Norwich to hold 18th Annual Military Writers’ Symposium, Focus on Veterans

Norwich University presents the 2013 William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium on Wednesday and Thursday, April 10-11.
This is the 18th year of this distinctive event that brings the most insightful writers on military subjects together for a two-day residency. Authors gather on the campus of the country’ s oldest private military college to share their work and debate the issues of the past and present.
This year the theme is ‘ Coming Home: The Hopes, Fears, and Challenges of Veterans Returning from War.’
The panel discussion, which is free and open to the public, is scheduled for Thursday, April 11, from 1 ‘ 3 p.m. in Plumley Armory. It will be streamed live at this online location: http://www.nsnsports.net/index.php/norwich.
Panelists are
· James Wright, author of ‘ Those Who Have Borne the Battle: A History of America’ s Wars and Those Who Fought Them
· David McIntyre, author of ‘ Centerline’
· Karl Marlantes, author of ‘ Matterhorn,’ (for which he won the 2011 Colby Award) and ‘ What It’ s Like to Go to War’
· Col. Jon Coffin, (Ret. VTARNG), one of only six psychologists in the country’ s National Guard system
Other symposium participants include Michael Franzak, author of ‘ A Nightmare’ s Prayer’ and winner of the 2012 Colby Award; 2013 Colby Award Winner Thomas P. McKenna, author of ‘ Kontum: The Battle to Save South Vietnam ;’ science fiction author and former military officer Myke Cole and alumni of theMaster of Arts in Military History program.
Founded in 1996 by Carlo D´Este, W.E.B. Griffin, and Ambassador William E. Colby, the Colby Symposium has brought more than 80 top authors, historians, and filmmakers to Norwich University in Northfield, Vt.
‘ The purpose of the William E. Colby Military Writers’ Symposium is to expose Norwich students, faculty, alumni and the public to the works and views of authors, historians, journalists and national figures. It should educate, enlighten and inspire. Each of the participants comes to Norwich for two reasons. They wish to make a difference in the lives of our students through their interaction in a variety of lectures, social functions and innovative in-class sessions that make up the heart of the program. They also come to further the debate on current issues of interest through interaction.’ ~Carlo D’ Este