Policy Vets
Policy Vets
Art Helps Veterans, and Lou is Cheap
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Today, Secretary Shulkin and Lou speak with AnnMarie Halterman, who is the Executive Director of Uniting Us (https://unitingus.org/), which uses art therapy to support the veteran community as they deal with trauma, physical disability, or life in general.
Art helps people not only recovering from past trauma but frustrations with the chaos and issues that are happening current day. And their questions on was my my effort when I was deployed back in 2006 or whenever was that worthwhile or was a waste of my time and so it helps people to be able to reflect back but also take current day situations and be able to express how they feel.
Announcer:Welcome to the policy bets podcast engaging with leaders, scholars and strong voices to fill a void in support of policy development for America's veterans. With your hosts, former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Dr. David shulkin, and former executive director of the American Legion Louis Celli. Today's guest Emery halterman, Executive Director of uniting us.
Louis Celli:Hey, Mr. Secretary, welcome back.
Dr. David Shulkin:It's good to be back, Lou. And Charlie, thanks so much for filling in last week did a really good job.
Louis Celli:He did. And you know, like many of our team who work behind the scenes to get this podcast out each week, we wouldn't be able to do it without him.
Dr. David Shulkin:Now everybody needs a double just in case something happens. And it's good to know Charlie's there.
Louis Celli:You guys kind of look alike. Yes. With that, Mr. Secretary, you know, that's exactly why our next guest is so important. I mean, Emory Herrmann runs a program called uniting us. And it's, it's an art therapy program. It's a nonprofit organization. But it's so much more than just an outlet for creativity.
Dr. David Shulkin:You know, I was trained as a doctor, pretty traditional art. And therapy just didn't go together for me for much of my career. And then of course, when I entered the VA, I saw the power of these non traditional non medical therapies how they really can change people's lives, and make a huge difference. And I just really, I call it the superpower of the VA, because they embrace these things, whether they're adaptive sports events, or other types of activities. And I don't know if you've ever been to one of the vas creative arts festivals that they hold around the country. But Wow, are those powerful?
Louis Celli:I'll share a story with you. And I won't say any names. I walked into somebody's office one time, and I didn't know a lot about art therapy. I was ignorant to it until I learned more about it really through Emory and, and somebody else, but I walked into an office and there was a painting on the wall. And it was very prominent in their office. And it was a it was a depiction of a scene in Iraq or Afghanistan, you know, you really couldn't tell which turned out to be Afghanistan. And it was definitely not professionally done. But it was pretty descriptive. And I you know, I didn't know I was embarrassed afterwards. I chuckled, and I was like, who did that it looks like a child where they goes out? No, he said, I, I did that it was part of my art therapy project. And I was like, foot in mouth. And I had to, you know, of course apologize. But it, it made me learn that these things are really, really important. And this was someone that I respected greatly and had a very high position. It wasn't it wasn't, you know, a young person. It was someone that, you know, that was fairly well established.
Dr. David Shulkin:Yeah, you know, Lou, one of the people that I learned the value of art therapy, and also just to being able to tell stories, their art was president and Bush, President Bush, who admittedly said that he was not a good artist, when he started, started to draw pictures and portraits of veterans. And he and I had dinner together one night, and there were some of the people, the veterans who he had painted their pictures, and I have to tell you, he knew their stories. He knew what made them cry, what made them laugh, it was really powerful to see how involved he got through his art and how much he cares about these veterans.
Louis Celli:I'm really glad you brought that up. I actually saw that exhibit when it was displayed at the at the Kennedy Center. And it's compelling, because you get to read a little bit about each of the each of the subjects and I was actually shocked at how many of the people I knew that he had drawn.
Dr. David Shulkin:Yeah, yeah, this is really powerful. I think our listeners today are going to be really interested from hearing from Anne Marie, who is an artist herself but who is running unite us and learn about the work and learn why it's so important that this work, be supportive for our veterans.
Louis Celli:And what really, you know, what really is refreshing. I mean, a lot of the art is really good. It's really it catches you off guard and then you learn a little bit about you know the story of the artist and and what compelled them. To paint, draw or sculpt, you know, whatever it was they did. And it just it's so meaningful. And it really, it becomes a pleasure to purchase it.
