ASU’s Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement Presents ‘A Piece of My Heart’ to Honor Veterans During Annual Salute to Service Celebration
(TEMPE, Ariz. – Oct. 16, 2026) – Arizona State University’s Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement, part of the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, will honor the courage, sacrifice and resilience of women who served during the Vietnam War with four days of performances of “A Piece of My Heart,” Nov. 5 to 8 at the Empty Space Theater in ASU’s Performing and Media Arts building in Tempe, located at 970 E. University Dr. in Tempe.
The production is being presented in conjunction with ASU’s annual Salute to Service celebration, taking place Nov. 6 to 16, which recognizes first responders, veterans, active-duty military members and their families while creating opportunities for the ASU community to learn more about their experiences.
“A Piece of My Heart” tells the story of six young women who travel to Vietnam during the war, including five nurses and a country western singer sent overseas to entertain American troops. Moving between their lives before Vietnam, their experiences in the war-torn nation and the challenges they face after returning home, the drama explores the lasting impact of war through perspectives that have often received less attention than those of the men who served.
“These women were serving and sacrificing alongside thousands of others during one of the most difficult periods in our nation’s history, yet their experiences are not always part of the stories we hear about the Vietnam War,” said Wanda Wright, director of ASU’s Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement. “Presenting ‘A Piece of My Heart’ gives us an opportunity to honor their service while helping audiences better understand what they experienced both overseas and when they returned home.”
Each of the women in the play bring distinct backgrounds. Martha is disciplined and composed with a strong military bearing, while MaryJo is a gregarious Texas musician sent to entertain the troops. Sissy brings warmth and optimism, Whitney arrives from Vassar with a more reserved demeanor, Leeann is tough and determined, and Steele is intelligent, outgoing and career oriented. A seventh performer portrays the various American men who move through their stories.
As the production progresses, the women confront the realities of war, serious injury and death as well as the emotional consequences that continue long after Vietnam. The story ultimately brings them to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., where each leaves a personal token at the wall.
Originally premiering in New York at Manhattan Theatre Club, “A Piece of My Heart” offers audiences an intimate look at military service through the experiences of women while providing a fitting addition to ASU’s annual commemoration of those who have served.
General admission is $10, and student admission is $5. Performances will take place Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 6 at 7 p.m.; Nov. 7 at noon and 7 p.m.; and Nov. 8 at 2 p.m.
The production contains depictions of war, serious injury and death; racial slurs; alcoholism; discussion of suicidal thoughts; and coarse language.
For more information, visit https://na.eventscloud.com/salutetoserviceplay.
About the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts
The College of Integrative Sciences and Arts at ASU offers integrative, applied and career-connected learning, preparing graduates for careers across the sciences, humanities, social sciences and veteran initiatives. The curriculum, offered on campus and online, integrates undergraduate research opportunities, community engagement, and connections to local, growing industries via internships, lab work, field-based projects and virtual reality. The college’s career-connected learning opportunities result in 90% of students being hired within 90 days of graduating. The College of Integrative Sciences and Arts’ mission is grounded in academic excellence and accessibility and aligns with ASU’s Charter — measured by whom it includes and how they succeed. More at cisa.asu.edu.
About ASU’s Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement
The Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement, part of the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts, advances the academic and professional success of military-connected students through innovative research, career-connected learning and community partnerships while strengthening understanding, awareness and dialogue across military, civilian and academic communities. More at vetengagement.asu.edu.
