United States Veterans' Artists Alliance (USVAA)

USVAA has been an incredible outreach for many veterans artists and non artists alike. They have given me the opportunity to expand my artwork to many new viewers and have been an outstanding professional network.

Without the generous support of USVAA and Keith Jeffreys, my career as a poet would still be struggling to gain traction. As a Veteran, I cannot begin to describe how good it feels to find that camaraderie amongst brothers and sisters again. The amazing thing was to also find that so many of my brothers and sisters are artists as well. From making new contacts to establishing a monthly poetry/spoken word reading; USVAA and Keith Jeffreys have been there every step of the way. Their commitment to the Veteran and the Arts is with out compare.

USVAA is unique in it's dedication to assisting Veterans in the Arts.
I've worked with them on several occasions and the degree of professionalism is outstanding.

USVAA has been an amazing support to my artistic endeavors. Whether it is helping me network, introducing me to new opportunities, or even the simpilest "like" or "share" of my artwork on Facebook, the USVAA has been a constant encouragement. It's wonderful to know that there is a nonprofit geared towards encouring United States veterans who are artists, always making sure our voices are heard and represented. I can't wait to see how this organization will grow and I am so happy to be even a small part of it!

I am an OIF veteran and the USVAA personally has helped me in my efforts to create a short film based partly on the experience of seeing friends struggling with Traumatic Brian Injury. I myself have been diagnosed with PTSD and one of the key steps on the road to my recovery has been expressing myself artistically, film has been my medium and recently with the support of the USVAA I have managed to create my most success short film. I think this organization is pivotal in the lives of the veterans it supports and I hope it will have the support to continue with the values and ethics it stands for.

I have attended theatre productions and events with USVAA and am always moved and touched by the performances, art and subject matter. Bravo to Keith for actively supporting our veterans and bringing their work and talents to our attention.

USVAA consistently provides artists who are Veterans with support and opportunity. Thank you USVAA.

USVAA dares to approach and both heal and heel the human wounds of war through art. WOW!

As a member of United States Veterans Artist Alliance, I've had my life, my veteranism and my professional entertainment career transformed several times over due in large part to Keith Jeffreys and USVAA. Early in my comedy career here in L.A. just a few years removed from active duty, my improv troupe was invited to do a comedy show that took place in veteran hall. Keith and his organization, then known as Los Angeles Veterans Artist Alliance, was our host for the evening. Before the show, Keith went on and talked to the audience and the performers about the goals and ambitions he had to make this non-for-profit, "A home for all artist. Not just veterans…" From improv performers like us to the thespians performing original works along with classic from Shakespeare and beyond; to the fine artist that have worked in stone, oils, acrylics, wire as well as film and photography. That spoke to me and I stayed to make USVAA my home theater for many years.

Through USVAA, Keith has given veterans, performers and artist a home, a venue and base that we were free to create in. And God bless him, he built every set, flat, stage and riser for those shows and exhibits with his own hands.

Again, it was Keith and USVAA that set me on the path I'm currently on now; when he sent me a flier for a program called PROMO PATHWAY and he wanted me to, “Go check it out and let me know if this would help us.” Us begin veterans trying to make it in TV… The program was fully paid and sponsored by several outreach organizations, the television networks and provided by their marketing organization. I was one of 300-plus applicants that applied. Industry professionals whittled that group down to 50 candidates for final interviews and review. I was selected as one of the 25 students that they sent to college and mentored into the television promotions field. I've just finished work for NBC-Universal as a Writer Producer in their marketing department for network programming. The opportunity has empowered me to provide above and beyond for my family and create some work that I'm quite proud of.

USVAA has been a crucial part of my many successes in life. And for that, I am truly grateful and indebted to serve others as they have so graciously served me.

