A Southern Utah project is working to preserve more than just military service by providing veterans a platform to share the stories of who they became along the way. Known as The Voice of Resilience Project, the initiative seeks to capture the personal experiences of service members to ensure their individual histories are not lost.
The project launched in July and has recorded eight veterans' stories so far. Organizers aim to reach a goal of 250 stories, though they stated the project could continue beyond that number if veterans wish to share their experiences. The organizers are looking for veterans from various military branches and generations and are willing to travel to record them.
De’dy Chivers and Hope Stoddard, who helped launch the project, stated that the interviews are designed to capture more than military service. They aim to preserve the friendships, sacrifices, humor, and challenges that shaped each person’s life before, during, and after their service.
The project grew out of Irene Cares, a podcast started by Chivers and Stoddard in November 2025 to discuss topics such as resilience and domestic violence. The specific focus on veterans began after the pair interviewed Army veteran Tim Leavitt for the podcast. Following the interview, Leavitt suggested that every veteran should have the opportunity to tell their story, noting that he felt better after sharing his experience.
The interviews are intentionally open-ended and do not impose time limits, with some sessions lasting several hours. This approach is intended to assist veterans who may have difficulty organizing memories, including those living with traumatic brain injuries. Stoddard noted that providing space for these stories can help veterans feel less isolated after leaving the military, as they often face challenges adjusting to civilian life, such as sleep difficulties or recurring memories.
Beyond recording, the project has expanded to help veterans navigate available resources. Organizers have been learning about the process for healthcare providers to become credentialed through Veterans Affairs benefits and have shared this information with clinics. They also aim to connect veterans with services like certain forms of massage therapy and other healthcare options, though they emphasize the project is not a replacement for professional treatment.
The Voice of Resilience Project operates as a nonprofit through a fiscal sponsor and is seeking donations and sponsors to cover costs for travel, filming, professional editing, and preservation. Organizers are currently exploring options to preserve the interviews through the Library of Congress and are seeking veterans and families who wish to participate.
