Purple Heart recipient and nationally recognized Veterans advocate Richard Casper will speak at Finger Lakes Community College on Saturday, May 31, at 10 a.m., as part of a Military Appreciation Month event hosted by The Partnership for Ontario County.
Casper, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran who survived four IED blasts in Iraq, has become a leading voice for healing through creative expression. His nonprofit, CreatiVets, helps fellow Veterans process trauma through art and music.
“This powerful talk with Richard Casper… is one of resilience, healing, and hope,” said Gwen Van Laeken, executive director of The Partnership for Ontario County. “His message resonates deeply during this time of reflection and appreciation.”
Casper’s journey from combat to creativity began after returning home with traumatic brain injury and post-traumatic stress. He channeled his recovery through the arts, eventually launching CreatiVets during his graduate studies at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. The organization has since gained national recognition for its impact.
Honored as a CNN Hero and one of TIME’s Next Generation Leaders, Casper’s work has been featured in the documentary Evidence of Things Unseen and praised by President George W. Bush and The Bush Institute.
“Veteran-centered events help us build camaraderie among Veterans and show community support and awareness,” said Tammy and Peter Bresette, both U.S. Army Veterans and Finger Lakes residents.
The event is part of an ongoing series presented by the Veterans Coalition of the Finger Lakes, a program of The Partnership for Ontario County that fosters Veteran wellness and connection.
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