Every Veteran has a Story to Tell
Since 2011 we have partnered with organizations across the state to provide veterans and their families with an outlet for self-expression through writing. Our Veterans Programs offer support to both new and experienced writers through workshops, readings, a podcast, and an annual publication, Proud to Be. Together, these programs encourage hundreds of veterans each year to tell their stories.
Proud to Be Anthology Series
Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors is a creative writing anthology of poetry, fiction, essays, and photography submissions by and about veterans, service members, and military-connected family members nationwide. Spanning generations, the anthology preserves and brings to light stories revolving around our nation’s military experience.
First released in November 2012, this yearly anthology is funded by the Missouri Humanities and is published in partnership with small University Presses.
Submissions are reviewed by a panel of judges for inclusion in the anthology, with a $250 first prize in each of the four anthology categories. There is no fee to enter.
Submissions for Volume 15 are open. Deadline: May 1, 2026
Purchase Proud to Be, Volumes 1 – 14
Proud to Be, Volume 13 is published in partnership with GreenTower Press. Volumes 1-12 were made possible by support from Southeast Missouri State University Press.
GETTING VETERANS INVOLVED
Veterans Writing Workshops
Missouri Humanities’ Veterans Writing Workshops provide veterans, service members, and their families with the writing and narrative skills to empower them to better share their stories, thoughts, and experiences.
These workshops are FREE of charge and taught by writers and educators. The workshop facilitators provide professional writing instruction and leadership through high-quality, dynamic workshop facilitation, guiding participants through writing exercises with meaningful feedback. Participants are not required to write solely on their military experience. Beginners to advanced writers welcome.
Beyond the Frontlines: Veterans in the Humanities
Join Nick Lopez, Missouri Humanities program coordinator and Marine Corps veteran, on Beyond the Frontlines: Veterans in the Humanities. This podcast explores veterans’ experiences during their military service and how that service led them to art, poetry, prose, and the preservation of history and culture. Each episode will feature veterans from around the community who will share how the humanities have shaped their lives and continued their service beyond their uniform.
Thank You to Veterans United Foundation for supporting our 2024 Veterans Programs
Veterans United works to enhance the lives of veterans and military families and support diverse needs in our local communities and across the nation. Their generous support will help us provide veterans and their families with an outlet for self-expression through writing throughout this year!
Proud to Be Podcast
Our Proud To Be Podcast highlights veterans, military personnel, and family members published in Proud to Be: Writing by American Warriors—a creative writing anthology that preserves and shares our nation’s military experience through poetry, fiction, essays, interviews, and photography.
