Modern Warrior LIVE makes Michigan debut in Marquette; How to get tickets

MARQUETTE COUNTY, Mich. (WJMN) — Veterans, their families and caregivers are invited to a free event on Friday, July 19. The event is part performance, part dinner and is all about connecting veterans with the resources available to them.

Rachel Woody is the director of the Marquette County Department of Veterans Affairs. Her responsibilities include raising awareness of veterans benefits.

“When you serve your country, whether it’s at home or abroad, you’re still a veteran. And it’s worth it just to come by and talk about what benefits there are,” Woody said. “So it’s at least about coming by to see what’s here and what resources are here. And if they don’t want to use them right away, they know that those benefits are there.”

When it comes to accepting benefits, Woody says a common problem is that some veterans feel they are less eligible for benefits than others.

“The VA sets these funds aside. If we lose veterans and they don’t use the benefits, we could potentially lose these funds at the VA. They are not for a specific veteran who was deployed in combat. They are for all veterans. I strongly encourage them to come forward so we can get them these benefits,” Woody said.

Woody applied for grants from the state of Michigan with the goal of bringing Modern Warrior LIVE to the Upper Peninsula.

“I want every veteran that hears about this to try to get a ticket and at least come because this is something they will never forget. I’m not a veteran, but I work with veterans all the time.” Woody continued, “It helped me understand how they think and feel through the narrative of a veteran who went through this experience. I really hope that this will get veterans and family members to come forward and get the few remaining tickets we have because it’s life changing.”

According to the Modern Warrior LIVE website, the summary is as follows:

Modern Warrior LIVE is an immersive music and storytelling experience that tells the story of U.S. Army veteran Jaymes Poling and his journey through three deployments to Afghanistan and his subsequent return home.

This autobiographical production, narrated by Poling, weaves his story with a cast of world-class artists from various genres under the direction of internationally acclaimed trumpeter Dominick Farinacci.

This production tells a personal and emotional journey through the challenges of military service and the experiences veterans face upon returning home, and is a catalyst for a meaningful conversation about mental health..

Modern Warrior LIVE website

The performance will be held on Friday, July 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the Forest Roberts Theater on the NMU campus. Tickets can be picked up at the Department of Veterans Affairs office at 215 West Hematite in Ishpeming, or you can reserve tickets by calling 906-485-1996.

If veterans need someone to talk to during the show, Woody has people stationed around the theater to direct people to VA counselors who can help them.

Following the show, there will be a live Q&A with Jaymes Poling. Afterward, the audience will be ushered into the NMU Grand Ballroom for dinner. In addition to a free meal, all veterans will receive thank-you gifts.

For more information about the Marquette County Department of Veterans Affairs, click here.

Find out more about Modern Warrior LIVE here.