Integrating back into regular day-to-day life can be a challenge for our military veterans. Here in Tampa Bay, there is a group thats using the arts as a way to bridge that gap, and it will all be displayed on stage this weekend for one memorable performance.

This marks the fifth

anniversary of the Veteran Civilian Arts Ensemble.

This years cast consists of 18 veterans and civilians.

For me as a former Marine, as a veteran myself, its a powerful way to really serve the veteran community and as an artist, I know my personal experience is that it's my way to really return to what I consider to be my full sense of myself, said Co-Artistic Director Fred Johnson.

Johnson says before you start singing or dancing, you must begin with meaningful conversations.

What can I as a civilian unders

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