The Impact of Music and Art with Executive Director of CreatiVets and Marine Corps Veteran Richard Casper

Boots On The Ground presented by The Mission Continues

Matthew Purkey welcomes Richard Casper to the Boots on the Ground podcast. Richard is a US Marine Corps Veteran who served as a Presidential Guard at Camp David before volunteering for a combat deployment in Fallujah, Iraq. During his tour in Iraq, Richard survived four IED blasts which resulted in a severe traumatic brain injury. Upon returning home, he found it hard to adjust and suffered from PTS until he discovered the healing power of music and art.
After experiencing firsthand the impact music and art had on his own recovery, Richard co-founded CreatiVets to help other veterans who are suffering and currently serves as executive director. Richard believes that “music and art are always an option” when it comes to recovery. He was named one of TIME magazines Next Generation Leaders and was recognized by President George W. Bush as one of thirty-three scholars chosen to be in the Stand-To Veteran Leadership Program.

In this episode, Richard discusses how he was inspired to start CreatiVets after a chance encounter with Christian recording artist Mark Schultz inspired him to write his song.