Dr. David Shulkin:Yeah. Well, Lou, I think we should get started so people can hear what we're talking about.
Louis Celli:And so let's get Emery in here. AnnMarie. Welcome to the policy. That's podcast. And thank you for taking the time to join us today.
Unknown:Absolutely. Thank you for the opportunity to be here,
Dr. David Shulkin:AnnMarie. Thanks so much. And you're the executive director of uniting us and also a veteran. So can you just tell us a little bit about your service and how you got started in involved with this program?
AnnMarie Halterman:Absolutely. So I was in the Air Force, and did that and got out after 911, after my deployment at 911. And I worked as a consultant, because in the Air Force, I was a civil engineer. And I came across art therapy, but really, it was therapeutic art with a nonprofit. And it really made a huge difference for me, and dealing with my trauma and establishing wellness in my life. And so a few years after that, I said, Alright, I'm going to not do engineering anymore. And I'm actually going to try to help other people have an opportunity to have the experience and the power of the arts that I've had. And so that's in fact, why I started uniting us.
Louis Celli:I can tell you, I absolutely love this program, and what it provides by way of healing and therapy in a way that restores self self esteem, you know, through the arts and the work that you do. So Emory, can you tell our listeners about your program, you know how it works take us through the process of how you find participants, therapeutic programs that they go through and, and how the works and what happens to the work that they do, what happens to it after you get a hold of it.
AnnMarie Halterman:Awesome. We have Uniting US has three or four different ways that people can actually be introduced to the organization, sometimes they find us which is fantastic. We also use Facebook and other programs where people are posting their art, and then we reach out to them. And then they can decide if they want to participate, and how. And then also, sometimes medical providers that are doing the art therapy in the VA or other locations, reach out to us and introduce us to veterans or family members who think that they could benefit from the camaraderie that comes with uniting us as well as the opportunity to not only learn how to do different types of art, but also to potentially be involved in our capstone program, which is exhibiting art in national locations and other places where their story can be told. And their artwork seen by the public.
Dr. David Shulkin:AnnMarie, this is probably going to surprise you a little bit. But in medical school, they didn't teach us a lot about art. And we didn't have a lot of artists come in and train the medical students so so can you just tell me a little bit about the impact that art can have on Veterans and particularly veterans who are going through some tough issues?
AnnMarie Halterman:Sure. And and Secretary, I really love this question, because art helps people not only recovering from past trauma, but frustrations with the chaos and issues that are happening current day. And their questions on was my my effort when I was deployed back in 2006, or whenever was that worthwhile or was a waste of my time. And so it helps people to be able to reflect back but also take current day situations and be able to express how they feel. And so with uniting us, the great thing that we have is the opportunity that we hear each other's stories every day. And sometimes we just need someone to be able to tell it to that's new, or that can offer suggestions or information and have a conversation. And that's actually what the art establishes is a narrative that goes to what their story is, and it could be their family experience. It could be their military experience, or current base situation. And that gives us the ability then to start a conversation and that's where it all starts.
Louis Celli:I was able to catch the show at at Walter Reed, if you call it a show or display. You know, I had an appointment there and I was walking through the hallway on the first floor and I saw this artwork being put up. It really it caught me off guard but it was so nice to see in that environment in between my appointments. Then I caught the the display again over at the women Veterans Memorial when I was there for the Fourth of July. So where else has uniting us displayed this artwork.
AnnMarie Halterman:So our artwork is it's our work has exhibited both at Walter Reed and we have we're doing multiple installations now at Walter Reed and the women's Memorial but we're also on galleries in DC like the hill center and other professional galleries throughout the metro DC area. The International Airport at Dulles as well as Reagan national is coming up as well.
Dr. David Shulkin:While I think AnneMarie, this is You know, the art, when you display it like that really helps communicate the story to the public and gets them thinking more about what veterans go through. I want to go back to how this impacts the veteran themselves. And is it that every veteran who has a story to tell or feels like that they want to communicate something? Can they just go out and get a piece of drawing paper? And some some, you know, paint brushes? And do they do this at home? Or are you saying that it's best to do it with trained people, for example, get the artists that work with uniting us? Is this is this something that requires a veteran to have somebody teach them? Or is this something that can be self expressed in their homes?
