PERSERVERANCE
MARCIA MEDINA
On 9/11, I was riding the Metro transit system in Washington, D.C., as the Pentagon was hit, and we were evacuated from the subway. I decided then and there to serve my country because I wanted to fight for freedom.
My art piece is called “Perseverance” which Webster’s defines as “the continued effort to do or achieve something despite difficulties, failure, or opposition.” This is also how I define myself as I never stop and always continue to grow.
To me, the dragon symbolizes my feelings about the military and life in general. It represents heroism, intelligence, dignity, achievement, wisdom, and perseverance.
ABOUT THE ARTIST
MARCIA MEDINA
Henderson, Nevada
U.S. Coast Guard Veteran
Marcia grew up with humble beginnings in East Los Angeles, raised by migrant parents from Mexico. She enjoyed making art as a child but didn’t explore it that much until after her retirement from service in 2021.
She joined a Wounded Warrior Project Peer Support Group, specifically an “Art & Chat” group, that meets regularly to create and share artwork. Through art and equine therapy, Wounded Warrior Project has helped create a community for her and greatly improved her mental health. During her time in the military, she struggled the most with leaving her son during deployments for humanitarian efforts.
MEET MORE WARRIORS
JEFF SCOTT
"Art is the most therapeutic thing I’ve found to express my thoughts and feelings. I’d be lost if not for art."
MARK ELLIS
“Art is a huge part of my life. It’s healing and meditative. It’s one of the few things that quiets my brain.”
LAURA BOZEMAN
“My military career depended on precision and attention to detail. When creating art, I can take risks and simply go with the flow.”
HARLEY MEAGLEY
“Art is kind of like going to the skatepark, but I don’t have to leave the house to leave my mind.”
MARCIA MEDINA
“Art helps me stay present — helping me block out intrusive thoughts and put my focus solely on creating art.”
BILL JONES
“Art is a representation of one’s well-being. It’s what made me unique, and everyone brings their own unique perspective to art.”
DANIEL WRIGHT JR.
“If you don’t wanna talk about it, guess what? You can draw about it. And that’s what I use art therapy for.”
PUERTO RICO PSG
“Art is a great provider of peace. It helps us think in new ways to expand our understanding and create room for connection, camaraderie, and healing.”
ANGIE LUPE
“Music and art have always been my life. It helps me heal and I’ve made it my mission to help other comrades heal.”
YOLANDA JONES
“Art is an entire experience. It's not always about what I wanted you to feel. Sometimes it's about what it makes you feel on your own.”
MELISSA MCMAHON
“Art helps me let go and accept things, even when I make mistakes. It’s learning to roll with life because there are so many things I can’t control.”
