Meet John W. Schembari, a Vietnam Veteran, author, and songwriter who goes by “The American Dreamer.” Through his writing and music, John works to honor Veterans, women Veterans, and military spouses while raising awareness about the challenges of service, healing, and finding support. From his memoir Surviving 40 Years of Silence to songs like 54 Souls, The Nurses of Vietnam, and Warrior’s Wife, John uses creativity to spark conversations, share stories, and inspire healing.
Name:
John W. Schembari
Artist Moniker:
I am The American Dreamer
Branch of service:
Army
About:
John Schembari, a Vietnam Veteran, have dedicated my life to helping Veterans get the benefits they deserve, and highlight the woman Veterans and spouses who are all forgotten when we honor Veterans, my book "Surviving 40 Years of Silence" and my recently discovery of music honoring Veterans, 54 Souls in a Room full of Thunder, The Nurses of Vietnam, The Warrior's Wife, these are just a few of the songs I wrote using AI to create the music.
Artist Moniker:
I am The American Dreamer
Website:
https://iamtheamericandreamer.com/
Social Media Handles: (coming soon)
I am The American Dreamer
Title of Piece #1:
SURVIVING 40 YEARS OF SILENCE
A Soldier’s Odyssey Through Vietnam and Beyond
Medium of Piece #1:
Book
Meaning Behind Piece #1:
In this powerful memoir, Vietnam War veteran John Schembari shares his story of survival and healing from PTSD, shedding light on the emotional struggles of returning home after war. From grappling with the haunting effects of combat to finding peace through writing and therapy, this book is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. With raw honesty and compassion, this memoir offers hope to others battling mental health issues and serves as a reminder that healing is possible, no matter the scars.
Piece #1:
Title of Piece #2:
54 Souls
Medium of Piece #2:
Song written by John Schambari, with AI used to create the instrumental accompaniment.
Meaning Behind Piece #2:
54 Souls is a song about group therapy.
Piece #2:
Title of Piece #3:
The Nurses of Vietnam
Medium of Piece #3:
Song written by John Schambari, with AI used to create the instrumental accompaniment.
Meaning Behind Piece #3:
The Nurses of Vietnam is about the work of these brave Heroes for the Warriors in the field that follows them throughout their lives. You don't hear much about women Veterans, I want to highlight and honor their service.
Piece #3:
Title of Piece #4:
Warrior's Wife
Medium of Piece #4:
Song written by John Schambari, with AI used to create the instrumental accompaniment.
Meaning Behind Piece #4:
Warrior's Wife Honors the spouses of Veterans.
Piece #4:
What inspires you to create art?
Realizing that many Veterans still don't know they have benefits, that's why I wrote the book because I didn't know I had benefits for over 40 years. realizing that most people don't read the books, but they will listen to music. Thanks to Challenge America I discovered I discovered writing music is a lot of fun. Finding AI to help with the music for the songs I wrote.
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
With music that is listened to brings out a conversation that helps heal with my issues as well as others, these songs are all great!
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!
In life we are either growing or decaying, keeping my mind stimulated is great, gives me a sense of value when I wake up each day.
I was challenged to write 54 Souls. I had the lyrics finished before I got home from group.
I was challenged to write about Veteran wives by a Veteran's wife after listening to 54 Souls. I finished it in one day.
My songwriter who helped create my song in the Music Therapy Retreat from Challenge America, told me she wanted to write a song about women service members. I told her I would write it, and the next day I had it finished and sent it to her as a gift.
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
No set process. 54 Souls came to me in group and started writing as I sat in group therapy.
The Nurses of Vietnam - I went online and researched about the nurses of Vietnam. After reading about 2 pages of material, I knew what to write and wanted to capture the atmosphere of what the Hero Women lived through.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
CAVARTS is a menu of opportunity to hone skills and open up creative opportunities to expand my tool kit.
Our monthly theme is Creativity, Foliage, & Harvest of Transformation, but John submitted this when we were celebrating Winter Photography. Here’s what he had planned:
If I don't submit a picture, I will support my fellow Cavartests by looking at all the beautiful photos, my way to honor their work.
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
Jump into the programs that are offered, expand your mind, it's with gratitude that someone created this opportunity for us Veterans.
