NW Missouri Times

A new anthology titled "Proud To Be: Writing by American Warriors" has been released, coinciding with Veterans Day. The 13th volume of this annual publication is edited by Luke Rolfes, an assistant professor of English at Northwest Missouri State University. The GreenTower Press, associated with the university, published this year's edition.

Rolfes expressed gratitude for military personnel's service and emphasized the importance of supporting veteran voices through such publications. He stated, “I am thankful for the service of all military personnel, and we at GreenTower Press are happy to give back to that community in any way we can.” He also mentioned the closure of SEMO Press earlier this year and highlighted James Brubaker's previous advocacy for veteran writing.

The anthology includes poetry, fiction, essays, and photography from veterans and military-connected families across the nation. It aims to illuminate stories reflecting the U.S. military experience over generations. Rolfes remarked on the significance of these narratives: “This anthology supports the folks who serve this country,” adding that it offers varied content drawn from historical and firsthand experiences.

First published in November 2012, "Proud To Be" is funded by Missouri Humanities in collaboration with university presses. The organization remains committed to amplifying veteran voices as part of its mission to promote understanding through humanities.

Missouri Humanities operates as a non-profit organization dedicated to fostering an informed society through educational programs and grants within Missouri. For more information about their initiatives or how to engage with their work, individuals are encouraged to visit their website or follow them on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram under @MoHumanities.