STORIES OF WAR
FRIDAY, MAY 30, 2025 - 7:00PM
Intrepid Museum
New York, NY
Photo: Frank Morales III
WELCOME AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US
Exit12 Dance Company, the Intrepid Museum, and all of our collaborators and partners thank you for joining us tonight at this incredible venue in for our third annual Stories of War performance of dance, theater, and spoken word in honor of Memorial Day.
The experiences of those who serve and the lasting impact of that service on their families are as complex as they are profound. These stories are often difficult to put into words, but as you will see tonight, movement, music, and storytelling have a powerful way of making them felt and understood.
This evening’s performance is dedicated to Mick, a soldier, father, and man of deep faith, whose legacy continues to inspire. His daughter, Kara, is my dear friend and the first person who encouraged me to dance, setting me on the path that led to this very stage. Today, Kara is one of Exit12’s most devoted supporters, and through her, Mick’s spirit, strength, and service shall live on in every step we take.
We’re especially proud to share two new works this evening: one by Exit12's Artistic Associate Taylor Gordon, exploring camaraderie, service, and sacrifice. The second, created at the Intrepid Museum over an 8-week workshop in collaboration with our local veterans and military-connected individuals. It is an honor to lift up their voices through this performance.
Our hope is that you leave tonight with two truths in your heart: first, that the struggles faced by members of the military community deeply matter and they can be met with compassion, understanding, and real solutions.
And second, that caring for our physical and mental wellbeing is vital, and one of the most meaningful ways we can do that together is through the healing power of the arts. Together, we all strive to heal, to educate, and to advocate through art to create space for empathy, connection, and transformation
Thank you and enjoy the evening,
ROMÁN BACA
Artistic Director and Co-Founder
Exit12 Dance
Company
Photo: Stacy Pearsall
STORIES OF WAR
OPENING REMARKS ...........................................................Dave de la Fuente, Ph.D. Exit12 Dance Company Board President
SOMETIMES, SILENCE ....................................Exit12 Dance Company Artists
Choreography: Angela Scimonelli, Army Mom
Music: Paul Scimonelli, US Marine Band (Ret.)
OH, BACA! ......................................................Román Baca, USMC
ANY OTHER FRIDAY (EXCERPTS) ***
Exit12 Dance Company Artists
Choreography: Taylor Gordon, Gold Star Sister
Associate Choreographer: Nicholas Cunha
Music: Johnny Cash, , Davin-Levin Duo, Sarah Bomber
JUST A DREAM ..............................................................Maureen Elias, US Army, Songwriters: Gordie Sampson, Steve McEwan, Hillary Lindsey
WHIMS OF WAR AND ROMANCE**** ...................................Exit12 Dance Company Artists
Choreography: Román Baca, USMC
Music: Jesús Daniel Hernández, US Army and Michael Bard
WHISPS OF MEMORY ........Jenny Pacanowski, US Army with Arthur Benson
HOME: A MOVING TARGET ...........Exit12 Dance Company Artists and Workshop Participants
Choreography: Exit12 Company Artists and Workshop Participants*
Soundscape & Live Performance: Adrianna Mateo
THE LETTER I GAVE TOM ............................................................Román Baca, USMC
THE LAST LETTER HOME
Exit12 Dance Company Artists
Choreography: Román Baca, USMC, Lisa Fitzgerald, and Exit12 Artists
Live Music: Chris Ferrara
Additional Music: CreatiVets**
Wooden rifle sculptures design: Lumia Liu
TALKBACK .................................................moderated by Dave de la Fuente, Ph.D. Exit12 Dance Company Board President
FOLLOWING THE PERFORMANCE, JOIN US FOR A WINE AND CHEESE RECEPTION
**See list of songs and artists on the following pages**
***A work in development exploring camaraderie, and lack thereof, in and out of the military. A soldier said, “When taking someone ’ s life is any other Thursday, taking your own life is any other Friday.” ***
****A whimsical collaboration by opera tenor, Jesus Daniel Hernandez and Roman Baca, two Iraq War Veterans brought together for the 2024 Savage Wonder Festival. It speaks to the raw, unfiltered creativity that emerges when people who have experienced life at its most intense turn to the arts. ****
STORIES OF WAR
