HUGHESVILLE, Pa. — Travis Harman served in the Pennsylvania National Guard for 13 years. He was part of the 103rd Regiment out of Lewisburg and retired as a staff sergeant. Harman volunteers his time at the Veterans Affairs in Wilkes-Barre with a program called My Life, My Story.
"Veterans who want to tell their story but don't have the means or the ability to, writers volunteer with this program, and they interview the veterans, write a firsthand account for them, it goes in their VA file and if they want to share it with anyone they can," said Harman.
As part of the program, Harman has helped a veteran who has a deadly disease. He wants to get his experience out to the world. Harman also wrote a book called "Remote Outpost." It's about his time serving in Afghanistan with his father in 2008.
"And that's exactly what I'm doing, and that's what this is all about, the book, the advocacy, you know, it's all about helping people. And even with my book, I've been told, even if you save one life with this, it's totally worth it, and I agree," said Harman.
Harman also started a veterans writing group at the Hughesville Library for veterans, first responders, and their spouses.
"I teach the fundamentals of creative writing—fiction, and non-fiction primarily, and we're getting ready to wrap up our last session next Monday, and with that, they're going to read the pieces they developed over the six-week course," said Harman.
Harman has a Stop Soldier Suicide fundraiser in honor of his friend Michael Schutt, whom he served with in Afghanistan. This is a nonprofit organization that helps soldiers who are in mental distress receive help.
"He passed away a couple of years ago, and it's hit hard, it's hit the platoon hard, it's hit everyone. He had a huge impact on people, and I thought I needed to do him justice. I dedicated the book to him, and I started the fundraiser to try and help other veterans in need," said Harman.
Harman shares the importance of advocating for veterans.
"Our veterans are our nation's defenders. Some were drafted, some weren't, and some did it on a voluntary basis. We owe them everything because, without them, our nation wouldn't be secure."
Harman is in the process of writing a second book. It's going to be about his time coming home from Afghanistan and readjusting to civilian life.