Calling All Veteran Storytellers

The Utah Cultural Celebration Center, in collaboration with the West Valley City Veterans Committee, is seeking 6–8 Veterans interested in sharing their personal stories as part of a special Veterans storytelling event on November 6, 2026.

Military service can leave Veterans with experiences and stories that stay with them long after their time in uniform. Through writing and storytelling, Veterans have an opportunity to reflect on those experiences, connect with others, and share perspectives that can deepen our community’s understanding of military service and the transition to civilian life.

Selected storytellers will participate in a series of workshops led by local writer, storyteller, and educator Masha Shukovich, PhD, MFA. Through the workshops, participants will develop a 10–15 minute personal story, learning how to build an emotional arc, identify compelling details, strengthen public speaking skills, and find the heart of the story they want to tell.

The series will culminate in a live storytelling event at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center on November 6. Select storytellers may also be invited to share their stories at West Valley City’s annual Veterans Day Dinner on November 11.

Key Dates

Storytelling Workshops
October 7, 14, 21 & 28
6:00–8:00 PM

Dress Rehearsal
November 4
6:00–8:00 PM
Utah Cultural Celebration Center

Veterans Storytelling Event
November 6
7:00–9:00 PM
Utah Cultural Celebration Center

Veterans interested in participating are invited to email Tom Roche at tom.roche@wvc-ut.gov and copy Susan Klinker at susan.klinker@wvc-ut.gov with a brief overview of the story they would like to tell.

We look forward to hearing and celebrating the stories of our Veterans.