On Wednesday, February 18, the New Hampshire Writers’ Project (NHWP) had the honor of launching the first event of the Colonel Melvin Weston Rowell Literary Project for Veterans with an in-person visit to the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton.
It was, quite simply, humbling.
To sit among men and women who have served our country across generations—and to bring them stories, conversation, and connection—was a privilege we do not take lightly.
A Community Effort
This event would not have been possible without the warm welcome and coordination from Maureen Campbell, MS, CTRS/L, Recreation Therapy Supervisor at the New Hampshire Veterans Home. Her leadership helped ensure the afternoon was thoughtful, engaging, and meaningful for residents.
We were proud to partner with American Legion Post 88, co-sponsors of this special event. Commander Gary Tasker—grandson of Colonel Melvin Weston Rowell—helped inspire this outreach initiative and continues to champion meaningful connection between veterans and the literary arts.
In addition to their partnership, Post 88 presented two generous donations during the event: a $100 contribution to the New Hampshire Writers’ Project, accepted by Masheri Chappelle, Board Chair, to further support the Colonel Melvin Weston Rowell Literary Project; and a $500 donation to the New Hampshire Veterans Home, formally accepted by Maureen Campbell to enhance programming for the residents they serve.
Featuring Author Martin Swirko
Our guest author, Martin Swirko, read from his book, All Routes Are Amber, sharing excerpts that sparked reflection, questions, and conversation among residents and guests.
In addition to the reading and discussion, copies of the book were provided to their Library—because access matters. Stories matter. Feeling included in the broader cultural conversation matters.
We rounded out the morning with apple cider, donuts, cookies, and fruit—small comforts that created space for warmth, laughter, and shared experience.
Everything—from the books to the refreshments—was offered at no charge to residents through the combined efforts of NHWP and American Legion Post 88.
Why This Project Matters
The Colonel Melvin Weston Rowell Literary Project extends NHWP’s mission of writers helping writers, with focused outreach to an essential and often under-served demographic in our state: New Hampshire veterans.
This initiative is threefold:
- Veterans Out Loud – In-person author visits with readings, conversation, and book giveaways
- Veterans’ Voices – Upcoming online writing sessions offering trauma-sensitive journaling, memoir, and creative expression support
- Sponsor a Veteran Membership – A $20 donation provides a full year of NHWP membership for a veteran, including workshops, resources, and community access
This program is named in honor of Colonel Weston Rowell, an 1890 West Point graduate and decorated officer who served 33 years, including tours on the Western Frontier, in the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, Cuban Pacification, and as Commander of Base 6 AEF in Marseille, France. His legacy of service lives on not only in military history, but now in a literary initiative designed to amplify veteran voices.
More Than an Event
What stood out most on February 18 was not just the reading. It was the conversation afterward. The nods of recognition. The quiet smiles. The shared memories that surfaced.
Literature creates space for reflection. For dignity. For connection.
And if there is one thing we witnessed that afternoon, it’s this: our veterans still have stories to tell—and they deserve to be heard.
For more information about hosting a Veterans Out Loud event or supporting the Colonel Melvin Weston Rowell Literary Project, please contact:
Beverly Stoddart, Veterans’ Projects Administrator – mwrvetlitprogram@
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve those who have served us.
