STOCKTON -- Telling the stories of veterans who fought in conflicts spanning more than two centuries, “The American Soldier” brings a powerful message to Delta College on May 2 and May 3.

The play is based on letters written by those who fought in conflicts from the Revolutionary War all the way through the modern wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Actor Douglas Taurel plays all of those roles in the solo show.

“The American Soldier” comes to Delta in advance of the Vietnam Moving Wall display at the Weber Point Events Center in downtown Stockton from June 20-24.

“We want to bring awareness to the sacrifices of our veterans throughout the history of our country,” said John Ervin, manager of the Veterans Resource Center at Delta College. “’The American Soldier’ gives a birds-eye view into all of the trials and tribulations that come with combat.”

The show will take place at 7 p.m. May 2 and May 3 at Atherton Auditorium. It is free and open to the general public. Tickets are not required.

The event was made possible by the Delta College Veterans Resource Center, the United Veterans Council and by Kevin Dobson, an actor and veterans representative on the Screen Actors Guild.

On his website, Taurel describes the value of the play:

“The show strives to help us understand how and why it is so difficult for men and women in the armed services to re-enter our pedestrian life when they come home,” he wrote. “It honors and exposes their flaws, their scars, their families and spirits with darkness and humor.”

###