Re-Creation, USA is a patriotically-enthusiastic troupe of talented young performers in the nation. With near-daily performances at VA medical centers nationwide, their dedication to lifting the spirits of our nation’s hospitalized veteran population is inspiring, if not downright motivational. The smiling faces of veterans which can be seen throughout the audience during entertainment shows by Re-Creation, is one of the most rewarding sights imaginable.

Performances range from variety-show song & dance based on hit movies such as Flashdance, Footloose and Titanic as well as classic childhood titles ranging from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to Cinderella. There are also very touching patriotic-themes, which often elicit emotional responses from veterans and staff.

Re-Creation was founded in 1976 by Hugh Brooks when, as an instructor at Pennsylvania State University, he realized the tremendous therapeutic value live, professional entertainment could bring to hospital patients, prison inmates, nursing homes and other care-based facilities. Entertainers were enlisted and performances commenced within the state of Pennsylvania. Shortly thereafter Re-Creation began touring for the USO and Veterans Affairs medical centers. Today the troupe performs over 300 shows annually, touring VA facilities in all 50 states!

From the Re-Creation, USA Summer 2009 newsletter:

"HHV... continues to champion the Re-Creation presence in our VA facilities. Their assistance is crucial to our ability to tour. I was approached by a veteran in Washington D.C. With tears in his eyes he said:

'I had a terrible experience when I came home. It was awful. And my stint overseas was really hard. I've never really felt like I'd been thanked or what I did or had to do was important to anyone, until tonight. Thank you so much!'

I said that while we appreciated his enthusiasm, it was we who indeed wanted to thank him. He broke down.

'I know that,' he replied, 'and that's why I'm talking to you, because I really felt it tonight. I really felt it. And I want you to know that as bad as it was, if it would make sure you all could keep going to VA hospitals and do for all the other guys what you did for me tonight, well, I'll tell ya, I'd do my tour of duty all over again!'

I was stunned... humbled. But that's the kind of impact your charity, your dedication to this work provides. You heal people! You heal their spirits, their minds, their bodies, their emotions, their sense of self-worth, their souls."

Jay Muller, President
Re-Creation, USA, Inc.

To learn more about Re-Creation click here.

Following is a schedule of upcoming VA and state veterans home performances. If you would like to attend a VA show, please contact either the Recreation Therapy or Voluntary Services department of your local facility for details. For nursing home performances ask for the Activities Department. Dates and times may change without notice.

Date	September Performance Locations	Time
09/07/10	Togus, Maine VA Medical Center	1:30pm
09/07/10	Augusta, Maine Veterans Home	7:00pm
09/08/10	Scarborough, Maine Veterans Home	2:00pm
09/09/10	White River Junction, Vermont VA Medical Center	10:30am
09/09/10	Bennington, Vermont Veterans Home	7:00pm
09/10/10	Manchester, New Hampshire VA Medical Center	7:00pm
09/11/10	Tilton, New Hampshire Veterans Home	2:00pm
09/13/10	Boston, Massachusetts VA Medical Center	10:00am
09/13/10	West Roxbury, Massachusetts VA Medical Center	2:00pm
09/14/10	Chelsea, Massachusetts Veterans Home	2:00pm
09/15/10	Bedford, Massachusetts VA Medical Center	2:00pm
09/16/10	Holyoke, Massachusetts Veterans Home	2:00pm
09/17/10	Northampton, Massachusetts VA Medical Center	2:00pm