AnnMarie Halterman:You know, it's a combination, a lot of times, and I'm sure secretary, you know, this, but you have people that have trauma or experiences that are they're plagued with, they have a hard time like putting words to what it is that how they feel. And so art may be something that they're introduced to through art therapy, which is a medically provided, or they might already have been artists, it's amazing the skill and talent that our veterans and their family members have. And so we see everyone from someone that just picks up a pencil or paintbrush the first time in an activity that we're hosting, all the way through to professional artists, that are using their abilities to help tell the story and help educate the public, as well as gain some confidence that their decisions that they made, that they're validated, and that distinguish their service.
Louis Celli:Interesting story, when, when I was at the women Veterans Memorial, I saw one of these pieces of art as I was walking by and it grabbed me It moved me. And so I was trying to learn a little bit more about it, there was a little barcode or the little square thing with all the little dots in it, right? So I hit it with my phone, and it took me to uniting us website. And then that piece of art popped up and it said, sold out. And I was so disappointed. So I called you and I reached out. And I was I was what what why don't you tell? Why don't you tell us what happened after that.
AnnMarie Halterman:That's a fabulous story. So this is the first time I use QR codes to identify the artwork and for people to learn the story that goes with the artwork. And so when you did that, what happened was, our artists did not want to sell the artwork. It was an art piece that was done in art therapy. And it was a big jump, and a lot took a lot of courage for her to exhibit that piece. So when you called and we talked and I called her and said, How do you feel about this? She's like, someone wants to buy my artwork? And I was like, Yes, absolutely. And they're gonna help us so that we can digitize it and make prints. And she was like, This is crazy. She said, I thought I served my country. And that was it. And it was done. And I was moving on in my life. I can't believe someone cares about it. And so anyway, some really exciting news, Lou, not only do you have a great eye for art, but so do other people. And that artist as well as a couple of other from uniting us, there's a huge thing coming up right after Labor Day, there's going to be a huge announcement, three of the United States artists are their artwork is going to be shown internationally sold worldwide, with the toy industry. So I can't say anything more. But I just want to say you have a great eye. And we really appreciate your support in helping this artists take a step from dealing with her past, exhibiting her artwork, and then being encouraged that that it actually is meaningful to other people. And Maria,
Dr. David Shulkin:I would agree with it. Lou has a great eye, but he's also really cheap. So don't get too excited about how much he was willing to pay for that. But Oh, don't worry, the bills in the mail. Okay. So, so it's clear that you've seen our change people's lives that it gives them, not only the ability to express themselves with it gives them meaning. And in many ways, you know, I'd like to learn a little bit more about some of the impact that you've seen this had on people's lives. And sure, maybe maybe a related question. Is this in your experience, a short term therapy or is this a lifelong tool and companion? Do you see people that are getting value out of their are continuing this indefinitely? Or is this six or eight week program?
AnnMarie Halterman:This is what ever someone finds useful in their life, but I'm telling you what's interesting is the evolution of going from, oh, I'm just coloring something or making something as a craft to then really like looking more deeply within themselves, so are artists routinely say, when they first join us, there are a lot of medication prescribed medication, and they don't like to go out of their houses, and really talking to anyone they don't know, especially in a public location is usually not in their comfort zone. And so but as they participate with us, we're finding that they're not having to take as much medicine, they're coming out into the public, they are doing artists talks in front of hundreds of people, and, and they're able to connect with people in a way that they weren't prior to having art to be that medium that makes it safe, and also makes it where it's a very supportive environment. And so they feel that the community, not only in people in the community, learning about the arts and about military service, but the community is also there to support that person, when previously that person thought they were alone and maybe isolated in their homes.
