New York, NY — U.S. Army Veteran Jonathan Jordan achieved notable success at the 2025 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. As a vocal soloist, he secured first place for Vocal Solo Pop with “Redemption Song,” second place for Vocal Solo Rock/Blue with “Imagine,” and third place for Vocal Solo Country/Folk/Bluegrass with “Hallelujah.” His achievements allowed him to represent the Brooklyn Campus of the VA New York Harbor Healthcare System in Indianapolis, IN.
The 44th annual National Creative Arts Competition saw participation from nearly 4,000 veterans submitting over 6,500 entries across local competitions at 116 VA facilities. The event was hosted by the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center.
“I had a really great time at the National Competition,” said Jordan. “I put in a lot of work to get there, but overall, it was a wonderful experience. I want to thank the Creative Arts team at VA New York Harbor, particularly Casey Faulkner and Alan Thompson, who were instrumental in helping me prepare to compete this year.”
Jordan collaborates with Alan Thompson, MA, MT-BC, LCAT, a Board-Certified Music Therapist and licensed Creative Arts Therapist at the Brooklyn VA.
“As a music therapist at the New York Harbor VA, I witness firsthand how music empowers veterans to process and express deeply held emotions, rebuild connections, and rediscover a sense of purpose,” said Thompson. “This festival celebrates not just creativity but resilience and community.”
VA medical facilities use creative arts as part of therapy programs for both inpatients and outpatients. The annual competition highlights progress through therapy and showcases veterans’ creative achievements.
Finalists compete nationally against other veterans from various VA facilities across the country. The event offers veterans receiving treatment an opportunity for creative self-expression and recognition for their artistic accomplishments.
The festival concludes with stage performances, writing exhibitions, and art showcases. Throughout the week-long festival, veterans participate in art workshops and writing seminars to learn different artistic modalities.
When asked about advice for future competitors, Jordan stated: “Push your fears aside and follow your heart.”
