Local Veteran, 8-time national winner uses music to heal and inspire

Now an eight-time national gold medalist, the Avon, Mass., resident uses his talent not only to perform, but to connect with fellow Veterans and inspire others to explore creative expression as a path to recovery. His story is a powerful reminder of how the arts can rebuild confidence, spark connection and transform lives.

“I’ve been a musician since just before I went into the Air Force. I started playing guitar around that time,” said Ramage. “In 2007, I was having some difficulties, so I went up to Bedford [VA] to go through some of the programs. I spent four months in the domiciliary, and at that point, I met a bunch of other musicians.”

While there, Ramage and some new friends teamed up to start a band and put on a concert in the auditorium at the hospital. Ramage explained, “The staff in the hospital were great, giving us time to use the theater. That’s how I got involved with the Creative Arts -- a rec therapist and a gentleman in OT who was a drummer, and a music guy helped us out.”

Soon after, Ramage and his friends began submitting to the National Veterans Creative Arts Competition. By 2011, Ramage earned his first national gold medal and was invited to perform at the national show in Fayetteville, Ark.

For Ramage, the festival has been an unforgettable experience, both musically and emotionally. The bonds formed while connecting with other Veteran artists creates a powerful and transformative week.

“The way they run it and treat you, I can’t say enough about the program. It’s incredible.”

Ramage continued to make nationals until 2017, when he stepped away to focus on other priorities. After a hiatus, he returned in 2025 and won again.

This year, Ramage submitted a cover song that’s long held personal meaning to him. He noted that there are numerous categories to choose from, including original compositions. Veterans can enter in multiple divisions across genres such as rock, pop, country, bluegrass, patriotic, inspirational, instrumental, and group performances, which gives participants plenty of ways to find a piece that resonates.

“The song this year is just one I’ve always loved. I felt comfortable performing it with my guitar and my vocal range. It’s an incredible song that says so many things that I hold true.”

“When I got to perform my song, I just really felt good. The show director created a backtrack and included the chorus. It was the closing number of the show, and I was very thankful and happy with the way it came out.”

“I recently retired, so I’ve been thinking about what I’m going to enter for next year. I have a couple of ideas and want to do some collaborations.”

He also has ideas for a workshop at next year’s festival, “I was thinking about possibly volunteering to do a little guitar introduction workshop if someone is interested in learning some chords. I can’t teach them how to play guitar fully, but I can get a guitar in their hands and teach them some chords they can enjoy for the rest of their life.”

If you were to pull one common thread through Ramage’s experience, it’s that he always looks to bring others with him. That’s very much in line with the collective ethos of Veterans—to look out for each other and never leave someone behind.

“I always want to share opportunities and help fellow Veterans get involved and experience the same camaraderie and support that I have.”