EXIT12 DANCE COMPANY
Román Baca
Co-Founder and Artistic Director
Lisa Fitzgerald
Co-Founder and Associate Artistic Director
Adrienne de la Fuente
Executive Director
Taylor Gordon Artistic Associate
Artists
Audrey Borst, Nicholas Cunha, Adrienne de la Fuente, Taylor Gordon, Eduard Gotthelf, Lisa Fitzgerald, Kevin Ortiz Lemus
*Workshop Participants
Monique Arrucci, Jonah Berman, Zoe Brown, Judith Exler, Thandi Galloway, Sha Hampton, Cady Rivera, Harrison Leigh Tipping, Patrick Troy-Brandt, Tommy Williams, Donna Zephrine
A special thanks to the workshop participants who were unable to perform: Daniel Aryeh Yared, Joan Berman, Christopher Bregel, Felicia Williams
The Intrepid Museum’s Veterans Programs are made possible by public funds facilitated by the New York City Council Committee on Veterans, in partnership with the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs The Museum’s education programs are supported, in part, by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature
This project is also funded in part by Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network, an initiative of the National Endowment in partnership with the U S Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs Creative Forces Community Engagement Grant program is managed by Mid-America Arts Alliance This program is also supported in part by Ares Financial Veteran's ERG, DANCE/NYC’s Dance Advancement Fund, made possible by the Howard Gilman Foundation and the Ford Foundation, the Donald H Putnam, Jr DA Fund of the Foundation for the Tri-State Community, and the Center for Military-Affiliated Students at The New School
INTREPID MUSEUM
Charlotte Martin Director of Access Initiatives
CREATIVETS
Richard Casper
Co-Founder and Executive Director
**CreatiVets Music
I Can’t Cry Never Forget Them Trigger Purpose
We Are America by Johnny and Hiedi, Chris Ferrara, Erik Dylan, and Kalsey Kuylk. You can listen to the whole catalogue at: https://creativets.lnk.to/FollowWE
STORIES OF WAR
EXIT12 DANCE COMPANY
ROMÁN BACA
Artistic Director, USMC Iraq War Veteran
Román Baca is a classically trained ballet dancer, choreographer, and military veteran whose career bridges the worlds of performing arts and military service In 2001, compelled by a profound commitment to protect the defenseless, he paused his artistic pursuits to enlist in the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably as a machine-gunner and fire-team leader during combat operations in Fallujah, Iraq during the Iraq War.
Following his deployment, Mr Baca returned to the arts and co-founded Exit12 Dance Company, using dance as a transformative vehicle to tell the stories of veterans, civilians, and families impacted by war. His choreographic works interrogate the human experience of conflict, fostering empathy and understanding across diverse communities. Mr. Baca also leads workshops and lectures at schools, universities, organizations, and veterans’ centers nationwide, inspiring critical conversations about the profound impact of war through the power of dance and artistic expression
Mr. Baca earned his BA in Performing Arts, cum laude, from St. Mary’s College of California and was awarded a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship to pursue an MFA in Choreography at the Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, UK, where he graduated with Merit.
Currently, Mr. Baca is a PhD Candidate at York St. John University (UK), where his research investigates the role of the performing arts within military communities. His expertise in arts and recovery programming led him to work as a consultant with The Drive Project, where he led on Bravo 22 a Royal British Legion-funded Recovery through the Arts initiative and contributed to a pioneering arts and recovery pilot program with the UK Ministry of Defence. He has also spearheaded projects for the Soldiers’ Arts Academy C I C and served on the leadership team that delivered the inaugural UK Veterans Art Festival in partnership with the 2019 UK Invictus Trials.
