espositol posted on August 24, 2010 11:51
12 Wounded Warriors To Be Selected for an Innovative New Program
Kick-off Open House
The Red Cross celebrated the launch of an exciting new transition program for wounded warriors. Led by world renowned artist Craig Bone, the program aims to transition wounded warriors into artistic careers and aid in their reintegration to civilian life. The artist was on hand, along with Red Cross Service to the Armed Forces staff from about Red Cross.
Date: Friday, August 20, 2010
Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Location:
Red Cross Main Office
Corner of Macomb and Hamilton
Ft. Bragg, NC
About Craig Bone
Craig has been awarded the Safari Club Medal of Valor for his consistent support and dedication to the Veteran’s Committee, and in 2003, Craig was also awarded the Safari Club International Wildlife Artist of the year. Due to his obvious passion and support of veteran programs, Craig was honored to display his painting depicting the battle of Hill 65 on the 8th of November at the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Within his own community, Craig has volunteered his time to the Cancer center Health park of Fort Myers, Florida.
Recently, Craig was approached and commissioned to paint a portrait of the Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu, the reigning king of Zululand.
Born in Harare, Zimbabwe in 1955, Craig studied Graphic Art at Natal University in South Africa. In 1977, Mr. Bone returned to Zimbabwe to perform his national service in the Rhodesian Light Infantry. Mr. Bone was immensely influenced by his experiences during the Rhodesian Bush War. He began to paint vivid scenes of combat. Craig was severely wounded in a mortar attack and nearly lost his legs and his life.
Since being discharged from the military, Mr. Bone has devoted his time and energy to helping various organizations and charities. He first worked with American veterans in the creation of his painting “Earth, Wind and Fire”. The painting depicts the reality of the Vietnam War, and is the only Vietnam era painting hanging in the Pentagon.
“America opened up its doors to me and gave me the chance of having a second home. I believe the world owes a thank you to the American soldier for all their blood that is in foreign soils and for supporting the democratic ideology I too support and fought for.” - Craig Bone