Veteranology #16 – Curt Bean

Curt Bean is an Army veteran and the Executive Director of the Art of War project based out of Denver, CO.  Curt served two tours in Iraq, each lasting more than a year.  After leaving the service he spent time traveling but soon started to wonder what was next for him.  He moved to Florida and started to work towards becoming a firefighter and EMT.  He passed all the training with flying colors but his PTSD was flagged as a disqualifying factor.  Curt had moved to Denver to start his firefighting career and after finding that this would not be the path he would take signed into a PTSD in-patient clinic at the local VA Hospital.

While at the VA Hospital he saw that art was not being included into the program as much as he thought it could.  With the help of some of his mentors he brought an art therapy program to the in-patient clinic and then expanded it into the community, eventually starting his own non-profit based out of downtown Denver, the Art of War Project.  Curt has an amazing story to tell and a lot of hope to share with his fellow veterans.

During the show you’ll hear:

How the Art of War Project helps veterans with art therapy, art appreciation, retreats, meditation, and other creative and healthy practices.

How Curt created his program while in treatment in the VA and how he turned it into a thriving non-profit in Denver.

The importance of being the best version of yourself each day.

Why acting like or calling yourself a disgruntled veteran is hurting more than just yourself.

How opening up to the civilians around you and helping them undertand your service can help bridge gaps in your social and professional life.

Show Links:

The Art of War – http://www.artofwarproject.com/

Intro Links:

Inkfidel: www.inkfidel.com

Don’t forget to use coupon code Veteranology at checkout for 10% off your order!

Veteranology survey: http://goo.gl/forms/s79vY9BBGJ