TROY – The force of music can be healing powerful, and empowering. In fact, the Guitars for Vets program with a recently established Troy Chapter, is hoping to bring veterans together with music, support, and social connection.

“Music can influence the brain and brain development,” said Steve Wright, coordinator of the Guitars for Vets program chapter in Troy. “It can positively impact mental health by reducing stress and anxiety and provide a distraction from trauma or negative emotions. Music can perhaps help with a traumatic brain injury, memory loss, dementia, or age-related effects. It’s a creative outlet, it builds confidence and positive emotions, and a sense of accomplishment. It’s really just good for the mind, body and soul.

Last year, Wright decided he wanted to make a difference by blending his passion for guitar and his desire to help veterans. For 35 years, Wright worked in the defense industry and he has always been passionate about the defense of men and women serving and the sacrifices each of them makes to protect the freedoms that exist in the United States.

“They’re the most dedicated, bravest, passionate people that you can meet,” he said.

Initially, Wright was not sure how he could combine music with supporting veterans until he conducted a web search with “helping veterans with guitars.” The search generated results for Guitars for Vets and soon after, the Troy chapter formed. Any veteran inside and outside of Lincoln County can sign up and no guitar is needed, just a willingness and commitment to learn.

Other qualifications include proof of DD214, being able to benefit from the program with a service-connected disability via a VA card or award letter or a professional referral and a genuine willingness to learn. It is also ideal to be a beginner guitar player. The Guitar for Vets program is 10 weeks long with weekly 60-90 minute sessions and a schedule set up between teacher and student. As a volunteer instructor, Wright has plenty of experience, about 40 years of playing guitar, including playing in bands and playing
recreationally. His teaching approach is simply teaching his students well and let them lead the way.

“The intent is to be able to play basic songs to start, but be armed with the tools needed to continue learning more complex techniques and songs in the future,” Wright said.

The first student to join was Randy Nelson, a 27-year veteran, who had picked up a guitar 10 years earlier. Nelson spent two years in combat zones in Iraq and Afghanistan, served in the 101st Airborne Division, and also dedicated several years to special operations.

“It’s way more than signing up for lessons at the music store,”
Nelson said of signing up for guitar lessons. “I saw it as a commitment to keep for our Veteran community. Be accountable and finish the job. 10 weeks of lessons with Steve in addition to daily practice was no joke but very rewarding.”

The weekly instruction includes the basics of the guitar, the practice of guitar posture, becoming familiar with the notes on the guitar, playing open and barre cords, reading chord diagrams and tablature, strum patterns, and some music theory.

“This program fit perfectly with my desire to always improve overall wellness,” he said.

Upon completing the 10 week program, there is a celebration and just like Nelson, each student gets a brand new guitar. But the guitar lessons are the end of the bond. Both men will stay in touch at least monthly and Nelson intends to further his guitar education. After his experience, Nelson paid it forward by donating to the Troy chapter of program, to help give another student the same rewarding experience he had.

“Like any military mission you give 100% — I didn’t want to disappoint Steve — he’s a very talented instructor and I greatly appreciate his time and camaraderie throughout,” Nelson said.

Program eligibility:

-A veteran with proof of DD214
-Likely to benefit from the program — with either a service-connected disability (VA ID card or Award Letter) or a referral from a professional
-Be ready and able to participate

Informational website:
https://guitars4vets.org

Troy chapter contact:
mo.troy@guitarsforvets.org

Donations can be made through through the following website:

https://secure.givelively.org/donate/guitars-for-vets/guitars-for-vets-troy-mo