"I never thought my words or poetry were worth anything. After I started with G4V I was able to find a whole new dimension to my life that I never imagined was there. Thank you, Guitarist for Vets, for giving me another reason to keep trying, to keep being a better me, thank you." Michael Widmer, Marine, Artist
Guitars For Vets, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that enhances the lives of ailing and injured military Veterans by providing them with guitars and music instruction. Through self-expression and the healing power of music, it is our intent to restore the feelings of joy and purpose that can be lost after suffering trauma.
Guitars For Vets (G4V) provides six free private lessons and a new acoustic guitar to military Veterans at VA medical and community-based Vet centers. All veterans are referred to us by the VA medical team in order to integrate the Guitars For Vets program into their treatment regimen. The private lessons are taught by volunteer instructors and are then followed by group sessions that provide a forum for the veterans to talk and play music with like-minded individuals, many of whom have had the same experiences, emotions and traumas. The music sessions provide a communal atmosphere. This has proven to be a catalyst that helps the Vets continue on their road to recovery and well being.
Upon graduation, each Vet in the program is presented a guitar, gig bag, strap, tuner, method book and a certificate of completion. The testimonials throughout the website capture what it has meant to some of the Vets participating in our program.
"Stopping drinking saved my life, playing guitar keeps me sober."
- Danny Roberts, G4V Graduate
Their primary focus is the healing power of music and helping our veterans. Whether we agree or disagree with the decision to go to war, one thing is for certain there are men and women who bravely fight for and honorably represent our country. As a consequence of war, many of our soldiers come home with physical and emotional injuries. They need our help. Read the story below and you'll have a better understanding of their mission and why they do it.
The young marine had recently returned home from the hospital after recovering from extensive physical injuries, a result of a rocket attack in Iraq that took the lives of eight of his closest friends while he and one other were sole survivors. He sat in my office expressionless and unemotional as he tried to find the words to describe his pain. He could manage only to tell of his rage-filled tirades, as if justified and understandable, yet was silent and alone with his grief.
Throughout his treatment in the 6-week VAMC's Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) recovery program, many obstacles challenged him. He struggled to stay focused, yet the intrusive thoughts of his fallen comrades haunted him. He worked diligently on the writing assignments although the ringing in his ears from the rocket attacks and the resulting tinnitus were a constant physical reminder of the sights and sounds of the war zone. The effects of the traumatic brain injury and the anxiety he was trying to control kept him in a chokehold.
It wasn't until the day he picked up a guitar, on a break from the regular classes, that he was able to begin to shed some of the pain and express the feelings he had kept so tightly in his chest. That day he bonded for the first time with the older men in the 6-week group who were survivors of another war in another time. Although their battles were waged in the jungle, rather than the desert, they listened as he sang of his blues and amplified the sting of his pain. The music reached all of them and offered a voice that had not yet been heard. Music bridges all generations. Your support of this mission will bring joy and peace to many Vets. ~ Thanks to Dr. Dona Zanotti of the Oklahoma City VAMC for this story contribution.
Well, we hope to see you on our Squidoo page. Don't forget to buy something and help the patriotic people at Guitars For Vets. Thanks.
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