Guitars for Vets: Sturgis Special Edition!

 I did a lot today but this one deserves its own blog entry.  I had the absolute pleasure and humble honor to meet Krista and Joey Belladonna and talk about Guitars for Vets.

Who are these two?  Joey is the lead singer for the band Anthrax.  Some of you may have heard of that group!  Krista is his wonderful wife and driving force behind Guitars for Vets.  The program is designed to help veterans with PTSD by bringing them out of their isolation and teaching them to play the guitar.  The comradery of learning together along with the solace of finding meaning in music are juxtaposed and yet they make perfect sense,  Inner peace can be found, even in the most troubling times. The joy of music can heal. To date, Guitars for Vets has provided over 40,000 free lessons to veterans!  When they complete the ten private lessons, the veterans are given, free of charge, an acoustic guitar and all the essentials, so they can continue their journey of healing and finding peace. It's a positive and rewarding step in the right direction.  As long as you are moving forward, you are making progress! Right now, over 4,000 guitars have been given out.

As I talked to Krista and Joey, I will say that I was drawn in by their deep desire to help veterans with PTSD.  As Krista told me about her family ties to veterans she said it with pride and it showed.  She became so emotional as we shared our stories.  As I looked into Joey's eyes while we were discussing peace, strength, and healing, it was a pretty powerful moment for all of us. We realized that we understood each other and our desire to help others. He is such a gentle soul and you can read that, especially when we were passionately talking about helping veterans with PTSD.  They truly want to help and it isn't about them.  That comes across clearly.  They want to help and they have an avenue to do that.  As I said when we were talking, if it works for even one person, then it is a success.

Krista and Joey, you touched my heart today; you touched my soul.  I wish you much success and will do all I can to help you in your efforts to help our nation's warriors.  I didn't know what to expect when I heard we were meeting, but I am grateful for the opportunity to know you.

Guitars for Vets has over 110 chapters in over 40 states.  I encourage you to check out their website, Guitars4vets.org .  You just might be interested for yourself, a friend, or even be able to volunteer to help others find the peace they seek.

Joey and Krista - Wonderful People!