Young entertainers brighten lives of hospitalized veterans; founded in 1976, Re-Creation—a group of volunteer performers—travels nationwide bringing happiness to patients confined to VA medical centers

VFW Magazine, April, 2002 by Don Haines

They are young people with a mission, and they travel the length and breadth of the continental U.S. in a van that averages 300 miles per day. Their schedule is demanding, the monetary rewards are meager, and only the tough and talented need apply.

They are Re-Creation--since 1982 the only live entertainment available to America's hospitalized veterans.

The organization is non-profit, and actually began in 1976 when Hugh Brooks saw a need for live professional entertainment in various institutions in his home state of Pennsylvania.

Brooks currently runs The Veterans Fund, which maintains partnerships with five international organizations to offer entertainment at VA medical centers.

Word spread, and soon the group was asked to tour for the USO. When the USO stopped supplying live entertainment in 1982, Re-Creation stepped in to fill the void. And so began a love affair between a group of young people who have enjoyed all the benefits our great nation has to offer and the guys who made it possible.

COMMITMENT AND STAMINA

"Becoming a member is not easy," says current President Jay Muller. "It requires a one-year commitment, while college and career are put on hold. But this allows all of us to give something back to those who have afforded us our freedom." Performers must be professional, possessing the stamina to put on 330 shows per year. Approximately 170 of these shows are at VA hospitals.

Support for the group comes from the 160 shows per year that are performed at conventions, banquets, fairs, carnivals and on cruise ships. Additional backing originates with The Elks, The Bowlers-To-Veterans Link (BVL), a VA grant and a group of interested citizens known as F.O.R.C.E.S. (Friends Of Re-Creation Extending Service).

The group also has performed for various dignitaries, including the President. But Re-Creation's first and truest love is for the guys who gave their all in the service of their country. Performers' days at a VA hospital are much more than just a show.

Entertainers arrive four hours before show time, set up equipment, change into costumes and head for the wards. Their visits are lively and intimate. They are not shy about expressing their gratitude to the vets for their sacrifices. Each is treated with respect and admiration. Some veterans become overwhelmed that a group of young people would actually care about them. This is especially so for those who haven't had a letter or a visit from someone in many years.

Come show time, veterans descend on the auditorium, some walking, some with walkers, some in wheelchairs and others in their beds. And what a show they see.

A Re-Creation performance is a continuous explosion of song and dance that lasts more than an hour. There is something for everyone, no matter the decade. A torch song from the '40s might be followed by Elvis' Hound Dog. A little later, a Shania Twain look-a-like dressed all in leather might give her rendition of Any Man of Mine. There's also room for Bill Monroe and Frank Sinatra.

The group encourages audience participation. There's lots of sing-a-long, hand-clapping and foot-tapping. An old vet who hasn't danced in years might get an invitation from a pretty young girl. Shows are usually closed with a patriotic song, guaranteed to raise the hair on the back of the neck.

UNDERSTANDING SACRIFICES

At show's end comes the socializing. There's many a misty eye when older vets and young entertainers say goodnight. Then comes time to pack up, get in the van and hit the road. Tomorrow will bring another hospital and another group of veterans waiting to be entertained.

Accolades follow Re-Creation wherever it appears. Perhaps it's because these 18- to 20-year old performers recognize the greatness of America. Moreover, they understand the sacrifices made by war veterans to preserve that status.

As one staffer at the Bonham (Texas) VAMC remarked, "The performers' generosity and kindness contributes to the comfort, morale and well-being of the veterans."

The wife of one patient remembered of her husband, "He even had a few tears in his eyes at the end of the show. His joy is so rare these days. My heart knows no way to thank you enough."

In actuality, the young entertainers of Re-Creation work 365 days a year. Even their off days are used for rehearsal, planning, maintenance and catch-up. But they soldier on.

All are enthusiastic volunteers. Auditions are advertised in magazines, high school and college music departments and through the group's Web site. The selection process is intense and held once a year in Pennsylvania. Joining in June, participants make a year-long commitment.

John Pozzi of the Perry Point (Md.) VAMC Public Affairs Department sums up everyone's feelings best: "Re-Creation has been coming here for a decade, and they put on a spectacular show.

"Our patients have chronic illnesses and would never have a chance to see such a Broadway-type show if not for Re-Creation. Not only the show itself, but the interaction between these young entertainers and our patients is something special because they make our patients feel special."