Mr. Baca’s leadership and artistic contributions have been widely recognized. He is a 2024 Scholar with the George W. Bush Institute’s Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program and the recipient of numerous accolades including a 2020 scholarship to York St John University, the 2019 Fulbright Association’s Selma Jeanne Cohen Dance Lecture Award, a 2017–2018 US-UK Fulbright Postgraduate Award, a 2018 HillVets Nomination, induction into the 2015 New York State Veterans’ Hall of Fame, and the 2014 Art and Healing Network Award. He has further distinguished himself as a fellow with Veterans in Global Leadership, The Mission Continues, and Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America.
STORIES OF WAR
EXIT12 DANCE COMPANY
LISA FITZGERALD
Associate Artistic Director, Artist
Lisa Fitzgerald is an international ballet dancer, educator, and choreographer originally from Massachusetts. She graduated from the Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts' professional ballet training program and went on to perform with Connecticut Ballet, Ballet Theatre Company, Sarah Berges Dance, Ballet Ambassadors, and for renowned choreographers in New York City and London.
As co-founder of Exit12 Dance Company, Ms. Fitzgerald was a driving force in orienting Román Baca’s return to the arts to aid his reintegration into civilian life following his military deployment to Iraq, and to help others find healing through the transformative power of the arts. As a military spouse and professional dancer, Lisa saw that dance could help amplify military voices, foster empathy, and build community among veterans, service members, and their families. What started as a deeply personal endeavour became a mission that continues.
As an educator, Ms. Fitzgerald has taught for leading organizations such as the Mark Morris Dance Group, Ballet Theatre Company, Regal Ballet London, West London School of Dance, Pineapple Dance Studios, Danceworks London and London Ballet Classes. She has choreographed and staged both original and classical ballets for youth and pre-professional programs, prepared students for elite ballet competitions, and served as a teaching artist committed to making dance accessible to underserved communities.
Ms Fitzgerald graduated summa cum laude from St Mary’s College of California with a BA in Performing Arts. She holds certification in the first three years of professional ballet pedagogy from the Bolshoi Ballet Teacher Certification Program and is currently pursuing her MA in Education (Dance Teaching) with the Royal Academy of Dance in London, UK, where her dissertation research explores Exit12’s community dance practice with military-affiliated participants.
STORIES OF WAR
EXIT12 DANCE COMPANY
ADRIENNE DE LA FUENTE
Executive Director, Artist
Adrienne de la Fuente is a seasoned dance artist, leader, and arts advocate whose dedication to the transformative power of movement has shaped her dynamic career with Exit12 Dance Company. Since joining Exit12 in 2010, Adrienne has been a driving force within the company performing in powerful, socially engaged works and leading workshops that connect civilians, veterans, and military families across the United States and internationally. Her deep commitment to Exit12’s mission has seen her rise through the organization’s ranks: she was named Company Manager and Rehearsal Director in 2016, became a Board Member in 2018, and was appointed Executive Director in 2024
Through her artistic and administrative leadership, Adrienne has helped elevate Exit12’s role at the intersection of dance and military experience, amplifying stories of service and sacrifice through choreography and performance. The daughter of a former Army Captain, she has explored the military’s influence on her family and community with increasing urgency particularly after the loss of her cousin, a U.S. Marine and Afghanistan War Veteran, to a drug overdose in 2022. This tragedy has deepened her resolve to harness dance as a tool for healing and dialogue.
Originally from California, Adrienne trained under Richard Gibson and Zory Karah at the Academy of Ballet and with Fran Spector Atkins at SpectorDance, where she also performed as a company member. She appeared in Figures in the Dust, a critically acclaimed work inspired by John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath. After relocating to New York City for college, Adrienne continued her dance studies at The Ailey School while earning her B.A. in French Studies and Philosophy with a minor in Spanish from Fordham College at Lincoln Center
Beyond Exit12, Adrienne has danced with the JUNTOS Collective, Brooklyn Ballet, and numerous New York-based choreographers, cultivating a diverse performance portfolio that spans classical ballet to contemporary and socially engaged dance Her parallel career in organizational leadership includes serving as Chief Operating Officer of Private Prep, an educational services company headquartered in NYC, where she applied her strategic and operational expertise to support student success nationwide.
