Who We Are
Our Mission
The Veterans Writing Group (VWG) of San Diego County is dedicated to supporting veterans and active-duty military members from all branches of service and backgrounds and their families. We provide a welcoming environment where veterans can express themselves through writing, receive constructive feedback, and share experiences. Our mission is to help each other grow, heal, and develop professionally through the power of the written word. We offer mentorship, support, and publishing opportunities for writers of all skill levels, from pen to paper to seasoned authors.
Our History
Founded in 2010 by Marine Corps veterans John Maki and Gail Chatfield, VWG began as a small group of veterans with a shared passion for writing. Inspired by a weekend retreat hosted by the Writers Guild Foundation in Los Angeles, the group quickly grew, attracting veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Gulf War, and more recent conflicts. Over the years, VWG has become a vibrant community representing all service branches, ranks, and Military Occupation Specialties. Our members include poets, novelists, memoirists, historians, and short story writers who share their unique military experiences through writing.
What We Do
VWG offers a variety of programs and services designed to support veterans and their families:
Writing Workshops: Our monthly workshops provide a safe space for veterans to share their writing and receive constructive feedback from peers and mentors.
Guest Speaker Events: We regularly host guest speakers, including published authors, editors, and industry professionals, who offer valuable insights into the writing and publishing process.
Publishing Opportunities: We assist our members in getting their work published, whether through our own VWG Press or external publishing houses. Our anthologies, such as "Away for the Holidays" and "Listen Up," showcase the diverse voices of our members.
Outreach and Expansion: VWG is committed to expanding its reach by offering nationwide templates and support to veterans' writing groups. We are proud to donate our publications to veterans' homes, military bases, and libraries, ensuring that the stories of our veterans are shared and preserved.
Our Members
Our group comprises veterans from all service branches, ranging in age from 21 to 97. Our members have served in conflicts from World War II to the present day, and their experiences reflect the diverse backgrounds and stories of those who have worn the uniform. Many of our members have found that writing helps them process their experiences; for some, it has become a crucial part of their healing journey. Our veterans write through poetry, memoir, or fiction to connect, share, and heal.
Board of Directors
Our Board of Directors comprises dedicated military veterans who bring many skills and experiences to the group.
Garry G. Garretson, President
Born in West Virginia and later relocating to Connecticut, Garry G. Garretson is a seasoned business leader with over 40 years of experience. As President of VWG, Garry brings his extensive leadership and business acumen to the group, helping to drive its mission forward. He is passionate about supporting veterans and creating a space where they can express themselves through writing.
Armen Kurdian, Vice President
Armen Kurdian is a retired Navy Captain with over 25 years of service. His distinguished military career includes leadership, logistics, and operational management roles. Armen's dedication to veterans extends beyond his service as he supports their transition to civilian life through VWG. He brings his expertise in strategic planning and organizational development to the group.
Glen N. Foss, Treasurer
Glen N. Foss served as a junior naval officer during the Vietnam War. With a strong background in engineering and management, Glen has spent his post-military career in various technical and executive roles. His experience managing large-scale projects and budgets is invaluable to VWG's financial operations. Glen is committed to ensuring that VWG remains a financially stable and impactful organization.
Join Us
Suppose you are a veteran, active-duty service member, or family member interested in writing. In that case, we would like to invite you to join us. Whether you are an experienced writer or just starting, VWG offers a supportive community where you can grow your skills, share your story, and connect with others who understand the unique experiences of military life.
Support Us
VWG operates entirely on the dedication of volunteers and the generosity of donors. We rely on donations and grants to continue providing our services free of charge. Your support allows us to expand our reach, publish more veterans' stories, and continue to offer a space for healing and growth through writing. Consider making a donation or becoming a sponsor to help us fulfill our mission.
We are Veterans, We are Writers (or want to be),
We are Supporters,
We are Mentors,
We span all conflicts/ services.
We have the "fight to get home" desire to help each other achieve that "over that hill" goal, whatever it might be.
Many write for many reasons, but we come together for personal growth, professional development, and sometimes to share...
We do this with the help of our professional mentors and industry leaders who provide us the means to learn and, most importantly, connect.
"Veterans of all skill levels learning, sharing and WRITING!"
"Just Write!"