For many Veterans and service members, the journey comes with challenges that can affect mental health, identity, and sense of purpose. But what if healing could come from a place of joy? What if the path to recovery involved creativity, laughter, and connection?

That’s the mission of the Armed Services Arts Partnership (ASAP), a nonprofit dedicated to improving the mental health of Veterans, service members, and military families through the arts. With a focus on stand-up comedy, improv, storytelling, and other creative outlets, ASAP helps participants, including veterans and spouses, families, caregivers, and survivors, reclaim their sense of self and find community in ways that are both therapeutic and fun.

The mental health struggles Veterans face after leaving the military are well-documented. Anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, and feelings of isolation are common. And while traditional forms of therapy are critical, they don’t always address the needs of Veterans. That’s where the arts—and in particular, comedy—come in.

Stand-up comedy and improv provide an outlet for Veterans to express themselves in ways that are both candid and cathartic. These art forms encourage participants to share their stories, often difficult or painful ones, through a humorous lens. And in that process, something transformative happens: Veterans not only find relief in the act of telling their stories but also experience the healing power of laughter.

Improv teaches skills like active listening, quick thinking, and teamwork—skills Veterans already excel at but in a completely different context. In the improv world, participants must learn to “yes, and…” their way through scenes, embracing spontaneity, flexibility, and vulnerability. It’s a freeing experience, particularly for Veterans who may feel stuck or burdened by their past experiences.

When it comes down to it, ASAP’s arts programs aren’t about making Veterans “better”; they’re about making Veterans feel seen, heard, and valued.

That all began back in 2015 when a student at William & Mary named Sam Pressler saw a gap for the arts in the military and Veteran service organization community. Pressler, working on a school project, started a comedy class that he realized could be even bigger. He applied for an Echoing Green Global Fellowship, which he was awarded, and it took ASAP from an idea into a national 501(c)3. 

Now, ASAP is being led by Executive Director Brian Jenkins, but the mission hasn’t changed a bit. If anything, it’s become even more comprehensive, offering free art classes, workshops, and performances to Veterans, service members, and military families. 

Named to Forbes 30 Under 30 as an innovative leader shaping the future, Brian Jenkins is a social entrepreneur and community builder. Brian has grown ASAP from a small, regional start-up to the nation’s largest military-arts organization.

Their flagship Comedy Bootcamp teaches participants how to write and perform stand-up comedy. The six-week course culminates in a live performance where graduates take the stage to perform their first-ever stand-up routines in front of a live audience.

This moment is often a pivotal one for Veterans, providing them with a renewed sense of confidence and accomplishment. For many, it’s not just about the punchlines—it’s about reclaiming their voice.

“It changed how I dealt with my stress and frustration,” said Michael Carrasquillo, Army Veteran and Comedy Bootcamp alum. “Instead of internalizing my frustration, I was able to put it on paper, take control of my experience, turn a negative to a positive, and bring joy to others.”

Veterans who go through ASAP’s programs form bonds with each other, built on shared experiences, creativity, and the freedom to express themselves. These bonds often extend far beyond the classes themselves, providing Veterans with a lasting network of support.

In addition to comedy, ASAP offers storytelling workshops where Veterans can learn to craft their personal narratives, poetry classes that tap into deeper emotion, and even visual art programs where creativity knows no bounds. Across all these disciplines, the aim is the same: to help Veterans feel empowered, connected, and supported through the arts.

ASAP has several chapters across the country, including Hampton Roads, VA; Washington, DC; Indianapolis, IN; San Diego, CA; and online.

Thanks to donors like you, Chive Charities was able to provide a $5,000 grant that will enable ASAP to send 12 Veterans and service members through a six-week class, covering everything from stand-up comedy to improv. This is no small gift—it’s an investment in the well-being of those who have served our country, helping them rediscover their strength, their voice, and their joy.

Chive Charities has long been dedicated to supporting the Veteran community through grants that help improve their quality of life. From accessible vans to service dogs, Chive Charities donors are committed to making the world 10% happier by supporting those who need it most.

It’s the generosity of our donor community that makes grants like this one possible. Because of your support, we can continue to partner with incredible organizations like ASAP that are making a real difference in the lives of Veterans and their families.

Every donation makes a difference. Whether you’re contributing to grants for organizations like ASAP or directly funding life-changing resources for Veterans and their families, your generosity has a ripple effect that extends far beyond the immediate impact.

So join us in making the world 10% happier, one Veteran at a time. Let’s empower more Veterans to take the stage, share their stories, and have a good laugh. DONATE HERE.

P.S. To support ASAP artists, attend a grad show in-person or online. Learn more at asapasap.org.