Bridgehampton Museum Opens Veterans Voices Exhibit Nov. 13

The Bridgehampton Museum will host East End Veterans Voices from Nov. 13 to Dec. 20. The exhibition runs at the museum’s Nathaniel Rogers House, located at 2539 Montauk Highway in Bridgehampton.

USA Warrior Stories co-founders Matt Hindra and Nick Kraus present the show. The organization has spent nearly a decade documenting military service through short documentaries, interviews, and personal keepsakes. The project specifically features artwork created by veterans to process their service and manage conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder.

The display includes original pieces by four local artists. John Melillo, a disabled Vietnam War veteran, uses painting to manage his PTSD. Lisha Terry, a Coast Guard and Air Force veteran based in Westhampton Beach, also paints. Angelique Williams, a former Navy yeoman, uses art to find calm, and her service dog Buddy is part of her story. Carrie-Anne Gonzalez, a former Navy photographer, explores memory through visual storytelling.

The museum will also exhibit photographs and memorabilia from seven local veterans. Arthur Muller served in the Navy from 1942 to 1945 on a patrol torpedo boat in the Pacific. After the war, he settled in Water Mill with his wife Irene and served as postmaster for 30 years. His amateur photographs from his service are included in the show.

John Fenech served in the Coast Guard from 1984 to 1989. He was stationed at Shinnecock in Hampton Bays and later served aboard the USCG Cutter Dallas. That vessel acted as the on-scene commander for the Space Shuttle Challenger recovery mission in 1986. Francis Gabreski, a career pilot in World War II and the Korean War, commanded the 52nd Fighter-Interceptor Wing at Suffolk County Air Force Base from 1964 to 1967.

Ron Campsey, the longtime owner of the New Moon Cafe in East Quogue, enlisted in the Army following his father’s service. He joined the 1st Infantry Division in Vietnam in July 1967. George Drago and Joe Giannini also have items on display.

An opening reception is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 13, from 5 to 8 p.m. The exhibition offers local veterans a chance to have their stories recorded for future generations. Veterans, families, and community members are welcome to attend.