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PROGRAM
Building Relationships and Community with Those Who Serve or Have Served
Through Guided Creative Writing
The Stories That They Tell
"Writing about emotions boost the immune system which help people heal from stresses and trauma."
The Stories That They Tell Program aims to foster a supportive environment where service members, past and present, share their experiences, learn from one another, and obtain essential resources for different avenues traveled in civilian life.
The Stories That They Tell Program is inspired by Army Veteran now country music artist and songwriter, Scotty Hasting. Scotty served in Afghanistan with co-founder, Nancy’s son, Spc Adam S. Hamilton who was killed in action, 2011. Prior to Hamilton’s sacrifice, both were on a mission in which Scotty was shot 10 times left fighting for his life.
Scotty Hasting is the creator and performer of the song “The Stories That They Tell”, the song that inspired Nancy to make a trip to Nashville to listen to Scotty perform. After the performance, Nancy spent time with Scotty and talked about his time spent in Afghanistan with Adam and their bond. Following that conversation, Scotty created a song describing his visit to Adam’s tombstone and his own survivor’s guilt titled “How Do You Choose”. With the release of Scotty’s debut EP, I’m America, Scotty was invited to perform “How Do You Choose” at the PenFed Foundation’s yearly Gala. Nancy was invited to the performance and received a generous grant from the PenFed Foundation to Blue Star Counseling and Wellness.
Nancy has always found peace in writing and journaling and wanted to create a program that would honor Adam and Scotty’s relationship and those who chose to put their own lives on hold for us. We hope to offer a space for veterans, both active and retired, who would like to write their stories and create a community of support from peers who have travelled on similar paths.
Learn more about Scotty and his journey at Scotty Hasting.com. You can also listen to the short clip of how “The Stories That They Tell” became a reality from his own thoughts to a song which ultimately became the inspiration for this program.
Express. Connect. Heal.
The Stories That They Tell Program is a supportive space where active and retired service members come together to share their experiences through writing. Whether you’re looking to express your thoughts, process emotions, or simply connect with others who understand your journey, this group offers a creative and welcoming environment.
Why Join?
📝 Express Yourself – Put your thoughts into words in a safe, judgment-free space.
🤝 Build Connections – Share stories with fellow active and retired service members who understand your experiences.
💡 Explore Creativity – Whether it’s poetry, personal reflections, or storytelling, all writing styles are welcome.
❤️ Healing Through Words – Writing is a powerful tool for processing emotions and finding clarity.
Who Can Join?
This group is open to all active or retired service members and reservists —no prior writing experience is needed. Whether you want to share your story or simply listen and reflect, you are welcome here.
Your story matters. Let’s write it together.
GATHER
1-day Kick-Off Workshop
(May 31, 2025)
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Stories Shared by fellow Active and Retired Service Members
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Lunch/Refreshments
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Guided Writing Instructions
WRITE
Journal Writing utilizing guided prompts
SUPPORT
Counseling Support
as Needed
GATHER
1-Day Wrap-Up Workshop
(November 15, 2025)
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Share experience at your comfort level
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Lunch/Refreshments
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Ancillary Therapeutic Services
Kick-Off Workshop Speaker Line Up:
SSgt. Derick A. Young
United States Marine Corps (Retired)
Derick A. Young enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in August 1998. Spending a short time in the Delayed Entry Program, he was sent to Parris Island, South Carolina for Recruit Training. Pfc. Young graduated as a squad leader with Platoon 2026 Fox Company 2nd Recruit Battalion. After leaving Parris Island, Pfc. Young was given orders to 1st Platoon Charlie Company, Infantry Training Battalion located at Camp Geiger, North Carolina where he graduated with the
Military Occupational Specialty (0311), Marine Corps Infantry Rifleman. Pfc. Young was then given orders to Kilo Company 3rd Battalion 25th Marines 4th Marine Division. Shortly there after he joined Fox Company 2nd Battalion 2nd Marines, where he participated in various movements and operations and was promoted to Lance Corporal and Corporal (Meritoriously). In late 2000, Cpl. Young was given orders to Recruiting Duty and attended Recruiters School at Marine Corps Recruit Depot San Diego. After graduation in February 2001, Cpl. Young was sent to R.S. Orange County, California as a canvassing recruiter and then transferred to R.S. Cleveland where he finished his tour. Cpl. Young soon transferred to Inspector-Instructor Staff, Landing Support Engineer Company, 4th Landing Support Battalion, as a training NCO. After some time away from his beloved infantry, Cpl. Young rejoined 3rd Battalion 25th Marines and was given orders to their Weapons Company, where he became a team leader and section head with the 81mm Mortar Platoon. In 2004, he became a Sergeant of Marines. As the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were heating up, in 2005 Sgt. Young deployed to the Middle East in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom III-IV with 3 rd Battalion 25 th Marines. Sgt. Young was an Assistant Mobile Assault Platoon Commander (Kabar 4) in the Al Anbar Province, Iraq where he was wounded in action on May 7th, 2005. Once recovered, Sgt. Young returned to his unit and completed his tour of duty. SSgt. Young was promoted to his present retired rank in June of 2008 while performing duties as Acting Platoon Commander, Headquarters Platoon, Wpns. Co. 3/25. In January 2009, SSgt. Young was placed on the Marine Corps Temporary Retired List and in April 2012 Permanently Honorably Retired from the Marine Corps due to his wounds received in combat. SSgt. Young has been awarded several personal decorations to include the Purple Heart, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Certificate of
Commendation, Meritorious Mast, and several unit and operational awards. Derick Young holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science, Master of Science in Criminal Justice, and Master of Social Work degrees and is now an Adjunct Professor for the Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences Department at Youngstown State University. He is also the Director of the Mahoning County Common Pleas Veterans Honor Court.
SSgt. David Cruz
United States Army (Retired)
2006 - 2013
David Cruz is a proud U.S. Army Veteran with nearly two decades of combined experience in military service, law enforcement, and corporate loss prevention and security.
David began his military career in 2006 as a 19D Cavalry Scout, entering service as a Private First Class (E-3). After completing Basic and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, KY, he was assigned to Comanche Troop 3rd Squadron, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment at Fort Hood, Texas. He deployed to Mosul Iraq from 2007-2009 for a 15-month combat deployment. Upon returning stateside, he was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas, where he served with 1st Brigade, 34th Armored Regiment. He later joined Charlie Troop, 4th Squadron, 4th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, and deployed to the Zhary District of Southern Kandahar Afghanistan from 2011 to 2012.
David exited the military as a Staff Sergeant (Promotable) and was medically discharged due to combat-related injuries, including PTSD. His time in uniform was marked by leadership, resilience, and a deep commitment to mission success under challenging conditions.
Following his military service, David served nearly 6 years in law enforcement before transitioning into corporate loss prevention and security. He has since led multi-unit operations, investigations, and risk mitigation strategies for major national retailers. His career is defined by leadership under pressure, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to safety, accountability, and protecting people and assets.
Full List of Guest Speakers Coming Soon!
Program Sponsored by
Blue Star Counseling and Wellness and
Pen Fed Foundation
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PROGRAM DATES
MAY 31, 2025 &
NOVEMBER 15, 2025
Workshop size is limited, register now!
We will reach out with more information