“Glory Denied” is the poignant, true story of an American hero and his family during the turbulent Viet Nam War era. This intimate chamber opera chronicles the saga of Colonel Jim Thompson from his captivity in the jungles of Southeast Asia to his family’s personal struggles following his liberation.

This is a story very common for veterans of all wars to one degree or another. War changes people and friends and families are not always able to recognize and/or deal with these changes. The musical story of Col. Thompson will be an outstanding reflection not only on the veteran, but on his family. Sounds like a wonderful modern operatic presentation.

Don’t turn your mind off just because the word “opera” has been mentioned. “Glory Denied” will be meaningful to all veterans regardless of how it will be put forth!

IMPORTANT: “Glory Denied” will be put on Friday, January 25 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 27 at 2:30 p.m. at the Southern Museum of Flight 4343 73rd Street North (not far from the B’ham Airport). The opera will contain some adult language.

NOW FOR THE GOOD PART: Opera Birmingham is honored to offer complimentary tickets to veterans and current military personnel (for one vet or active duty person and 1 guest for each). This is a first come, first served opportunity. Don’t miss out on this unique vet-experience. Reserve Tickets (for you and 1 guest) online: www.operabirmingham.org/glory denied. Use the promo code: CFGB. You could also call Opera Birmingham at 205-322-6737.

Don’t snicker about operas. We veterans have always wanted to have a positive impact on the general population, Opera Birmingham will reach many more people (vets and non-vets) than most other efforts I know. We should be very thankful that these professionals have found an excellent way to help all veterans. There will be a pre- and post-show meeting for us and them.

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In coming days there will be some added efforts in helping to prevent veteran suicides. I hope to share ways that you can help your vet-friends (or even yourself) to avoid this tragic and pointless approach to being a veteran with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) or other mental problems. Mr. Jeff Hester of the Birmingham Veterans Admin. Hospital (205-933- 8101) or any of the Patient Advocates can put you in contact with the appropriate suicide prevention professionals. You could also call 1-800-273-8255, then press 1 to talk with some skillful and helpful listeners. If suicide is right in front of you (or someone else) call 911 for immediate assistance!!!

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I sincerely hope that 2019 has started off well for you. It certainly has for the Veteran Information tables that we are holding at the Gardendale and Fultondale Public Libraries (9am-1pm on Thursdays). Seabee Veteran Bill Carter, Viet Nam Veterans of America Chapter 416 President Ron Becker and I talked with scores of people last Thursday at Gardendale. Tomorrow (Thursday, 1/18/19 from 9am to 1pm) we (and others) will be at the Fultondale Public Library (up near the Winn-Dixie strip mall on 31). Come by and talk with us or maybe some person in need of just the kind of info you know!

God Bless Our Country, Our Military, Our Veterans and their families and most of all may God Bless YOU. -GI JOE

Gerald “Joe” Stahlkuppe is a combat Army veteran of the Vietnam War. An ordained clergyman, public speaker and author of several books, he lives with his wife in Gardendale.

Questions or veterans issues you would like to see addressed in the column can be directed to Stahlkuppe at P.O. Box 849, Gardendale, AL 35071 or emailed to editor@njeffersonnews.com.