Harmonizing Hope with the New Directions Veterans Choir

The choir is comprised of four core members: Navy Veteran Carleton Griffin, Marine Corps Veteran George Hill, VA Nurse Michelle Mayne, and Army Veteran Danny Tucker, representing the diverse spectrum of military branches. This a cappella ensemble primarily consists of formerly homeless Veterans and VA employees. Their repertoire showcases a harmonious blend of doo-wop, soulful melodies, traditional gospel, and contemporary hits. 

Hill, New Directions for Veterans (NDVets) alumnus and choir director, launched the choir in 2000 - just 34 days after becoming a resident of NDVets, a transitional housing program located on the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center campus. Hill said he was encouraged by NDVets’ co-founder John Keaveney to show that recovery is all-encompassing, and that mind, body, spirit, and community need to be included. 

“My goal has been to reach those who are suffering so they know they are not alone,” said Hill.   

Television as a Platform for Veterans 

After much time and practice came great success for the choir. In 2004, the choir was chosen for an episode of a reality TV series called “Second Look” where each episode follows three people overcoming adversity to better their lives. In 2013, the choir auditioned for the television show “America’s Got Talent,” a reality series where undiscovered talent appears before celebrity judges who decide which contestants move on in the competition each week. 

While on the show, their story and mission touched the judges' hearts, leading to unanimous 'yeses' that propelled them through two rounds of auditions.  

“You are inspirational. We can’t thank you enough, number one, for the service you’ve given our country because without your service we wouldn’t be here to do this,” judge Howie Mandel said. 

Their performances, including a notable appearance in 2016 during the 127th Rose Parade, resonated deeply with viewers, capturing the attention of military officials and fostering connections with Veterans who have undergone the challenges of drug and alcohol use, homelessness, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

“George really got the attention of Veterans when he spoke on the 'America’s Got Talent' stage, and, because of that, Veterans always want to talk to George after our shows. They want to share their struggles,” Mayne said. 

On stage, Hill strongly stated that he wanted all Veterans and active-duty personnel to know that it is acceptable for a warrior to seek help and because of the success of the choir he actively continues to spread his message. 

Expanding Horizons: From Obscurity to Recognition

Before their breakthrough on “America’s Got Talent," the choir had been charting their path independently. The turning point materialized with the guidance of producer Morgan Ames, whose musical expertise transformed the ensemble from amateurs to professionals. 

Ames introduced them to agent and manager Ed Keane who quickly recognized their talent. 

Coming from a family with a military background Keane was impressed by their sacrifice and resilience amid adversity. He found himself captivated by the choir’s story and decided to represent them. 

“When I work with someone I need to feel moved emotionally and they certainly moved me,” said Keane. “Their melodies reach the heart and speak to the soul of the community.”

Mayne, who has worked as a nurse manager at the West LA VA Medical Center and later became a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) nurse at Los Angeles Ambulatory Care Center (LAACC), expressed that the choir members have been like family to her. 

"Most of the time the choir is laughing, cracking up, and having a good time,” said Mayne. "It's been wonderful to help others and see the transformation when Veterans actively choose to change."

Griffin, a NDVets alumnus, said he is blessed that the choir found him because now he has a chance to give back to Veterans.

“Someone heard me singing in the stairwell of New Directions and said, ‘You're going to sing with the choir …,’ and I’ve been singing with the choir ever since,” said Griffin. 

Griffin, once homeless for over 25 years, said he walked 27 miles to West LA VA for aid. That’s when he planted the seed for a home and a new life at VA. Eventually, he became a VA employee and addiction therapist. Griffin has used his adversities to help many Veterans who come to the Domiciliary (DOM), a Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program.

Many of the DOM residents and VA staff comment and playfully joke about how they saw him on television and read about him in the news.

“The experience has been crazy, I'm just grateful to be a part of their journey. Veterans can identify with our stories, and hopefully, it motivates and inspires them to do better," said Griffin.

One of their recent events was at SoFi Stadium for the Los Angeles Bowl game, where they sang “The Star-Spangled Banner” alongside former NFL tight end Rob Gronkowski on Dec. 16, 2023. 

In 2024, the choir’s mission of helping Veterans endures, as they book events regularly reaffirming that through their voices, they can inspire change and provide hope on the journey of Veterans.4

Click here to listen to the melodies of the New Directions for Veterans Choir YouTube.