Southampton Arts Center Honoring Veterans by Sharing Their Stories
(SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. - Oct. 14, 2026) -Southampton Arts Center will honor three generations of local veterans by hearing their stories on Nov. 8 from 3-5 p.m.
Three short films will be shown from the USA Warrior Stories Archive, including Susan E. Soto (Air Force 1982-92), John Melillo (Army 1970-72), and Arthur Muller (Navy 1942-45). Following the films, a Q&A moderated by USA Warrior Stories founders Matt Hindra and Nick Kraus will take place with Susan Soto, John Melillo, and Arthur Muller’s daughter, Sandy Raynor.
Nick Kraus stated, “Every veteran has a story worth telling, and each one offers a unique window into our nation’s history. These three films represent different generations of service, sacrifice, and personal experience, but they share a common thread of courage and commitment. For us, USA Warrior Stories has always been about giving veterans a voice and making sure their experiences are preserved for future generations. We’re grateful to the Southampton Arts Center for helping us bring these stories to our community and for giving audiences the opportunity to connect with the people behind them.”
Matt Hindra added, “What makes these stories so powerful is that we’re hearing history directly from the people who lived it. From World War II to Vietnam to Desert Storm, these three veterans offer very different perspectives on service and sacrifice. We’re honored to share their experiences with our community and grateful to the Southampton Arts Center for recognizing the importance of preserving these voices for generations to come.”
Susan E. Soto, a proud Native American, was among the first U.S. military personnel on the ground during Desert Storm. After arriving in Saudi Arabia, she coordinated intelligence and monitored aircraft movements for special operations. One of the highlights of Susan's career was meeting General Schwarzkopf. Today Susan works with Veterans on the Shinnecock Reservation, where she grew up.
John Melillo was a MP (military police officer) in Vietnam. His job involved front line supervision of 26 MPs, managing both civil and combat situations at Long Binh, which was the largest U.S. military installation in Vietnam, with over 40,000 Gls and 60,000 Vietnamese. John's journey is reflected in his oil painting series “Life Goes On!” based on photographs he took while serving in Vietnam.
Arthur Muller (1921-2022) joined the Navy in 1942. Art eventually volunteered for PT
(Patrol Torpedo Boat) duty and served as a motor mechanic aboard PT 227, which took part in the Battle of Mindoro. The invasion convoy had to fight off heavy Japanese air attacks, including Kamikazes. After the war Art and his wife Irene settled in Water Mill, NY where Art served as postmaster for 30 years.
Southampton Arts Center Executive Director Christina Strassfield shared, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with USA Warrior Stories for a second year, sharing the stories of veterans at this annual event and welcoming them to our exhibitions for special tours. It is a pleasure to honor our veterans and share these meaningful experiences with them.”
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.
Gallery Hours:
Friday – Sunday | 12 – 5 PM
25 Jobs Lane Southampton, New York 11968
631.283.0967
Southamptonartscenter.org
For media inquiries please contact Sarah Gartner or Couri Hay at R. Couri Hay Creative PR T: 1-212-580-0835 E: Sarah@rcourihaycpr.com | Couri@rcourihaycpr.com
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 WARRIOR 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.
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