Louis Celli:And this, this isn't just a one off, right. So I've spent a considerable amount of my time advocating for non pharmacological therapies for for veterans who, who are struggling with, you know, any any form of depression people most associated with post traumatic stress, but, you know, there are other types of mental health challenges that that people will have. And it's interesting that even the National Institute of Health had published an article on it. And you know, they go on to say things like, you know, art is a tool for enhancing mental health well being, that there's a growing documented evidence that these types of activities can be used in non medical interventions to promote public health and well being. So this isn't, you know, this isn't something that, you know, that is just for one or two people, this is a really a growing body of therapies. So Can Can you talk a little bit more about, you know, the types of programs that you're involved in?
AnnMarie Halterman:Sure. And you're right, Lou, it is not just for military that have had trauma or injuries. And actually, what we have many of our artists are not, it may not be a mental illness or trauma that they're experiencing, but we have one artist that has rheumatory arthritis, and she Sandy cannot hold a pencil, she couldn't she can't move her hands at all. But you should see her paintings. And she's able to do it. And she feels that for her that it helps her be able to keep some function with her hands, even though her rheumatory arthritis is so progressed. And so it gives her a channel that she thought she no longer had the ability to do. And and when you talk about what we do, we have events that are in public, we have them in private locations, as well. We do training online zoom, we have conversations. And really what's interesting is when someone purchases a piece of artwork, from one of our veterans, there's usually a request to talk to the artist. And, and so we'll facilitate that if the artist is okay with it. And amazingly, the people usually start to join us with making art themselves and sharing it with the artists and saying, based on your art, this is what I was able to create. And it helped me for these reasons. And so whether it be suicide, impacting someone's life, or mental health challenges, or car accident, physical injuries, we see every piece of the gamut that could happen and when people come together, it's amazing what we can have in the end together.
Louis Celli:And just to be clear, it's not just paintings, you you have a variety of different art modalities that that you feature. And in addition, you're an artist yourself, aren't you?
AnnMarie Halterman:Yes, I'm an artist myself, but I don't do the refined stuff. We have it all. We have 3d art. We have wood, we have fiber artists. We have painters, glass workers, blacksmith, we have actually a phenomenal blacksmith that it's fine art blacksmith and it's absolutely gorgeous. And we also have singers, performers, comedians, and writers. We have a number of our veterans are have written books, and have poems and creative writing that are published in books and sold internationally. Well, you've met some pretty famous people through this journey, haven't
Louis Celli:you?
AnnMarie Halterman:I really have. Well, one I met you, Lou and Secretary. So I mean, we're gonna count that. But I also have met you know, it's really interesting. There are professional artists out there like Steve Alpert, who have been doing our work, their art works. He's out works in the Pentagon and all over the place. And he takes the time. And this is something I didn't realize he takes the time to mentor veterans and teach them how to paint. And so he comes in, he supports uniting us he participates with more of our veterans. And in the end, we now have a connection to people that are doing our professionally and they can mentor us and our artists on if they want to pursue more of an art Career, how that looks how we can do that how we can support people.
Dr. David Shulkin:Now, AnnMarie tell us a little bit about how uniting us works, whether you take funds from the artists or from the veterans or, or how do you keep your organization going,
AnnMarie Halterman:we're pretty efficient with the limited funds that we have. But we work primarily off of donations. And we do not take any of the artists money. As a matter of fact, we give supplies to the artists for whatever types of activities that they do. And sometimes we have to ship them. But sometimes they're local, and people make art donations to us. And we're able to then pass that out to the different artists to support their ability to keep creating. And then with regard to if a piece of art sells, then that artist gets 100% of that sales amount. So if someone sells $100 painting, or $1,000, painting, they are the ones that receive that money, sometimes directly from the purchaser, sometimes we have to facilitate it. We have a veteran that lives in the community living facility with the VA in DC. And Michael does not have the ability to take payment on anything, and we sell his artwork, it's phenomenal, by the way, and he keeps getting better and better. But we take payment for him and we help him then get that those funds. And he's usually pretty excited to buy a hamburger and a pair of shoes, or t shirt or he really loves the Redskins. So from time to time, we'll just take them a Redskins hat. And he's pretty happy.
Louis Celli:Believe me, the Secretary and I know exactly what that's like, when it's a labor of love. You know, you just do it with like you we don't have paid staff. So you know, everything we do is is on the cuff.
