Rhodesian COIN (consolidated thread, inc original RLI)

[JMA]

Proud bear the news that one of our veterans is assisting "hurt" US veterans through the American Red Cross.

Art From the Heart

In August, American Red Cross Fort Bragg will be working with Artist Craig Bone and the Army Wounded Warrior Career Program, Warrior Transition Brigade and the Wounded Warrior FRG to identify 12 artistic Wounded Warrior soldiers who are transitioning to civilian life and are interested in pursuing painting or art as a new career. The 12 soldiers who are chosen for the project will get to work with Craig Bone, a well known and respected painter and former Rhodesian Light Infantry soldier, to foster their creative abilities before returning to civilian life. By beginning this process before going into the civilian sector, it will create a stable goal that the service member can hold onto once reentering the civilian world. Each member will work with Craig Bone to create a piece of art and develop the inspiration or the back story to go along with it.

At the end of the project, each member will get the opportunity to have their piece, as well as their back story, published in a book. Each soldier choosing to be published will retain 100% rights to their painting and story, as well as, receive any proceeds they may earn from the sales of the book. Members of the program who do not choose to publish their work will still retain all rights to their work and any other work they do in the course.

For the duration of the project, Craig Bone will relocate to Ft. Bragg in order to be closer to his students. The program is anticipated to take place from August-October.

The project will kick off with an official Open House at the main Red Cross office on Ft. Bragg. This will give the community an opportunity to become aware of the project, meet the artist, and gain information about other valuable Red Cross resources available. As a closure to the project, the Red Cross will host another open house to do a final exhibition of the art created during the course.

All supplies and space will be donated by the Red Cross.

I served with Craig although he was in (Lt) Roddy Smith's Troop when seriously wounded by a mortar attack whilst on operations in Mozambique. Here is a bio of Craig:

Craig Bone was born in Salisbury, Rhodesia in 1955. He studied Graphic Art at Natal University in South Africa.
In 1973 Craig returned to Rhodesia to perform his National Service in the Rhodesian Light Infantry. During this time he painted vivid scenes of combat and was totally immersed in the war. Craig was severely wounded by a mortar attack, which almost cost him his legs and his life, subsequently his focus turned to painting full time.

Craig has since devoted his time, energy and skills to helping various organizations and charities.

Craig’s strong sense of community spirit and his passion for the military has encouraged him to support veteran programs throughout the United States and in Zimbabwe. Most recently, Craig has raised over $100,000 for the Safari Club International Veterans Committee which supports soldiers from Vietnam, Afghanistan, and Iraqi battlefields who have been wounded during active duty. His painting, entitled “Earth, Wind and Fire,” is a depiction of the reality of the Vietnam War and honors the sacrifice of American soldiers. This work of art presently hangs in the Pentagon. Craig is currently working on similar projects connected to the Iraq and Afghanistan War.

Craig has been awarded the Safari Club Medal of Valor for his consistent support and dedication to
the Veteran’s Committee, and in 2003, Craig was also awarded the Safari Club International Wildlife Artist of the year. Due to his obvious passion and support of veteran programs, Craig was honored to participate in the official opening of Fort Bragg’s Airborne and Special Operations Museum in North Carolina. Within his own community, Craig has volunteered his time to the Cancer center Health park of Fort Myers, Florida.

Recently, Craig was approached and commissioned to paint a portrait of the Zulu King, Goodwill
Zwelithini KaBhekuzulu, the reigning king of Zululand.

I believe this painting may be the one referred to:

Earth, Wind and Fire



and another one...

Hill 65, 8th Of November, 1965
Sacrifice and Valor