June 27 marks Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day. June also marks the 10-year anniversary of Guitars for Vets — a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free guitars and lessons to Veterans struggling with physical injuries, PTSD, and other emotional distress. To help the nonprofit continue its mission and bring awareness to the cause, Reverb.com is donating 100 percent of proceeds from Reverb guitar tuners sold between June 20 and June 27 to Guitars for Vets.
Reverb is proud to have supported G4V over the years through accessory donations, the Guitars for Vets Reverb Shop, and more. This month, the goal is to raise $10,000 to put 50 additional vets through the program.
Check out the Guitars for Vets Reverb Shop or show your support by purchasing a $5 tuner.
About Guitars for Vets
In 2007, Milwaukee guitar instructor Patrick Nettesheim was introduced to Vietnam-era Marine, Dan Van Buskirk. For years, Dan wanted to learn to play guitar but felt the lasting effects of combat, in the form of PTSD, would make it difficult for him to succeed. After only a few months of working with Patrick, Dan discovered that the strong spirit that helped him throughout his time in Vietnam was all he needed to play music. Together, the men realized that guitar lessons were both opportunities for self-expression and positive human interaction. Dan and Patrick shared what they learned with Veterans at The Clement J. Zablocki VA Medical Center in Milwaukee and Guitars for Vets was born. Guitars for Vets is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
Over the past ten years, Guitars for Vets has cultivated a guitar instruction program that pairs weekly, individualized guitar lessons with monthly group sessions that provide positive human interaction and a communal atmosphere in which vets can play music and talk with peers who have shared similar experiences. Upon graduation from the course, G4V provides vets with a new acoustic guitar and guitar accessories. Some graduates and group session attendees even go on to perform at local fundraisers and teach guitar lessons through their G4V chapter.
Guitars for Vets currently operates 65 chapters in 35 states. To stay up to date with G4V, click here.
Click here to learn more about the program.