STORIES OF WAR
EXIT12 DANCE COMPANY
TAYLOR GORDON
Artistic Associate, Choreographer, Artist
Taylor Gordon has been deeply connected to Exit12 since 2010 Her brother was in the Army, deployed twice to Afghanistan, and took his own life in 2016. This fuels her passion for sharing Exit12’s mission with new audiences.
Taylor has performed at Lincoln Center with The Metropolitan Opera Ballet, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular, The Kennedy Center, Carnegie Hall, Jacob’s Pillow, Off-Broadway, several national and international tours, television, NY City Center Encores! pre-production, and with numerous ballet & contemporary companies. She trained at Boston Ballet, The Rock School, and Ballet Academy East. She was featured in The New York Times, Dance Magazine, CNN, NBC, CBS, ABC, Fox5, The Huffington Post, Dance Spirit, The Times of India, Dance Teacher & Dance Spirit Magazines
An international choreographer, Taylor has taught in Japan, China, India, Bali, Broadway Dance Center, The United Nations Ballet Club, and across NYC and the US. She was a Show Supervisor for RWS Global and Resident Director for Dublin Worldwide Productions. Choreography credits include Princeton University, STEPS Beyond Foundation, Dixon Place, Jazz Choreography Enterprises, “Juliette’s Miracle” film, Uptown Rising, Asian-American Film Awards, and the recent premiere of her original show “UNPACKED: a dance adventure” about her brother’s story.
Taylor choreographed “Any Other Friday” for tonight’s program The last excerpt, “La Vie” was originally conceived for “UNPACKED: a dance adventure” with original music by Sarah Bomber. Special thanks to pre-production & original cast dancers Nicholas Cunha, Britney Kimball, Emmalynn MacKaron, Nick Meyers, John Reed.
www taylorjgordon com
STORIES OF WAR
EXIT12 COMPANY ARTISTS
AUDREY BORST
Artist
Audrey Borst is originally from Berkeley, California, and trained in ballet and modern dance at the San Francisco Ballet, Dance Theater of Harlem and Alonzo King LINES Ballet and danced for Sarah Bush Dance Project, Peninsula Ballet, and the Oakland Ballet School
Since graduating from Alvin Ailey on scholarship she has danced with companies such as Jamal Jackson Dance, Dance-Lab New York, Julia Gleich Dance, Brooklyn Ballet, and The Love Show, performing works by Darshan Bhueller, George Balanchine, Antony Tutor, and Jeremy McQueen and can be seen in the musical Francois and the Rebels at the Public Theater by Jamie Cepero
NICHOLAS CUNHA
Artist
Nicholas Cunha is a singer, dancer and actor currently based in New York City. A graduate of the University of Toronto, he joined the Conservatory at Circle in the Square Theater on Broadway (KPOP, Fun Home, Once On This Island, Oklahoma!) as an apprentice and has gone on to star in Macbeth and Spring Awakening. Nicholas has also performed as a guest artist of New York City Ballet at NY City Center, David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center as a classical voice soloist (Cherubini's Requiem), Paper Mill Playhouse, and the Shaw Festival as an actor in On Your Feet and White Christmas respectively A truly international champion of the arts, Nicholas is represented by CESD Talent in New York.
EDUARD GOTTHELF
Artist
Ed Gotthelf is a trained actor, singer and dancer who studied at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France. He went on to work professionally in the UK before moving to the US. Favorite credits include- National Tours: Chicago The Musical (Fred Casely), An American in Paris (Henri Baurel Understudy), South Pacific (Henry) Regional: Newsies (Race), Les Miserables (Marius), Nice Work If You Can Get It. Ed is very excited to share the work of Exit 12 and feels honored to be able to tell such a meaningful message.
