WGVU to lead national veterans project

WGVU Public Media will lead a new national project called “We Are Veterans” to raise awareness about resources positively affecting the well-being of veterans and their families.

The project, in support of PBS Stories of Service, is a collaboration among local PBS stations and partner, veteran service and local community organizations.

WGVU has become a valued resource for veterans in Michigan with the growth of the WGVU Engage Veterans Committee and through connections built with LZ Michigan, a Welcome Home for Vietnam Veterans in 2010.

“WGVU continues our mission to educate, inform and entertain through innovation. We are excited to lead the ‘We Are Veterans’ project and continue our partnership with great organizations in support of veterans and their families,” said Michael T. Walenta, WGVU Public Media general manager. “Combining the programming from PBS Stories of Service with experts who work daily in support of veterans and their families in our communities, we look forward to sparking conversations and creating positive outcomes in our community and around the country.”

“We Are Veterans” will focus on several key areas for veterans including creating an awareness campaign to artfully and accurately share stories of veterans and their families. PBS’ Stories of Service programming kicks off with the May 13 premiere of “Coming Back With Wes Moore,” funded by CPB, which explores Moore’s search for answers to important questions about veterans returning from war. For a complete program line-up visit www.wgvu.org.

The programming line-up includes the highly anticipated documentary on the Vietnam War from Ken Burns and Lynn Novick.

The website www.weareveterans.org will include trusted resources for veterans and their families as well as information on how to share stories and connect with local community resources. The conversation in support of veterans will continue on social media using #WeAreVeterans.

For more information, contact Timothy Eernisse, WGVU Public Media, (616) 331-6630 or at [email protected].