February, 2026 CAVARTS Spotlight Feature #1: Melinda Russell
A medically retired Army Chaplain who also served in the Coast Guard, this Montana-based Veteran has found healing and purpose through writing and music. Married for over 29 years with two grown children, she draws deep inspiration from her late service dog, Willow, whose companionship changed her life.
Her free-form poem The Amazing Life of a Service Dog honors Willow after her battle with brain cancer and reflects the profound bond they shared. Through writing, she transforms personal pain into connection, using creativity as a powerful outlet for healing and hope.
Name:
Melinda Russell
Branch of service:
Coast Guard and Army
About:
Medically retired Army Chaplain. I live in MT and have found a home here! Married over 29 years, 2 grown children. Animals are my passion! I am loving learning to play the guitar, love to read, have written and self-published a book about my experience in Iraq.
Website:
unvalidatedpain.weebly.com
Title of Piece:
The Amazing Life of a Service Dog
Medium of Piece:
Writing - free form "poem"
Piece:
Life of a Service Dog
Meaning behind piece:
I wrote this after I found out my service dog had brain cancer to honor her and what she had given me. I miss her every day and still dream about her. She gave me a life!
What inspires you to create art?:
My service dog, Willow.
What part of your life has benefited the most from your creative pursuits?:
Writing has helped me put down on paper and help out of my own heart pain that I have endured. It is a release.
Is it important for you to challenge yourself in your art? Tell us why or why not!:
YES! I challenge myself learning different guitar pieces, which provides a sense of peace. I challenge myself with writing to get each word PERFECT as a means of sharing my own experience and bringing the reader into that experience. It helps me connect with other people.
What is your process or ritual to get your creativity flowing?:
Life experience! And someone saying, you should write about... That's when I think there is some form of interest in my experience and there is something I have worth sharing. Then I just sit at the computer and it flows out onto the screen as I type.
What does CAVARTS mean to you?:
It has provided me support and hope in releasing my thoughts through music and words. I loved the music retreat that gave me motivation and encouragement to continue writing my book about "Living with a Wolf."
Our monthly theme for February is “Culinary Creativity”, but Melinda submitted this form in October when our theme was “Trick or Treat, CAVARTS is Sweet”. Here’s what Melinda had planned for the month:
Writing a chapter a week on my book, "Living with a Wolf" and learning more and more songs on the guitar in the classical style.
What words of inspiration do you have for your fellow CAVARTists?:
Use this platform and the services offered by CAVARTists to share you thoughts, your feelings, and your pain. We have all "been there" but only YOU can share it!!