STORIES OF WAR
EXIT12 COMPANY ARTISTS
KEVIN ORTIZ LEMUS
Artist
Kevin Ortiz Lemus, originally from Guatemala, is an actor and dancer by profession. He began his artistic training at the National School of Dramatic Art in Guatemala City and later pursued professional studies in Contemporary Dance and Ballet, completing an independent study program at the International Peridance Dance School.
Kevin has participated in numerous artistic events in Guatemala and around the world. Throughout his professional career, he has been part of renowned dance companies such as the National Modern and Folkloric Ballet of Guatemala, the National Ballet of Guatemala, Peridance Contemporary Dance Company, Yuka Kawazu’s Danse En L’Air, Males on Pointe (Mexico), AcceptDANCE, Staten Island Ballet, Lynch Ballet Company, as well as other smaller companies across Guatemala and the United States.
Currently, Kevin is an active member of Exit12 Dance Company, Brooklyn Ballet ,and Ballet Eloelle/Gran Diva. His passion for the arts has led him to explore various dance styles, acting, modeling, television, and his current roles as a ballet teacher and choreographer.
Exit12 Workshop Participants
Judith Exler, Military Family Member
Cady Rivera, US Navy Veteran
Donna Zephrine, US Army Veteran
Harrison Leigh Tipping, Military Family Member
Jonah Berman, US Navy Veteran
EXIT12 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Monique Arrucci, US Army Veteran
Patrick Troy-Brandt, US Army Veteran
Shadequa (Sha) Hampton, US Marine Veteran
Thandi Galloway, Military Family Member
Tommy Williams, US Navy Veteran
Zoe Brown, US Marine Veteran
DAVE DE LA FUENTE, Ph.D. - President
MAUREEN KAPLAN - Treasurer
TAYLOR GORDON - Secretary
LIZ K. FREEMAN - Director
CALIA BRENCSONS-VAN DYK - Director
LCDR MATTHEW A. MITCHELSON - Director
ADRIENNE DE LA FUENTE - Director
ROMÁN BACA - Director
LISA FITZGERALD - Director
STORIES OF WAR
GUEST ARTISTS
ADRIANNA MATEO
Composer, Solo Violinist, Singer-Songwriter
Adrianna Mateo is a solo violinist, singer-songwriter, and actress. Known for her wide-ranging artistry and appeal, she has been called a “rising artist” (New York Times), “sensational” (BroadwayWorld), “triumphant” (TimeOut NY), “elegant and edgy” (25A Luxury Magazine, John Lennon ed.), and “ a unique triple threat artist” (Metropolitan Luxury Magazine).
Her pre-pandemic credits include: headlining at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as a classical solo violinist, opening for Alicia Keys as a pop solo violinist, making her Broadway debut as a first-call concertmaster sub (Tootsie), recording her original music at Jungle City Studios, performing original songs for an audience of more than 40,000 people at MCU Park, singing on both the Late Show with Stephen Colbert and on MTV, and acting onstage at the Met Opera (Manon Lescaut with Anna Netrebko) Since 2020, her violin credits include: concertino solo violinist at Carnegie Hall (conductor Lidiya Yankovskaya/Refugee Orchestra Project); solo violinist in a concerto written for her by Mitchell McCarthy, with Contemporaneous; violinist with Met Opera assistant conductor Jonathan Cameron Kelly (Prokofiev’s 2nd Violin Sonata); violin chair in the industry reading of “Roam” (by Alexander Sage Oyen and Michael Dovid), a musical about the Romani people starring Ramin Karimloo and Lorna Courtney; and solo violinist in a couture collaboration/immersive fashion show with Emmy Awardwinning designer Alantude.
