CareSource Military & Veterans and Modern Warrior LIVE bring theatrical performance highlighting the veteran experience to Dayton

DAYTON, Ohio (CARESOURCE MILITARY & VETERANS) - CareSource Military & Veterans (CSMV), an organization dedicated to improving health care access, delivery and outcomes for service members, retirees, veterans and their families, is raising awareness about the veteran experience by bringing Modern Warrior LIVE (MWL) to Dayton. This compelling theatrical performance tells the story of one veteran’s return to civilian life and his path to healing from trauma. The show, which is being held at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on Nov. 14, will offer a poignant tribute to the strength and resilience of veterans.

Co-created by U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Jaymes Poling, and internationally acclaimed musician Dominick Farinacci, this immersive narrative and music experience follows Poling’s story as a service member – covering three deployments in Afghanistan and his transition upon returning home. As narrator, Poling shares his personal experiences of war, trauma and post-traumatic growth, offering insight into the emotional wounds often suffered by those who serve. Leon Bibb, U.S. Army veteran, Bronze Star recipient and celebrated news anchor in Ohio, is also featured in the production, sharing his Vietnam War experience to create a cross-generation perspective of returning home after war.

“Modern Warrior LIVE brings to light the emotional complexities of reintegrating into civilian life after service,” said Selene Martin, associate vice president of corporate affairs, CSMV. “Through art, music and storytelling, Modern Warrior LIVE gives a voice to veterans in a unique way that resonates with audience members. This performance is a catalyst for the conversation about mental health during and after service – a pillar of health care we are passionate about at CareSource Military & Veterans.”

The music in MWL is composed and performed by MWL co-creator Farinacci, along with a world-class cast of musicians from around the country. The music amplifies the emotional intensity of the performance, bringing together a wide range of U.S. and global musical influences deeply integrated in the context of Poling’s story.

In addition to the performance, the night will include a panel discussion featuring Poling, Farinacci, Bibb and Jennifer DeFrancesco, Dayton VA Medical Center chief executive officer, as well as a nonprofit resource fair highlighting key programs and resources available to the veteran and military community. Organizations include:

• Better Business Bureau Veterans Program
• Blue Star Families/Elizabeth Dole Foundation
• CareSource/CSMV
• Dayton VA
• Disabled American Veterans
• Greater Miami Valley My Veteran Community/Soche
• Greene County Veteran Services
• Montgomery County Veteran Services
• Ohio Department of Veteran Services
• United Way Vets Link
• WPAFB Airmen & Family Readiness

“We are grateful for partners like CareSource Military & Veterans for providing an incredible venue, full production and an audience ready to receive this emotionally raw experience,” said Poling. “This performance deepens awareness of the psychological toll of war, the challenges veterans face upon returning home and the potential for healing and growth. We hope the audience leaves inspired to advocate for increased resources for our veterans.” 

MWL has been performed more than 125 times across the country. The performance has reached more than 10,000 veterans, 30,000 civilians and has connected more than 4,000 veterans to mental health service providers.

Tickets to the show are free and can be accessed here.

About CareSource Military & Veterans

CareSource Military & Veterans (CSMV) is dedicated to improving health care access and delivery for service members, retirees, veterans and their families. CSMV transforms health care for the military community through care coordination and integrated programs that support the health and well-being of our members. As a mission-driven organization, we invest resources into the communities and families we serve.

For more information, visit caresourcemilitary.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About Modern Warrior Live

Modern Warrior LIVE (MWL) is an immersive music and narrative experience that chronicles the story of US Army veteran Jaymes Poling and his journey through three deployments in Afghanistan and his subsequent transition back home. Narrated by Poling, this autobiographical production weaves together his story with a cast of world-class artists in multiple genres led by internationally acclaimed trumpeter and MWL creator Dominick Farinacci. MWL shares a personal and emotional journey of the challenges of military service, the experience veterans face when they return home, a resilient path forward and it is a catalyst for meaningful conversation about mental health.

For more information, visit modernwarriorlive.org.