AnnMarie Halterman:When you actually look when you talk about impact on a nonprofit program, the ones that you're guaranteed to have impact more likely are the ones that are doing it a on a voluntary basis, and be that are funding it to get it started themselves. Because otherwise you want to dedicate your time, which is very valuable, or your funds because if it's not impactful, and if it's irrelevant. It's not worth doing but uniting us and I think policy vets I think we're doing some really great things. And I hope that other people join us and help support
Dr. David Shulkin:this program. And Marie, what I really want people to get before we stop is a real understanding of the impact that this is having. I love when you tell the stories about being able to help somebody who lives in a CLC just so people understand that's really a veterans nursing home, be able to get extra money to afford some, you know, very small things like hamburgers and tickets. But tell us about why this is important. Why people who care about veteran should care about this, and why should they support it? Have you seen this change people's lives? It does. And
AnnMarie Halterman:so like I was saying earlier, a lot of the veterans are isolated in their homes or within their families only. And so if we can find a way to help people heal, and then have a way to practice wellness and keep them engaged not only as individuals but with their families, which a lot of times veterans have a hard time doing that. And their communities now we get production, a productive society. And we can actually improve our schools, our community centers, our programs and and it touches everybody in the community. So that one veteran being having less medicine required less doctor's appointments and being healthier. And having this wellness that they did not have previously provides the opportunity for our entire community to benefit in
Louis Celli:uniting us has been involved with other nonprofits as well. I know that you've partnered with, with some other not only the women Veterans Memorial, but but also you want to tell us a little bit about the event that you that you guys really spearheaded last weekend.
AnnMarie Halterman:Oh my gosh, that was phenomenal. Right, Lou, we had an event that we co hosted with quilts of honor, who was actually a nonprofit. That's the same as policy that's in uniting us. They have only volunteer staff. And we brought in more than 80 women veterans and their families. And we honored them with a quilt which is what quilts of honor does. And these quilts are marvelous. And so then after that we had an arts festival. But you know, finding other organizations, one nonprofit can't do everything. And there's other organizations out there that are doing a lot of great things. So we try to partner to that so that our impact can go further and less resources are required to get that increased impact.
Dr. David Shulkin:Well Annmarie, we can't thank you enough for what you're doing your passion for helping veterans and for being a guest with us today on policy events.
AnnMarie Halterman:Well, I appreciate it. And actually I want to thank you from our entire organization and all of our artists because you know, we're our Help is to inspire, empower and unite. And by you joining us and allowing us to be on your great podcast, we're going to be able to do that even better. So thank you so much for the opportunity.
Louis Celli:Thanks AnnMarie. Listen, before we go, I want to make sure that I give you the last word and give you a chance to tell our listeners where to find you. You know, the your website address.
AnnMarie Halterman:Perfect. I always like the last word By the way, uniting us can be found at uniting us.org and we're also on Facebook, under uniting us. And ultimately, what what we want to do is we want to reduce the prescriptions required. We want to make alternative therapies available to more people. And that really is what we're what we're working hard every day every night to do day in and day out. So www.UnitingUs.org, we have a Donate button. And we also have artwork exhibited and for sale on our website. So come support an artist be part of our community. And while be better for it,
Dr. David Shulkin:and don't be cheap like Lou,
Louis Celli:Mr. Secretary, maybe we should put a Donate button on our website.
Dr. David Shulkin:I think we have to have something of value like the artwork that AnnMarie as
AnnMarie Halterman:well, we can do that we can do a joint effort. But Mr. Secretary, I invite you to join uniting us and take a look at the artwork and see what inspires I'm going there. I'm
Dr. David Shulkin:going to outbid Lou, I can guarantee you that won't be hard. Thanks for all that. Thanks for everything. Bye bye.
Louis Celli:Bye Bye now. Well, that really is all the time that we have today. So join us next week we're going to be talking about something that a lot of people have a great interest in here in DC and that is cannabis. Charissa Jackson is going to join us to talk about how this industry could be transforming how veterans are going to be using this to treat their depression and post traumatic stress.
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