Southampton Arts Center Honoring Veterans by Sharing Their Stories
(Southampton, NY October 14, 2025) Southampton Arts Center [SAC southamptonartscenter.org] will honor 3 generations of local veterans by hearing their stories on November 8th from 3:00-5:00 pm.
3 short films will be shown from the USA Warrior Stories Archive, including Angelique Williams (Navy 1997-2014), Ed German (USMC 1967-70), and Martin Sylvester (Army 1943-45). Following the films, a Q&A moderated by USA Warrior Stories founders Matt Hindra and Nick Kraus will take place with Angelique Williams, Ed German and Martin Sylvester’s son, Paul Sylvester.
Matt Hindra stated, “In honor of Veterans Day USA Warrior Stories is excited to screen three stories from our archive at the Southampton Arts Center followed by a Q&A with U.S. Navy Veteran Angelique Williams, USMC Vietnam War Veteran Ed German and WWII Army Veteran Martin Sylvester’s son Paul Sylvester moderated by USA Warrior Stories founders Matt Hindra & Nick Kraus. We invite the community to come and learn more about USA Warrior Stories and the Veteran stories we share.”
Angelique Williams served as a Yeomen in the Navy and while serving experienced difficulties. By sharing her story, she hopes to encourage other female Veterans to speak out. Angelique's adjustment to post-military life has been helped by her family, the arts and her service dog Buddy (who was given to her by Paws of War.)
On May 10th, 1969, Ed German was wounded along with 3 other Marines by a sniper while
on patrol. When Ed returned to “The Real World” no one ever asked him about his time
in Vietnam. Eventually Ed started writing and publishing stories about his experience
in Vietnam and in 2013 published “Deep Down in Brooklyn”, a memoir of growing up in Brooklyn, the Vietnam War and beyond.
Martin Sylvester grew up in Brooklyn and on April 4, 1943 turned 18 and registered for the draft. Martin, a Jewish American, landed on Utah Beach on June 7, 1944. During the Battle of the Bulge Martin was wounded and taken prisoner. When he was eventually liberated by the US Army Martin weighed only 80 pounds. Martin and his son Paul returned to Normandy for the 80th anniversary of D-Day last year.
Southampton Arts Center Executive Director Christina Strassfield shared, “We are so thrilled to be working with USA Warrior Stories to honor the many who so faithfully served our country. This event is open to all and we encourage the community to join us to celebrate all those who served.”
Since 2017 USA Warrior Stories has recorded and shared over 300 stories of Military Veterans helping us all to better understand their sacrifices for our freedoms.
ABOUT SOUTHAMPTON ARTS CENTER
Southampton Arts Center is committed to community building through the arts. We present and produce inspiring, inclusive, socially and regionally relevant programs across all disciplines, welcoming, connecting, and collaborating with the diverse members of New York’s East End community and beyond. SAC is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization.
For more information about Southampton Arts Center, located at 25 Jobs Lane, Southampton, New York 11968, visit southamptonartscenter.org or call 631.283.0967. Follow SAC on Facebook and Instagram @southamptonartscenter. For press inquiries, photography, press passes and interviews, please contact Southampton Arts Center via email at info@southamptoncenter.org or by phone at 631.283-0967.
ABOUT USA WARRIORS STORIES
USA Warrior Stories Inc. is a Not-For-Profit organization designed to record, archive and share videos of Veteran stories online to help Veterans make a connection with one another and to help us all better understand their sacrifices for our freedom.