In honor of Black History Month, U.S. Air Force veteran and photographer Omar Columbus and Paul M. Murray, the son of two WW II veterans and an award-winning photographer, united to curate “Journeys Onward: Military Veterans’ Experiences”. This powerful exhibit was on display at the Salmagundi Club in Manhattan, NY and showcased the art & accompanying words of military veterans and their family members.   

The Mission Continues – New York Service Platoon, including AmeriVet Public Finance Associate – James Fitzgerald, assembled a team of veteran volunteers to transport and set-up the artwork on display for the “Journeys Onward” exhibit. Each veteran volunteer was presented with a unique ceramic cup crafted by veteran-artist, Ehren Tool, as a token of appreciation for continuing to serve in their community. Ehren Tool is a ceramic artist and Marine Veteran of the 1991 Gulf War. Since 2001, he’s created and given away over 20,000 uniquely crafted ceramic cups in an effort to promote dialogue & open the lines of communication between the military and civilian community.  

On February 25th, 2022, the Salmagundi Club hosted a “Journeys Onward” exhibition reception featuring local NYC-area veteran poets who presented their stories explaining how art has helped them heal and given them a new way to connect with others. Members of the community and The Mission Continues were able to join the reception and see, firsthand, the true impact art can have on veterans and the community as a whole.