VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — "The Armed Services Arts Partnership, or ASAP as it's called, is an organization that has five hubs around the country. It offers free classes to veterans and their families," said Jeff O'Connor with ASAP.
Navy veteran Jeff O'Connor and his wife, Kim, host the Hampton Roads chapter at their home in Sandbridge.
Charles Hart served 28 years in the Navy and missed hundreds of family dinners, birthdays and parent-teacher conferences.
Thanks to the ASAP program, he's making up for lost time in a fun, creative way.
"To sit down with Victoria and do a sewing class now — when we go back and do a tote or something else — we can say, 'Hey, we learned to do that together,'" Hart said.
The ASAP program offers a variety of arts classes, including stand-up comedy, creative writing, rock band and acting.
"We did an acting class for six weeks, every night from 7 to 9 p.m., so it was extreme family time. We have five kids, so to have my wife and kids every Tuesday night was amazing," Hart said.
"As a military spouse, many times you're the forgotten one. I like that I can give back and give some of these people something for themselves — to kind of get their spark back when it's missing," said Kim O'Connor who teaches the sewing classes for ASAP.
The spark, smiles and twinkle in their eyes are evidence that something good is happening here.
"It's art and it's classes, but it's also community, because there's such a big need for community in the military, especially for those getting out," Hart said.
The Armed Services Arts Partnership is all about serving those who have served our country, and it's a positive presence in Hampton Roads.
"I'm retired and she's an adult and she still wants to hang out. You can't beat that," Hart said with big smile on his face.
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