The New Hampshire Writers’ Project officially launched the first event of the Colonel Melvin Weston Rowell Literary Project for Veterans with an in-person program, Veterans Out Loud, at the New Hampshire Veterans Home in Tilton.

The morning brought together veterans, staff, community partners, and author Martin Swirko, who read from his novel “All Routes Are Amber.” Residents engaged in conversation following the reading and received complimentary signed copies of the book for their Library as part of the program’s commitment to increasing access to literature and meaningful cultural engagement.

“This project extends our mission of writers helping writers, with a focus on a very important demographic in our state — New Hampshire veterans and their voices,” said Masheri Chappelle, board chair of New Hampshire Writers Project.

The event was coordinated in partnership with Beverly Stoddart, Veterans’ Projects Administrator with New Hampshire Writers Project, and Maureen Campbell, MS, CTRS/L, Recreation Therapy Supervisor at the Veterans Home. Their thoughtful leadership helped create a welcoming, engaging experience for residents. Light refreshments were served, fostering space for meaningful conversation, reflection, and connection.

The program was co-sponsored by American Legion Post 88. Commander Gary Tasker — grandson of Colonel Melvin Weston Rowell — helped inspire the initiative and presented two generous donations during the event: a $100 contribution to the New Hampshire Writers’ Project to support the Colonel Melvin Weston Rowell Literary Project, and a $500 donation to the New Hampshire Veterans Home, formally accepted by Maureen Campbell on behalf of the Home to support programming for residents.

About the Colonel Melvin Weston Rowell Literary Project for Veterans

The Colonel Melvin Weston Rowell Literary Project is a three-part initiative designed to honor and uplift veteran voices across New Hampshire:

  • Veterans Out Loud – In-person author visits featuring readings, discussion, 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 to a veteran, granting access to workshops, resources, and community programming

The project 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.

Through this initiative, New Hampshire Writers Project seeks to build community, foster dignity through storytelling, and ensure that veterans across the state have opportunities to share their experiences in supportive and meaningful spaces.

For more information about hosting a Veterans Out Loud event or supporting the Colonel Melvin Weston Rowell Literary Project, visit NHWritersProject.org/Veterans or contact Beverly Stoddart, Veterans’ Projects Administrator at mwrvetlitprogram@nhwritersproject.org.