Rock honors veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel with a free visit to Chimney Rock State Park from November 7-11, 2022. Must present military ID or proof of service.
Chimney Rock honors veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel with a free visit to Chimney Rock State Park from November 7-11, 2022. Must present military ID or proof of service.
Chimney Rock honors veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel with a free visit to Chimney Rock State Park from November 7-11, 2022. Must present military ID or proof of service.
Many national parks have direct connections to the American military—there are dozens of battlefields, military parks, and historic sites that commemorate and honor the service of American veterans. In addition, every national park is part of our collective identity that defines who we are and where we came from as a nation. They are tactile reminders of the values, the ideals, and the freedoms that our veterans protect.
The majestic landscapes, natural wonders, and patriotic icons that we cherish as a society have also inspired military members through the years. The Grand Canyon, Mount Rushmore, the USS Arizona Memorial, and the Statue of Liberty are just a few of the national parks that have served as reminders of home to those stationed abroad. On Veterans Day, or any day, honor those who have served and sacrificed for our country with a visit to a national park.
The National Park Service invites all visitors to remember our veterans by visiting any National Park Service site for free on Veterans Day (November 11). Find tips to recreate responsibly while you visit!
This Veterans Day will be the first since Congress passed legislation granting free lifetime park passes to eligible veterans and Gold Star families, which can be obtained here. There are meaningful experiences waiting for veterans and all Americans in our parks this month and beyond!
Chimney Rock honors veterans, reservists, retired and active military personnel with a free visit to Chimney Rock State Park from November 7-11, 2022. Must present military ID or proof of service.
The new Food Bank plans to open in December to provide food for the low-income community and incorporate a veteran resources kiosk to give a referral sign-up for veteran’s services. The new Vet360 portal will connect with veteran-related charities, organizations, and governmental agencies. The innovative kiosk strategy will allow the consolidation of veteran resources in one information system to join veterans and certified veterans-related organizations.
The Veteran Services Commission was founded by retired U.S. Army Major John W. Bryant, a local business owner. Spartanburg disabled veteran John Bryant knows firsthand the challenges fellow veterans face when finding needed resources and information. Bryant, a retired U.S. Army major who served from 1977 until 1995, said the difficulties could be as fundamental as knowing whom to contact to get an ID or to find resources in the community that supports veterans. “Veterans have a need that’s not being addressed at this point,” he said. “You talk to them, and they’re frustrated because they don’t know how to access their benefits from years of service and can’t find anybody to explain that to them.
The event will welcome local veterans and allow them to tell their stories about their service. The stories will be recorded and placed on the upcoming 2023 Vet360TV platform. “We must never forget the enormous sacrifice that has been made for future generations.” We welcome all veterans on Facebook to post their stories at www.facebook.com/vsccorps.
“We hope to grow this partnership with Veteran Services Commission with us and other faith-based organizations across the country.” Thomas Clark, Elder Anointed Connect Church Inc.
Anointed Connect Church Inc and Veteran Services Commission, both IRS 501 C3 organizations plan to establish a platform for faith-based organizations in local communities. VET360 Kiosk will support the new platform at their locations across the country.
VSC’s motto is “Veterans Helping Veterans.”
The Upper South Carolina Council of the Navy League will host a public dinner program at the Poinsett Club, 807 East Washington St, Greenville, SC, on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. The speaker will be U.S. Navy Commander Phil Jones, Executive Officer of the Naval Nuclear Power Training Command.
In January 1955 the world’s first nuclear-powered submarine, USS Nautilus (SSN-571), joined the fleet. Since that time the U.S. Navy has led the world in development of nuclear power for its warships and submarines, enabling the sustained projection of American naval power around the globe that was unimaginable before.
Commander Jones is a 30-year veteran of Navy nuclear training programs and submarine operations and has held senior assignments both ashore and at sea. During his career he has instructed at Navy nuclear power training schools, served on operational deployments of fleet ballistic missile and fast attack submarines, directed anti-submarine warfare operations for a Carrier Strike Group, and served as Executive Assistant to the Executive Director for Commander, Submarine Force Atlantic.
You and your guests are cordially invited to join us for a presentation by CDR Jones on the U.S. Navy nuclear program, its premier training facility in Goose Creek, SC, and nuclear-powered submarine operations in the Pacific and how they relate to the current situation with China.
Tickets are $39 per person and include dinner. For details and reservation information, please go to: https://bit.ly/NavyLeagueDinner111622 or email [email protected].
The Navy League is a national civilian educational non-profit organization whose mission is to support America’s sea services: Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and US-Flagged Merchant Marine. It does this in the Upstate through informational dinner programs, support of sea service personnel and their families, and support of six Upstate high school Navy Junior ROTC units, the Upstate Young Marines youth program, and the Guadalcanal Squadron of the Naval Sea Cadets.
Join us on Wednesday, November 16th at 5:30 pm for an In Conversation event with Brian O’Hare, winner of the 2021 Veterans Writing Award!
We’ll be chatting about his novel, Surrender. In the tradition of Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried, Brian O’Hare’s Surrender is a rich collection of coming-of-age stories, a journey into the heart of the American hero myth, from the Friday night football fields of Western Pennsylvania to a battalion of Marines in the Persian Gulf and beyond. But what happens when the crowds stop cheering and the welcome home parades are over? Find out at this free event!
SUMMARY
Winner of the Syracuse University Press’ 2021 Veterans Writing Award chosen by National Book Award winner and Marine Phil Klay
In the tradition of Tim O’Brien’s The Things They Carried, Brian O’Hare’s Surrender is a rich collection of coming-of-age stories, a journey into the heart of the American hero myth, from the Friday night football fields of Western Pennsylvania to a battalion of Marines in the Persian Gulf and beyond. But what happens when the crowds stop cheering and the welcome home parades are over? Guilt, fear, and brutality collide with love and acceptance as a diverse cast of characters struggle to reconcile mythology with reality, and to find meaning in a uniquely American chaos.
