American Legion Auxiliary News Release
NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
8945 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46260

Contact: Tabitha Rhoda, (317) 569-4565; trhoda@legion-aux.org

October 7, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

THE AMERICAN LEGION AUXILIARY SPONSORS VETERANS CREATIVE ARTS FESTIVAL IN SAN ANTONIO

INDIANAPOLIS- The American Legion Auxiliary is proud to once again co-sponsor the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival (NVCAF) in San Antonio, Texas. This free event, open to the public, showcases veteran’s artistic abilities in art, music, drama, dance and creative writing competitions. This year 3,453 veterans from over 120 VA medical facilities entered the competition and approximately 140 of them earned an invitation to San Antonio for the event held at the Sheraton Gunter Hotel, October 5-11.

The ALA has actively supported this event since 2000, when Past National President Kris West realized the importance this festival held. “This program allows our beloved veterans to rehabilitate their lives, giving them self-respect and confidence that many are lacking through creative outlets of music, dance, drama and other artistic endeavors,” states West.

As the ALA celebrates its 90th anniversary and continues to reconnect with members, veterans and communities, National President, Rita Navarreté, reaffirms the importance of the link between NVCAF and the ALA. “I plan to lead our membership to stay connected with this vial program in enhancing the lives of these veterans,” says Navarreté.  

As part of their recreation therapy program, VA medical facilities incorporate creative art programs. NVCAF is an annual competition that recognizes the progress and recovery made through the therapy program and raises the awareness of the level of creativity our nation’s veteran’s have regardless of their medical situation.

Founded in 1919, the American Legion Auxiliary is the world’s largest patriotic women’s service organization. With a membership of nearly 900,000, local ALA units have a strong presence in more than 9,500 communities nationwide. The ALA’s mission to serve veterans, their families and their communities is carried out through its hundreds of outreach programs delivered by its members, volunteers and national headquarters.

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