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Veterans benefit from rock band's donation

Rock Band 3 Doors Down holds $15,000 donation check with Veterans and staff members outside horse stable.
By Hannah McDuffie, Public Affairs Officer

The horseback riding program at Tennessee Valley Healthcare System and Middle Tennessee State University is rocking on after receiving a second $15,000 donation from 3 Doors Down.

The rock band’s philanthropy, called The Better Life Foundation, donated $15,000 to the Center of Equine Recovery for Veterans (CERV) in April to support the therapeutic work the program provides to Veterans.

CERV is a horseback riding program for disabled Veterans who are maintaining or improving their physiological functions. Created in 2013, CERV is a partnership between MTSU Horse Science Center and Tennessee Valley’s Veterans Recovery Center.

“This donation goes directly to the Horse Science Center at MTSU and helps us get the necessary adaptive equipment Veterans need to safely ride a horse,” said Sarah Howard, TVHS recreational therapist.

Recreational therapy is a tailored health service that helps disabled Veterans maintain or improve various physical abilities. The service uses different recreational approaches such horseback riding, music therapy, golfing, creative arts and more.

“Our goal is to weave the concept of healthy living into treatment to improve functioning and enhance independence,” said Howard. “Not only do we see Veterans improve their physical functions, but we see a lot of Veterans heal emotionally and mentally through recreational therapy.”

Lead singer of 3 Doors Down Brad Arnold and his wife Jen stopped at the MTSU campus to personally deliver the check to the program staff and Veterans. The group exchanged stories of how healing was made possible through horseback riding and other recreational therapy services.

3 Doors Down established The Better Life Foundation in March 2004 with the mission to make a positive change in the lives of children and young adults. The charity has donated more than $3 million to children and community charities.

Veterans interested in recreational therapy or the Veterans Recovery Center at TVHS should talk with their provider about a referral.