How Do We Know It Matters?
Thomas Walk And Art
Thomas always aspired to be an artist, but life got in the way. He joined the United States Army in 2000 and served honorably for 10 years.
A deployment to Iraq in 2006-07 left him struggling with PTSD. More than a decade later, he began to write again. Soon after, other forms of art caught his attention and with each new creative endeavor he learned more about how to heal himself through his work.
He now continues to work on his own personal wellness; while sharing his journey through art in multiple forms to help others see it is okay to talk about their struggles.
Writing As An Outlet
What stayed bottled up for a more than a decade began to pour out onto the page in the form of poetry. Thomas began to write during his worst times, leaving behind a valuable resource for self-assessment and self-discovery.
Although he also dabbles in fiction and short story writing, his passion was fueled by a need to be heard, and poetry lead him to spoken word.
Open mic nights in local cafes and bars became a regular therapeutic outlet.
A Massive Change
Thomas realized that he needed more than an outlet. He found difficulty trying to find wellness where he had struggled with his illness for so long. What had once been "home" had become a constant reminder of mistakes and regrets.
He and his family took a risk and moved to a new state. While the move caused its own share of issues, the new environment was monumental to Thomas's wellness. Supported by a new VA focused on mental wellness, he only continued to improve.
Risk Generates Reward
Thomas was still driven by the need to share his own experiences and struggles with PTSD and suicidal thoughts after losing a friend to suicide. While he continued to share publicly locally, he was still too concerned with outside opinions to push his boundaries further. After trying multiple avenues to success through his art and ultimately failing, he was ready to give up.
Supportive friends and family helped Thomas make the decision to enter his work into The National Veterans Creative Arts Competition and he was honored to receive three awards.
He placed 3rd in both creative writing rhyming poetry and dramatic performance of inspirational poetry. He placed 1st for a dramatic performance with a suicide awareness poem dedicated to a friend he served with and lost. His 1st place award earned him the opportunity to go to Denver, CO and perform in the national stage show.
For a week Thomas was surrounded and supported by other veteran creators. In many cases, their work and his were like mirrors reflecting different versions of the same image. The experience and personal validation were pivotal in his wellness journey.
Thomas is pictured here posing with an amazing American Legion Auxiliary member after being given his first-place award for "After You're Gone".
The Right Support
Not only did Thomas find support, but she also became his wife and best friend.
This image was taken not long after Thomas was notified that he had placed in his first ever art competition. You can see the anxiety in his expression as she attempts to put a smile back on his face.
Sometimes all Eeyore needed was Pooh.
Rebuilding Foundations
The most important thing to Thomas was an opportunity to rebuild the relationships he had with his children. His neglect of them while he struggled with his illness was a heavy burden.
Through constant reinforcement and communication, Thomas was able to reconnect and move forward into healthier relationships.
We've learned how to understand and respect each other more.
An Unbelievable Twist
Someone Thomas had the privilege to meet at the Denver, CO festival drops an epic bombshell...
The pair made fast friends trading opinions and life experiences during their week at the festival. The instant connection inspires Thomas to share one of his poetry books.
Inspired by Thomas's poetry, videographer Romeo Lucchesi created a powerful short film.
The bombshell moment came when Thomas was informed Romeo's video had been nominated for an Emmy Award. Featuring both Thomas and his poetry, the video provided an opportunity for him and his wife to attend the Emmy Awards with Romeo and his family in Nashville, TN.
Another Attempt Paves Paths To Bigger Things
Motivated by the previous years' victories and other creative opportunities throughout the year, Thomas entered the competition again.
The results were bittersweet for him. He was informed that he won 3 more national awards in creative writing categories for spoken word performances, however, he would not be attending the national festival. Thomas earned two 2nd place awards for dramatic poetry and dramatic prose performances, and one 3rd place award for an inspirational poetry performance.
Thomas also competed in several art categories for the first time. Although he didn't make it beyond the local judging, he made some important local connections. He began discussions to create an art exhibit coming September 2025 and a creative writing group for veterans.
An Entry Spawns An Exhibit
The 2024 NVCAF local art entries were displayed at The Art Center of Battle Creek.
This entry titled, "There Is A Light", earned a second-place ribbon at the local judging. More importantly, seeing his work displayed on the gallery wall sparked a new idea!
Thomas approached the curator with a concept for a multi-media art display featuring paintings, music videos, poetry, and short stories focused on mental health.
The exhibit will include work by multiple artists who create with a focus on mental health and wellness. Each artists' work will be accompanied by a statement explaining why they create for their personal wellness.
November 2024 Brings More Than Turkey
Thanks to a wonderful recreational therapist at the Battle Creek VA, Thomas was given the opportunity to take a creative approach to helping other veterans in their wellness journeys.
The idea was first discussed at the Art Center of Battle Creek at the NVCAF art presentation. The follow-up resulted in the creation of the program "A Tool For Your Toolbox", a creative writing program for veterans at the Battle Creek VA medical center. Piloted in November 2024, the program received high praise from both operational staff and veterans.
Since January 2025, the program is now running on a bi-monthly schedule.
Inspiring Others
Thomas's work continues to inspire others.
From short films to newly budding artists the effect of his work is evident. What began as personal therapy has created more than just personal wellness.
From old personal wounds beginning to heal to strangers who have decided to stay, the power of sharing through creativity continues to prove its value.
Your voice and your presence can inspire.
Our Possibilities Are Infinite
Thomas Walk once planned to commit suicide. Overwhelmed and without effective treatment, he struggled to hold on.
This image is him holding his newborn daughter. Imagine for a moment the implications to the lives he has affected if he had succeeded.
Life with PTSD and suicidal thoughts is hard, but it isn't impossible. If you can't talk about it, try letting it go through art.
If you or anyone you know is struggling and/or needs help, please call 988. You are not alone.