Glenn Towrey has never encountered a challenge that couldn’t be overcome. When he learned that his fellow veterans were taking their own lives at an alarming number, he knew he had to do something. So he started the Veteran Suicide Prevention Channel, where veterans could sign on to hopefully experience their own peace, and find healing through the arts.

An actor and filmmaker at heart and a painter of clocks for fun, Glenn has lived a full creative life. Upon his return from Vietnam, he carried his share of the burdens of that conflict and sought solace through his art. Painting clocks helped him find his way home.

In 2019, he had a dream to create the Austin Veteran Arts Festival, AVAFEST; building upon his work with the Veterans Suicide Prevention Channel and dedicated to supporting a veteran’s transition through engagement in visual art, theater, dance, music, filmmaking, and comedy. Much beyond a celebration of Veterans and their creative spirit as well as their strong sense of mission, the

festival promotes mental well-being, fosters connectivity, tolerance, and love, and aims to alleviate emotional struggles within the personal, and larger veteran community.

A decorated Vietnam combat veteran turned artist and filmmaker, Glenn exemplifies resilience and a lifelong commitment to service. His influence as an artist and leader has created lasting change, modeling the power of the arts to unite, uplift, and transform. His legacy is one of continuing the mission through compassionate leadership and positive human impact – qualities that make Glenn Towrey the recipient of the 2026 Creative Veteran Service Award.