Virtual First Friday - War and Homecoming: Veteran Identity and the Post-9/11 Generation, with Dr. Travis L. Martin

Dr. Travis L. Martin explores how a new generation of veterans is redefining what it means to come home, critically examining representations of veterans in patriotic rhetoric, popular media, literature, and the lives of those who served. In his analysis, a new veteran identity emerges—veterans as storytellers who reject stereotypes, claim their symbolic authority, and define themselves through literature, art, and service. Their dynamic approach to life after military service allows for continued growth, agency, individuality, and inspiring examples of resilience for others.

Dr. Travis Martin is a former U.S. Army Sergeant who served two deployments in the Iraq War. He earned a B.A. and M.A. in English from Eastern Kentucky University and a Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky. Dr. Martin is the founding director of the Center for Veterans Studies at Eastern Kentucky University and works with incoming freshmen as the Administrator for First-Year Courses.

*TECHNOLOGY: This virtual event will take place via Zoom, an online meeting platform. For optimal experience, guests should connect using a device with a screen, a speaker, and a keyboard. (A web-enabled camera is also nice but necessary.) To accommodate guests who may not have access to this technology, a phone number will be provided at registration to dial into the event and listen to the presentation from any landline or mobile phone. Need help using Zoom? Check out this short video. You can also contact us at KHSeducation@ky.gov or call 502-782-8112.

Cost: $5.00 non-members/ FREE for KHS members

Registration: Please register below, and you will receive information on how to connect. The registration deadline is 10 am on the day of the event.