By Bonnie Bertram
November 22, 2024
Today, Erik and Carol Moeser, Bill Selzer, Kerri Richlen, Mark Zalewski and I attended the annual Meet and Greet Veteran participants in the Veterans in Focus photography group which our club has supported for the past 8 years.
We were introduced to Courtney Zeller, C.T.R.S, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, by our former member, Daniel Zomchek, who at the time was Director of the Zablocki VA Medical Center.
The photography course is offered to Veterans in the Outpatient Mental Health Recreation Therapy and Homeless Prevention Programs. Courtney’s idea for the photography group came from her in-home visits to Veterans, many of whom did not have any pictures hanging on their walls. At the end of the photography classes, Veterans are able to choose a framed photograph to take home.
Courtney says that photography “provides veterans with the opportunity for self-exploration and self-discovery through photography-based interventions that promote personal healing, recovery, and well-being”. Veterans have expressed appreciation for the camaraderie with other Veterans. This year, group photo sites included: Frame Park, Milwaukee Public Market, Milwaukee Riverfront, Grant Park, Villa Terrace and Mitchell Park Domes, among other locations.
Chris, one of the Veterans today, in a written blurb next to his photograph said that “Something I learned about myself through photography was that I enjoy connecting to others and learning about their thoughts and life experiences. My favorite photography subjects are everything around the city and the lake. I love just walking around with my camera.”
Bonnie, thank you for your support of this wonderful Veteran project, and Erik for representing the project and club on camera for CBS 58 News.
