Veteran Artist Program BR McDonald

Born in Robinsdale, Minnesota , Jessie recently retired from the U.S. Army, and has come back to his lifelong passion of art.  He is a painter, sculptor, poet, and a multiple award-winning producer/director/writer (winning both a Telly at the national level and two Addy's, locally).  In the last year he has exhibited several pieces of art at the Creamery Gallery, in Springfield MO.  With little formal art education Jessie is a primarily a self taught artist.  He is very eclectic in his art techniques, ranging from landscapes, impressionism, surrealism, to realism, and his newest technique that he continues to refine...Chromatic Pop.  Able to work in wood, clay, metal, oil, acrylic, water color, and print making; Jessie is a versatile artist.

My art has been a journey of self-discovery and self-expression as a man who celebrates the African American experience and our achievements in sports and music history. It is the process by which I choose to explore my past and future.

I was a sergeant in the South Carolina Army National Guard for 6 years. I did a little bit of everything but towards the last 2 years, I worked in the R3SP Program (suicide prevention). I currently work for SCDNR. I love fishing, the outdoors, and my pets.

Mike Caimona is a Navy veteran and the Founder of Warrior Music Foundation, which provides free music lessons and music therapy to active duty, veterans and families. He is also the founder of 1710 Percussion, a custom drum manufacturing company.

Retired after 24 years military, Bernardine "Bernie" Donato started painting 5 years ago and now teaches workshops to others in her community. "Painting has given me an outlet for my demons and taken me to calmer places. It is my space for solitude where I can tune out, unwind, and create." Aside from the 24 years in the military with combat area deployments, Bernie spent a total of 40 yrs as an RN with 24 of those years in ER/Trauma, and 11 years as a reserve LAPD Police officer in South Central Los Angeles. Bernie is very active in the VAP Community, and also very active in the Team RWB community.

David has produced 27 films, earning more than $1 billion at the box office and numerous awards. He is recognized as an innovator where technology and media intersect. He is the son of a WWII veteran who gave him a deep appreciation for the military.