Recent singer-songwriter credits include: premiering a new song on the same program as Alan Menken, Desmond Child, Kristen Anderson-Lopez & Robert Lopez, Erika Ender, and Joshua Bell (Kaufman Music Center Zoom gala); headlining at Perelman Performing Arts Center; appearing as one of three featured songwriters at the Tony Award-winning Dramatists Guild Foundation’s reopening; and performing original compositions throughout “Primordial,” a play about pregnancy and childbirth by Lillian Isabella, at The Tank (20th Anniversary season Core Production) As an actress, she makes her feature film debut in “Song Sung Blue” (starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson) this December; other recent credits include Peacock’s “Long Bright River” (starring Amanda Seyfried), onstage at Lincoln Center in “Hildegard, Reborn” by Rocky Duval, and in “Specially Processed American Me,” the New York Times-featured play by Jaime Sunwoo about SPAM.
linktr.ee/adriannamateo
STORIES OF WAR
GUEST ARTISTS
CHRIS FERRARA
Musician, CreatiVets
Originally hailing from the small town of Sharon, MA, Chris Ferrara relocated to Nashville in 2013 bringing with him an eclectic mix of influences that have helped him create a style as familiar as it is new. A blend of city kid swagger and countryboy soul, his appeal is widespread across all genres and markets Whether
it’s just him and a guitar or he’s backed by his seven-piece band, Ferrara's soulful voice and charismatic personality continue to win over fans on a nightly basis, quickly making him a household name in Music City and beyond.
A true entertainer known for his high-energy performances, Ferrara and his band, The Common Good, deliver an infectious, feel-good show that has supported a range of events, from national tours and festivals to global conferences and high-profile weddings He currently holds a Friday and Saturday night residency at Barstool Nashville and recently had a two-year residency at Justin Timberlake’s The 12/30 Club. With a horn section, keytar, and choreography to boot, CFTCG is more than a performance; it is an experience one that has yet to leave a crowd unsatisfied
The band’s name, “The Common Good," is a direct reflection of Ferrara’s vision for his career: to make the world a better place for the common good. His movement is being used to share happiness, inspire positivity, and spotlight the good that goes on around us. Proceeds from all of his singles have been donated to various charities, and he continues to donate his time and talents to serve his community
A few of Ferrara’s recent singles, notably ‘Old Glory,” which was used as the coming home song for the U S Navy’s CVN 71 U S S Theodore Roosevelt, have been distributed by Big Machine Label Group in partnership with non-profit Creativets, helping veterans share their stories and recover from PTSD/TBI. Ferrara has proudly worked with Creativets for the last 10 years and has had nine songs released through the program, with his performance on four of them.
He is honored to have been asked back to perform alongside Exit 12 Dance Company for the third time- this being his second time at the Intrepid Museum. Chris will be performing three songs written with the Creativets program- “I Can’t Cry,” which he co-wrote with veteran Andrew White, Lance Carpenter, and Richard Casper (founder of Creativets), “Never Forget Them,” written by veteran Larry Jordan, Lenny Erickson, Johnny Bulford, and Heidi Bulford, and “Trigger,” written by veteran Case Williams, Richard Casper, and Erik Dylan Each of these songs is a true story written from the hearts and experiences of our nation’s heroes. If you or someone you know is a veteran suffering from PTSD, TBI, or other war related injuries, please visit www.creativets.org for more information about the program.
STORIES OF WAR
GUEST ARTISTS
MAUREEN ELIAS
Storyteller and Singer, Armed Services Arts Partnership
Maureen Elias is a U.S. Army veteran and proud spouse of a retired service member. A passionate advocate, she has testified before Congress, shared her insights on numerous podcasts, and published articles across a variety of media platforms. Since2020, Maureen has served as a storytelling instructor with the
Armed Services Arts Partnership, helping Veterans, service members, families, survivors, and caregivers find power and healing in their personal narratives. Her storytelling performances have taken her to stages at the Atlas Intersections Festival, The Kennedy Center, and even the White House. But no matter the spotlight, Maureen’s heart lies in empowering others to tell their stories with courage and authenticity. And of all her accomplishments, Maureen is most proud of her greatest title mom to Michael Gabrielle and Coraline
JENNY PACANOWSKI
Founder and Director, Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving
Jenny Pacanowski is the founder and director of Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving, a part time employment program and a reintegration program utilizing free writing and performance to empower experiences and facilitate skills to thrive in
daily life In the military, she served as a combat medic in Iraq and in a medical evacuation unit Jenny was betrayed by the Army when they did not follow through with the educational benefits written in her military contract. This betrayal contributed to an extremely difficult transition from military service into civilian society Due to almost losing her life because of this lack of reintegration programming, Jenny decided to create empowerment programming to help other veterans cultivate skills and rebuild their lives after military service through storytelling, community and retraining their brains to thrive.
