Former U.S. Army Green Beret Ryan Stovall will read from his first book, Black Snowflakes Smothering A Torch, at an October 4 event sponsored by BC’s Veteran Programs and Services. Stovall’s collection of poetry explores his service and return to civilian life and serves as a primer for facilitating dialogue between those who have experience with war and those who do not. The event will take place in the Heights Room at Corcoran Commons beginning at 5 p.m. Stovall—who was awarded two decorations for valor and two Purple Hearts—will talk about how soldiers, veterans, and those without military experience can better communicate with each other. An audience Q&A will follow. Stovall’s appearance is part of the “BC Battle Buddies” initiative that Assistant Director for Veteran Programs & Services Mike Lorenz said seeks to bridge the “conversation gap” between veterans and non-veterans and create a more military-inclusive environment on campus. According to Lorenz, there are approximately 170 student veterans and more than 80 employees who served in the armed forces at BC.