Veterans Affairs Volunteer and Forest Family member Kathleen grew up intertwined in a military family, and has dedicated her focus to working with VA, and improving life in the United States for returning military veterans.

“My primary focus, and life goal, is to work with the VA. Growing up, military life was all I knew. I was born on a military base in Maine, where my family lived for years. My father was highly ranked in the US Navy and was often deployed. Unfortunately, when I was 9 years old my father died while on deployment. Being a dependent of my father, I’ve been familiar with the VA since 2001. The VA has contributed greatly to my education, and has awarded me numerous scholarships. To be honest, without the VA my life would be completely different.

Since becoming familiar with the VA, I have participated in numerous fundraisers for disabled veterans and volunteered at the VA office in Detroit as a way to express gratitude. Throughout my time spent at the VA hospital I couldn’t help but notice reoccurring problems past, and present, military personnel are experiencing on a day to day basis. I strongly believe all military personnel should receive premium health care and mental health services should be covered. I believe homelessness amongst the military population should be nonexistent, and I wish to bring the current negligence the military population is experiencing to light. Starting in September, I will begin my PhD journey in Social Psychology and Public Health. I aim to work with VA and help members of the military re-adapt to civilian life when returning from deployment. In addition, I’m interested in helping military families adjust to deployment life.” – Kathleen

In celebration of her dedication to the VA, Kathleen wishes for her favorite artist The Glitch Mob to play an official 6 In The Forest set. To applaud her positive impact, Electric Forest is proud to announce that The Glitch Mob will be playing exclusive 6 In The Forest Loyalty Party sets during Both Weekends of Electric Forest 2018, and Kathleen and her crew will be living the Good Life!

“I created this wish for many reasons. I picked The Glitch Mob because they are my muse. Everyone has ‘their artist’, and they are mine. I struggled with depression and accurately expressing my emotions throughout my adolescent years. I had a lot of harbored anger and sadness that I never talked about. The first time I remember feeling like things would be okay, like life would be okay, was when I listened to The Glitch Mob’s 2010 album, Drink the Sea. As cliche as that sounds, that album saved me. I played it in my earbuds day in and day out. Music is so incredible in the sense that it effortlessly speaks to the soul. For whatever reason, that album spoke to mine and allowed me to purely feel all the emotions I’ve suppressed over the years. The last time the Glitch Mob came to Michigan was ironically on my birthday, October 22, 2014.

I wished for a Glitch Mob Six In The Forest set, because I felt it was specific enough to target the most dedicated forest goers and give others the opportunity to express their appreciation. After all, it would be selfish to ask only for myself. To me, this is more than just an opportunity for fan appreciation. Electric Forest begins the day after I graduate with my Masters Degree, and it would be an absolute dream come true to personally tell The Glitch Mob “thank you” for helping me get there.” – Kathleen

MORE INFORMATION ON THE 6 IN THE FOREST PARTY FEATURING THE GLITCH MOB WILL BE COMING SHORTLY. STAY TUNED…

For more information on 6 In The Forest and all the Loyalty Programs, click here.

THE ELECTRIC FOREST WISH MACHINE

The Wish Machine sparked inspiration from across the globe. From local communities in Michigan to as far as Tanzania and Cambodia, the Forest Family considered what they could do – for individuals, neighborhoods, communities, and societies – to help make the world a better place. Pledges included raising money and awareness for mental health, rare diseases, and sustainable efforts; donating clothing, personal items, and funds to charity drives and disaster clean-up efforts; volunteering time and resources to local humane societies, hospitals, and homeless shelters; and so much more.

The Wish Machine challenged the Forest Family to venture out into the world and spread positive action and good deeds. Now it’s time for The Forest to reward the most amazing, world-changing, and awe-inspiring acts of kindness.

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