As a way to honor veterans and increase understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Lakeland Community College will host “Modern Warrior LIVE,” Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m., in the Dr. Wayne L. Rodehorst Performing Arts Center, 7700 Clocktower Drive, Kirtland, 44094. The event is co-sponsored with the visitor’s bureau, Remarkable Lake County, OH. Tickets are $10 per person; veterans or active duty military plus one guest may receive tickets free of charge. Tickets are available online at lakelandcc.edu/arts. Parking is free.

The program follows the story of Staff Sergeant Jaymes Poling, who spent three years in Afghanistan as an infantryman with the 82nd Airborne Division. As narrator, the Warren, Ohio native opens up about his time in the military and transition to civilian life. A dynamic musical performance with stage musicians brings Poling’s narration to life led by trumpeter and international recording artist with Mack Avenue Records, Dominick Farinacci.

PTSD can be the result of experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, and for many combat veterans, it can be difficult for their families to understand how and why their loved one has changed.

“Modern Warrior shows audiences what we face psychologically when we come back home to civilian life. It’s not always easy to explain to family and friends,” said U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran and Lakeland Veterans Program coordinator Edward Evans. “Our veterans program here at Lakeland provides a sounding board and safe place for men and women returning to civilian life and we help guide them to a new normal¾which includes earning their college degree.”

In the shadow of PTSD Awareness Month which is observed in June, the Aug. 3 program is a way to spread the word and educate attendees about all related mental health issues.

“This story is not just for and about veterans. It resounds with all audiences because of our shared human experiences of turning challenges and setbacks into a positive force to grow and help others,” said Scott Dockus, executive director for Remarkable Lake County, OH. “Lake County is home to about 15,500* veterans and we are committed to helping veterans and all those in our community.”

About the Lakeland Veterans Program

Lakeland Community Collegeis committed to helping veterans, active duty personnel, reservistsand their dependents attain personal and professional goals. Lakeland’s Student Veterans of America chapter was recently named and recognized as one of the top five chapters in the country for its outstanding work to help veterans succeed in their transition to college. Approximately 200 military veterans attend Lakeland.

Lakelandcc.edu/veterans

Modern Warrior LIVE at Lakeland is presented by the Lake County ADAMHS Board and The Lubrizol Foundation. Tickets are available online at lakelandcc.edu/arts.

*Source: factfinder.census.gov (2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates)

By: Jessica Novak