I have known Keith Jeffreys for several years through mutual contacts within the veteran community. Keith's work with USVAA is groundbreaking and helps members of our community in the Los Angeles area further their connections to the entertainment industry. USVAA's work also includes original and cutting edge productions of veteran themed theater. I have had the privilege of attending USVAA's performances and they are very memorable. Keith is a great guy. He always has time to speak with fellow veterans and maintains professional relationships with veteran service organizations and other non-profits on both the local, state and national level. While an artist first and foremost, Keith is also an equally strong advocate for veterans. If you are veteran that is interested in the arts, I highly encourage you to visit with Keith and explore service opportunities with USVAA. You will find their membership friendly and resourceful. The organization is quite simply, amazing. As a veteran of the Iraq War, I am proud very proud to support their work.

USVAA has been very supportive of our government-funded Veterans Employment and Workforce Investment Programs. The services provided by USVAA in the arts, humanities and entertainment are vital to the LA community, and we congratulate USVAA on its City-wide recognition. We look forward to continuing our work with Keith and USVAA on initiatives dedicated to improving the lives of our veterans

Magnus:
I would like to thank God for this organization 'MQOANs', for its little but unforgettable contribution in making me to become and to be what I am today. I pray that as my inspirations grow I may be able to work in partnership to realize its dreams and my dreams in the areas of evangelization and education of the needy children and the entire people of God.

As a 12 yr Army Veteran and an Artist, I would completely recommend the USVAA to anyone who wants to deal with this organization. They have helped me with a number of projects and are always on hand to help. Any Veteran who has any dealing with the Arts should get in touch with the USVAA for advice and opportunities available. They have went over and beyond and Keith has listened on a personal basis for when times were rough for me as a returning Vet.

Way to go, 110%.......GREAT organization!

I've been to several events organized by the Los Angeles Area Veterans Artists Alliance. I seen plays at their venue and attended a few receptions there. It's a very welcoming and warm space that encourages mingling and conversation.

The events they host are always well-organized, thought-provoking and enjoyable. I admire this organization and appreciate that they are working to nurture and showcase veterans' artistic talents. It is important for veterans to be given the opportunity to explore their creativity in a safe and supportive environment.

I'm not sure how it is structured as a nonprofit but it seems to be very well run - doing a lot with limited resources.

This is an outstanding organization that embraces veterans from all eras -- WWII to today and forges links by providing support, inspiration and guidance to those who are exploring the arts and humanities. From theater to painting to film and more USVAA is filling a niche for expression that's sorely needed. This past year they workshopped and produced a revival of the Vietnam memory play "Tracers" that received universal plaudits from the critics and the public. They also host a screenwriting seminar run by professional writers for veterans who have stories to tell.

As a Vietnam Vet and co/creator of Tracers, I was blown away by USAA's production of it, and John DeFu sco's moving performance of the History of the show and how he came to birth this play. This was the first time I met Keith and his fine staff. This is a place where any veteran instantly feels safe to explore any genre they might harbor. This is certainly a far cry from our time back in 79. John did find us a place to create Tracers through Shad Meshad in one of the old barracks at the Westwood VA. This was next to the psyc ward and those poor souls would wander in and out of rehersals freaked out by the loud and rukus improvs we were doing: however, not understanding what we were exploring by revisiting our experiences from the nam. Soooo...cudos to Keith and his staff for creating this safe haven and devoting so much time and energy to vets and receiving so little in return. A true labor of love. Thank you

As a proposal writer, researcher and developer of government and foundation funded initiatives, I've had the opportunity to work with USVAA on several projects. I am impressed with the organization's outstanding efforts to support veterans in the arts and humanities, as well as in all areas of civilian life. In addition to providing a vital service to all veterans, USVAA enriches the lives of community residents through a variety of educational and inspiring productions. Keith's vision, leadership and commitment to finding viable solutions to a broad range of issues that impact the lives of veterans through extensive collaboration and outreach to the public and private sectors is exceptional!

Will you volunteer or donate to this organization? Definitely How much of an impact do you think this organization has? Life-changing When was your last experience with this nonprofit? 2013

I've been involved with LAAVAA for five years. I've found Keith and all the folks there to be eager to create an understanding and partnership with anyone who has the gumption to get involved.
They uphold the highest quality in production, concept and people.
LAAVAA exists only to serve the purpose of highlighting issues of concern to veterans and their families and producing and supporting individual artistic projects.