Women Veterans Empowered & Thriving has expanded its programming to include male veterans, civilian support members, families of veterans, LGTBQIA+, each group with their own space to process their experiences and learn civilian life skills to be a successful in the world.
For more information, questions and to be connected with Jenny and WVE&T email: troupe@wvet org and learn more here: www.womenveteransempowered.org
ARTHUR BENSON
Musician
Arthur Benson is a singer/songwriter and electronics composer out of Allentown, PA; via Brooklyn, NY. He is honored to be playing this event as his father and grandfather both served in the United States Navy
STORIES OF WAR
THIS EVENING’S PERFORMANCE IS DEDICATED TO:
MICHAEL “MICK” MONROE
Mick was raised in an Army family, growing up all over the world. He joined the Army in 1966 and served in the Vietnam war from 1967-1968. He was captured once and managed to escape. He was wounded 3 times and earned a Purple Heart.
After he finished his tour, Mick settled in Tacoma, Washington and worked for the phone company for 43 years (first Pacific Northwest Bell...eventually Century Link.) Despite dealing with PTSD since the war, he and his wife have been married for 54 years, and raised 3 kids together. The last 25 years he has dealt with the lasting effects of Agent Orange exposure, living with Parkinson's Disease. He is currently in hospice care.
If Mick could speak to us now, his wife and eldest son believe he would begin by giving all thanks to Jesus, whose grace, love, and power know no limits. That divine strength sustained him through every season of life.
He would speak to the soldiers he left and say, I am sorry. I carry you with me always. To those who have ever thanked him for his service: you are welcome. Though such thanks sometimes left him unsure how to respond, please don’t mistake his silence, or the silence of other old soldiers, for ingratitude. Many served during a time when wearing a uniform in public brought shame, ridicule, or worse That silence became a shield for wounds not yet healed
He would offer a message of pride and encouragement to today’s servicemen and women: Stand tall. Wear your uniform with pride. Never let anyone diminish your service, because it matters more than many will ever know He would express his deep and abiding love to his wife, children, and grandchildren: You have always been my heart, my home, my purpose. And to his fellow Vietnam veterans, he would say: We were cast aside once, but we are not forgotten now. The benefits and support we were once denied are now available. Reach out. Get the help you need. Forgive yourself. Live the life you still have, you ’ ve earned it.
Finally, Mick would leave us with a reminder: In a perfect world, armies wouldn’t be necessary. But ours is not a perfect world. So please, never confuse disagreement with policy as a reason to disrespect those who serve. Let us never again shame or forget another generation of soldiers. No one who defends this nation should ever feel unwelcome in it
STORIES OF WAR
PRESENTING PARTNERS
ABOUT EXIT12 DANCE COMPANY
Exit12 started in 2007 as a way for a former professional ballet dancer turned US Marine Iraq War Veteran to reconnect and heal post deployment to Fallujah in 2005, by turning war stories into conversation provoking performances. Exit12 has reached over 10,000 military-connected individuals and 70,000 civilians with its programming. Exit12 has grown into a dynamic 501(c)3 non-profit organization that engages the military community in the arts to aid recovery and improve health and wellbeing.
