TAMPA, Fla. — Veterans who are struggling as they transition back to civilian life are finding support in a group offered at the Straz Center.

“It’s camaraderie and fellowship merging veterans and civilians together to alleviate stress and anxiety,” said Co-Director of Veteran Civilian Arts Ensemble John Parks.

Theo Rooding is a participant. He plays guitar with the group. Rooding says he finds comfort in music.

“It’s really been a calming presence for me,” said Rooding.

Searching for calm, Rooding says he’s felt a disconnect since leaving the military in 2018.

“When I left the service, I kind of lost my identity along with that,” said Rooding.

The Army veteran now battles health problems.

“Best I can tell you, it was some sort of toxin exposure,” he said.

Rooding said music helps him cope.

“I’m confined to braces or a chair and even when it gets bad, I’m reaching for my guitar,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s good, if it’s bad — the artistic expression helps me sit with it, to deal with it, to accept it and it lets me get through another day.”

Artistic expression is exactly what the Veteran Civilian Arts Ensemble encourages.

The program, offered by the Straz, was designed to bring veterans and civilians together. It provides a safe space for support for former military members to enrich their well-being while transitioning back into civilian life.

“A lot of shared experience, a lot of us sharing what we’re dealing with and finding out that we’re not alone,” said Rooding.

Together, the group rehearses for its upcoming showcase. The production includes music, painting, singing and dancing.

Participation brings Rooding a sense of peace.

“I really felt lost, and I had no more purpose in my life, to find some sort of connection and direction and a way to find meaning again in a way that I couldn’t have imagined before. It makes my heart smile.”

Connecting with music there, Rooding said, is helping him reconnect with humanity.

A free Veteran Civilian Arts Ensemble Showcase will take place on Saturday, May 27 at 6 p.m. at the Straz Riverwalk Stage.