Veterans with Guitars Programs Marks 10-Year Anniversary at Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center

Veterans of the LAJVAMC are finding benefits beyond healthcare with programs like Veterans with Guitars . Veterans participating in this Whole Health program are using music to heal. The idea of Veterans with Guitars  was started at the Clarksburg VA by a Veteran who participated in a similar program in Salem, Virginia. The Veteran later expressed the idea to Clarksburg VA Recreational Therapist, Michael Andrew, who became an instructor starting April 1, 2015, with two female Veterans in the beginning. By word of mouth and positive outcomes, a total of 609 members have completed the program to date.  The length of the program consists of 15 weeks in learning how to read music and to incorporate it into playing an instrument.  

Veterans with Guitars  is a program meant to provide new skills, leisure, and a support system for Veterans. Veterans even have a chance to advance after completing the beginner's group into an advanced group playing at community events and various locations around North Central West Virginia. Veterans with Guitars currently has eleven instructors assisting with the program, volunteering two hours minimum a week in developing these new skills for Veterans. Per Michael, the program coordination, additional instructors are needed to keep up with the demand of the program. 

Any Veteran interested in joining the program and benefitting from peace and unity through music should speak to any of their providers to relay interest in becoming a part of the community. The provider will then place a referral to the program. If you are interested in volunteering as an instructor or donating to the program, please contact VA’s Center for Development and Civic Engagement at (304)623-7621.