Exit12's story has been featured in the New York Times and in the multi-award winning documentary Exit12: Moved by War Learn more at www exit12danceco org
ABOUT THE INTREPID MUSEUM
The Intrepid Museum, a private non-profit, holds a special place in New York City’s cultural landscape Founded in 1982 with the acquisition of the storied WWII aircraft carrier Intrepid a National Historic Landmark and the centerpiece of its collection the Museum welcomes over one million visitors annually from all around the world. Its mission is to advance the understanding of the intersection of history and innovation in order to honor our heroes, educate the public and inspire future generations
The Intrepid Museum’s dynamic exhibitions exemplify the intersection of history and innovation. Immersive fun, STEM and history are showcased through technological marvels such as Enterprise, the world’s first space shuttle, and Growler, the only nuclear-weapons-carrying submarine open to the public The Museum’s one-of-a-kind experience also features dozens of military aircraft including fighter jets, a supersonic spy plane, and the Concorde, the world’s fastest commercial airliner, displayed in and around the legendary aircraft carrier, Intrepid, an awe-inspiring setting for an unforgettable adventure. But the true power of the Intrepid Museum extends beyond the mechanical marvels on display to all those whose stories of sacrifice, service and heroism bring history to life.
Guided by its core values of integrity, innovation and inclusivity, the Intrepid Museum’s exhibitions and programs are designed to provide a meaningful visitor experience for all. The Museum delivers nationally-recognized accessible programming to its audience with an emphasis on underserved communities, individuals with physical, cognitive, and sensory disabilities, including autism and dementia, and our veterans. Through its after-school, professional development, and STEM programs, the Museum educates and impacts more than 100,000 students each year.
The Intrepid Museum is proud to continue our collaboration with Exit12 Dance Company, as part of our commitment to honoring service Learn more about the Museum’s programs and resources for current and former service members and their families at www.intrepidmuseum.org/vets.
STORIES OF WAR
PRESENTING PARTNERS
CreatiVets’ is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It’s mission is to empower wounded veterans to heal through the arts and music. Through compassion, we are helping veterans live again. Learn more at www creativets org ABOUT CREATIVETS
THANK
YOU
EXIT12 WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A WARM THANK YOU TO:
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the incredible individuals and organizations who made this performance possible. To Charlotte Martin, Molly Sloan, Margaret Gambaro, Irene Tsitko, Lynda Kennedy, and everyone at the Intrepid Museum your collaboration and support have been invaluable. Special thanks to Dave de la Fuente, Matthew Mitchelson, Maureen Kaplan, Liz Freeman, and Calia BrencsonsVan Dyk for your unwavering commitment and guidance We are deeply grateful to Richard Casper, Chris Ferrara, and CreatiVets for your continued partnership. Thank you to Kevin Fernandez and Chelsea Little at ARES Financial, Betsy Montanez, Kimberly Giannelli, Adrianna Mateo, Maureen Elias, Jenny Pacanowski, Lu Caldera and the Young Marines, Paul Murray, Kama Giedra, Erin Forrest, Joe Bello, Polina Gropen, Mercedes Arroyo, and Krishna Diamesso Thank you to Dustin Martelo, Gabriel DeRego, and Angelo de la Fuente. This performance would not have been possible without each and every one of you thank you for believing in our vision and helping bring it to life.
STORIES OF WAR
SPONSORS
EXIT12'S PERFORMANCE THIS EVENING IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM:
LEAD SPONSOR
The Intrepid Museum
Creative Forces®: NEA Military Healing Arts Network
SPONSORS
The New York State Council on the Arts
Dance/NYC’s Dance Advancement Fund
New York City’s Department of Veteran’s Services
SALUTE SPONSORS ($4,999-$250)
ARES Financial Veteran's ERG
Center for Military-Affiliated Students at The New School
Kara Monroe and the Monroe Family
Jennie Fisher
Steve and Dorothy Devlin Alpert
CreatiVets
Chris Ferrara
Paul Murray
SCAN THE QR CODE TO DONATE TO EXIT12 TODAY
Photo: Frank Morales