In bittersweet stories with surprising humor, the characters grapple with the choices they’ve made and a country they no longer understand. Written in spare and unsentimental prose, yet with a startling emotional punch, these stories, and the unforgettable characters who tell them, will live long in the reader’s imagination.
REVIEWS
“SURRENDER is written in delightful, incisive prose bursting with humanity. It is deeply observed and emotionally powerful, sharp on both the cultural mores of young men and on the deeper consequences of what happens when that mixes with American military power. And each story boasts richly imagined characters that live on in the mind long after you’ve finished reading”
— Phil Klay, author of Redeployment, winner of the National Book Award
“What does it mean to be a man? It’s a good (and complicated) question, but Brian O’Hare’s collection, SURRENDER, can stand with Hemingway’s Nick Adams stories and the work of Andre Dubus in those writers’ attempt to illuminate the cost and fragility of that answer. These stories are not long, but each is a jab to the heart.”
—Jim Krusoe, author of The Sleep Garden
“O’Hare’s SURRENDER crackles with not only the gunfire of combat but the livewire sparks of human emotions. His characters, led by the war-haunted Marine Lieutenant Francis Keane, are as authentic as they come: they ache and groan and break into pieces only to rebuild themselves, shard by shard. This fiction is the stuff of real life. These pages breathe, my friends.”
—David Abrams, author of Brave Deeds
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Brian O’Hare is a graduate of the US Naval Academy and former US Marine Corps officer. His career began in a Baltimore bar, the legendary Club Charles, where director John Waters cast him to appear in his film Cry Baby. Currently, he’s an award-winning writer and filmmaker living in Los Angeles. His work has appeared in War, Literature and the Arts; Santa Fe Writers Project; Hobart; and other journals, and he has been nominated for two Pushcart Prizes. He was named a Writing Fellow at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and recently served as Visiting Writer at CUNY/Kingsborough (Brooklyn). This is his debut novel.
The first of its kind in the region, the RHVC will serve as a hub of resources for veterans, first responders, and their families. Through collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit partners, this one-stop shop will remove barriers and streamline service delivery for local warriors.
UWS is honored to have South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, South Carolina Department of Veteran Affairs Secretary Todd McCaffrey, Greenville Mayor Knox White, and other state and community dignitaries show their support by attending this special event.
UWS holds the master lease for the 40,000 square foot center through which warriors will gain direct access to veteran-centric tenants and broader access to the organization’s network of community partners. The RHVC houses resources for workforce development, housing stability, physical and mental health, legal support, therapeutic art, and much more. This one-stop shop approach will enable veterans, first responders, and their families to easily connect with the services they need to thrive.
At Wednesday’s private ribbon cutting event, a brief program will take place, including a presentation of colors by the U.S. Marine Corps Color Guard, key remarks by Governor McMaster, Dorothy Dowe (Rupert Huse Charitable Fund Trustee), and UWS leadership, as well as an original poem by Glenis Redmond (Poet Laureate, City of Greenville). Following the program, the RHVC doors will be open for tours.
Join us for a Pop-Up with author Martha LaGuardia-Kotite and her book Changing the Rules of Engagement!
Changing the Rules of Engagement brings to life the authentic, vivid stories of leadership from inspiring and adventurous women who achieved the extraordinary by serving their country in the U.S. military. These women shattered the glass ceiling and performed extraordinary feats by refusing to take “no” for an answer and learning how to lead in traditionally male-dominated environments. Martha LaGuardia-Kotite skillfully captures their leadership lessons, struggles, and successes—showing how courageous and tenacious women can achieve their goals and help change policy, insights also applicable to today’s leaders in corporate and business boardrooms.
Whether soaring into outer space with the second woman to command a space shuttle or plunging to the depths of the Atlantic Ocean with a combat veteran special operations diver, these profiles in leadership highlight a range of powerful examples: from Vivien Crea, a vice commandant of the Coast Guard, who rose to the highest position of any woman in the history of the U.S. military, to Tammy Duckworth, who demonstrated her resilience after being shot down while piloting a helicopter in Iraq and went on to serve as a U.S. senator. Also included are the inspirational stories of women Marines and the first women members of the military service academies’ gender-integrated classes, who recall the highs and lows of their trailblazing journey.
Representative of a widely diverse group of enlisted women and officers of different races and cultures, these women have succeeded since the mid-1970s at combating prejudices and aiding change in the military culture with grit, intelligence, leadership, and honor.
Come here more about it from the author Martha Saturday morning from 10am to noon!
The White Rabbit Gallery is pleased to hold an exhibition of veteran art work from August 12th though the 26th. This exhibition features artwork created by the participants of the Therapeutic Art Program through Upstate Warrior Solution. The TAP offers various workshops to the members of the military, first responders, as well as their family members and care givers, as a form of creative release and relaxation. The artwork in this exhibition represents a few of the different visual artforms that are offered through the program. Please come out to the White Rabbit gallery to see the artwork!”
VETERANS ART SHOW RECEPTION
SATURDAY, AUGUST 26, 3-5PM
@ WHITE RABBIT FINE ART GALLERY
DROP-IN – OPEN TO ALL. We are pleased to hold a reception for the participants of the Therapeutic Art Program through Upstate Warrior Solution. The artwork in this exhibition represents a few of the different visual artforms that are offered through the program. The program is open to military, first responders and their families who want to explore their creative side and for relaxation. Drop in to show your support and/or inquire about your participation in the program. See you Saturday, August 26, 3-5PM. Light Refreshments provided.