Turning Post-Traumatic Stress into Post-Traumatic Growth

Modern Warrior LIVE is a uniquely immersive narrative and music experience that chronicles the transition from combat to civilian life. The production was originally created as a live performance, and we have delivered over 125 shows reaching more than 10,000 veterans and 20,000 civilians, and connected more than 4,000 veterans to local veterans and mental health service organizations since its inception. In addition to resuming live performances post-pandemic, our completed film adaptation serves as a way to reach and impact more communities around the country.  Today we speak to the production’s co-creator, combat veteran Jaymes Poling. 

Jaymes Poling

Jaymes enlisted in the U.S. Army at the age of 17. He was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina as an infantryman. After serving three tours in Afghanistan, he was left with memories of war, the loss of friends, and the isolation a combat veteran finds when leaving the military.

Through education, writing, and public speaking, and now with the added layer of music, Jaymes came to recognize the universality of his journey which has evolved into a mission to bring to other veterans.