Model Behavior: Richard Casper

Richard Casper was serving with the United States Marine Corps in Iraq when he was hit by improvised explosive devices in four separate incidents, suffered multiple concussions and lost a close friend while they were on patrol. He was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and sent home, where he suffered from both the TBI and post-traumatic stress disorder. 

After unsuccessful efforts to seek relief through traditional methods, Richard explains, “I discovered songwriting and the arts, and it saved my life. I knew that other combat vets [might not] turn to art like I did, so I decided to make programs they would want to be a part of.” That’s why Richard co-founded and is executive director of CreatiVets: to bring combat veterans together with accomplished songwriters and artists to create music that not only heals the veteran but that people will also listen to.

“Nashville is what makes CreatiVets possible,” says Richard. The songwriting programs have grown exponentially, expanding into a traveling version, a “Warrior Week” with Zac Brown's Camp Southern Ground, and an online songwriting program with the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum. Despite this growth, veterans still incur no costs to attend any program.

“Art brought me almost all the way back to my pre-war self,” says Richard, “but helping other veterans is what gets me the closest to my old self.” Works of these brave soldiers can be heard on CreatiVets' debut album, Veteran Songs, on most streaming services.

CreatiVets

CreatiVets' mission is to provide disabled veterans with the opportunity to use art, music and creative writing to address the psychological and emotional needs that arise from service-related trauma. Its goal is to empower veterans with tools they can use for the rest of their lives to combat stress, depression and other side effects of war.