I’m going to say this right up front to get it out of the way and avoid any discussions of current events that I have no desire to talk about: I support the military. I don’t care what your political affiliation is, whether or not you think the the President is doing a good job, how you feel about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, if you think Glenn Beck rocks or think Al Franken is the man; I don’t know and don’t want to know. Your opinion is yours, mine is mine, guitar is awesome. ‘Nuff said?

Take a look at the picture on the left and you’ll understand why I have the utmost respect for people who put their lives on the line to protect others; people they don’t even know. (I also feel this way about law enforcement, firefighters, EMT personnel, and teachers.) A lot of military and LEO come through my dojo doors and I consider it an honor to train with them.

Yesterday, I came across a news program on TV that featured an organization called Guitars for Vets. Their tag line is “The healing power of music in the hands of heroes.”

Back in 2007, founder Patrick Nettesheim had an epiphany about how playing guitar helped ease some of his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) which manifested itself as a result of his time in Vietnam. This led him to wonder if playing guitar could help with PTSD found in other soldiers.

It did.

I’ve written a lot about how music can inspire and keep you focused and motivated, but I don’t think I’ve really ever written about the true healing power of music. No matter how many words I could write on the subject, however, I could never do a better job than what Guitars for Vets are actually doing. As powerful as words can be, actions most certainly speak louder.

I strongly encourage you to see what Guitars for Vets and other organizations are doing, and hopefully you will be inspired to get up and do something. I know they accept donations of guitars to give to vets. Please consider helping however you can – even helping by simply spreading the word would do wonders.