USVAA has become a home for our tight-knit group of veterans who make a living in the Arts. Through producing shows, hosting exhibitions, holding workshops, et al: we work to keep each other working.

The theater space at the USVAA has been home to the writing classes I teach for nearly a year. The perfect home! Not just because of the warm, comfortable surroundings, but there's truly a creative energy in the air. Which I attribute to Executive Director, Keith Jeffreys, and his vision for helping veteran artists have a voice in the community. I really like being around Keith -- he inspires me with his passion. And I know I feel the spirit of all the great events and productions USVAA has nurtured every time I walk through that door.

Wendy Goldman
Professional Writer, TV and film

A few years ago I saw the USVAA's production of "Bug," and was completely impressed with it. As an actor and veteran, I wrote to Keith Jeffreys, who not only directed the show but is also the executive director, to let him know I was local and to perhaps keep me in mind for future productions. Not long afterwards, he called and we had a nice telephone interview. Keith's passion for helping veteran artists, including myself, is infectious. Over the past few years, getting to know Keith and everyone involved, volunteering and being a recipient for USVAA events for has been a wonderful experience. Their work bringing recognition to veteran artists is important and I'm so proud to be a part of this organization.

I first became aware of the US Veterans Artists Alliance through their production of Shakespeare's Othello back in 2010 and have followed their progress ever since. I continue to be impressed by the variety of programs USVAA provides and by the strength and integrity of the veterans it serves. From fine arts to dramatic arts, from beginners classes up through finished productions, the veterans served by USVAA never fail to inspire and impress.

One beautiful summer afternoon, the US Veterans Artists Alliance revived the bard’s genius for me after many years. We were so moved by the genuine love these actors had for their art, for each other, for us, their audience, and for their cause, that my son and I followed the USVAA to many and varied artistic productions. My son went on to work with the USVAA and has become their director of special projects. Their founder, Keith Jeffreys, is, without a doubt, the soul of this wonderful organization and I am very proud to know and follow his and their progress.

i came to know USVAA in 2006, when an organization of which i was a member, Los Angeles Classical Theatre Lab partnered with USVAA to produce a production of Bertolt Brecht's ARTURO UI with me playing UI. Leaving aside the merits of the production itself (which for me was transformative), our partnership with USVAA was an endeavor of which I was enormously proud. Keith proved time and again to be an artist of integrity, compassion and commitment with a theatre skill set deep and wide. I spend much of my time in NYC these days but take the opportunity to attend LAAVA events and performances when I am back in LA. I am always impressed by the informed, profoundly personal and enlightening point of view the members of the Veterans Artists Alliance bring to their work, particularly Shakespeare's tragedies of war and statesmanship. Some of the most moving theatre I've experienced in the past decade (and I see a lot of theatre all over the English-speaking world) has been presented by this fine group of theatre artists and veterans.- Nick Salamone, actor, playwright, current New York Classical Theatre board member.

As a Veteran and Film Maker, USVAA has helped me heal and move forward professionally. My life came full circle and landed me at USVAA for the next chapter in my life...

Andrew Galves

I have worked with Keith at the USVAA, and it has has a lasting impact. Not only is Keith an amazing leader, but he has a knack to empower those around him. He has such a wonderful spirit for Vets, for the Arts, for Vets in the Arts! He and the USVAA do such positive things for the community. I am proud to know Keith and am delighted to work with him and the USVAA any time :)

The United States Veterans Artists Alliance is an excellent organization that is constantly improving the veteran community locally and nationally. Like any great organization, the USVAA benefits from incredible leadership. The Executive Director, Keith Jeffreys works tirelessly to improve and expand the influence of the organization.

An excellent example of the work done by USVAA and Mr. Jeffreys is his successful lobbying for a city wide day of appreciation of veterans in the arts.

I support the USVAA, and the talented powerful voices of these veterans. This is an important organization, and it has been my privilege to attend many of their productions and events. Make no mistake; this program changes lives. It brings support, creativity, and opportunity to veterans, families, and the community through the arts. Keith Jeffreys, Executive Director, is talented and hard working; through his leadership this organization has expanded the awareness of veteran issues.