Inspiration strikes from ideas kindled by conversation. Enter: Sand Jam.
Mike Brewer, a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran and vet advocate through Point Man Ministries, was talking with Iraqi vet Rob Lavin about Nam Jam – an over two-decade-old November fundraising event for veterans’ programs that brings together Vietnam vets and fosters camaraderie and healing.
“Rob said, ‘Why don’t you add some sand to that event?” Brewer recalled. “I said, ‘I like the way that sounds, Sand Jam.’”
The idea germinated for months. First, there was the well-attended benefit at Hotel Congress last July for the Returning Combat Veteran Program at Payson’s Merritt Retreat Center (MerrittCenter.org). The idea came up again in January at Hotel Congress’s Dillinger Days festival.
“David (Slutes, the hotel’s entertainment director) called to talk about more veterans’ events,” Brewer explained. “Slutes said, ‘Let’s do this, and do it big!’”
Big it shall be – inclusive of four bands, car shows, raffles, children’s activities, various vendors, a M*A*S*H (military appreciation spa hospitality) tent, food, beverages and more.
The proceeds will benefit Cars for Vets (CarsForVets.webs.com), a non-profit spearheaded by Clarence “Scotty” Scotton, who was a military mechanic in Iraq. Scotten uses his skills to rehabilitate vehicles for veterans in need by providing reliable transportation, free of charge. Other organizations involved are Vietnam Veterans of America and Veteran Service Organization Tucson Chapter 106.
Beyond the fun, entertainment and awareness, the event is about fostering connections between those who served in the military, as well as for their families and friends.
“The validation of each other’s experiences, the validation of the brother- and sisterhood and them being together is in its very essence healing,” Brewer aptly stated.
Sand Jam takes place noon-8pm on May 30 at Hotel Congress, 311 E. Congress St., 622-8848. Visit HotelCongress.com & SandJam.org for further details.
VeteranVeritas
