How can I help the Veterans? How can I say thank you for your service and my freedom?
Approximately 22 veterans commit suicide every day.
That’s over 8,000 heroes every year. Many say the number is higher. Who wants to admit their son, brother, father, mother, daughter, and sister took their own life? Not me.
We learn about war through movies and television. I wanted to learn more so I traveled to many places of war, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, Okinawa in Japan, Middle East, Cambodia, all over Vietnam, the River Kwai in Thailand and if you ever saw Saving Private Ryan, Normandy Beach in France. While I myself have never experienced combat, I can tell you from my travels and conversations with men and women who have, it’s nothing like what you see on screen.
Movies about war come and go. Many are based on true stories. One movie, rarely seen, is the true story of veterans who come home to struggle with day-to-day living. These are men and women who live in your town and cities. They may be your neighbors. They sit at home and often self-medicate to dull their memories of war. I have met a few of these veterans and it haunts me every day. PTSD is a real thing that affects thousands of people worldwide.
I see a veteran in a dark room and reaching for a bottle or pills to dull the pain. And I thought, what if, instead of reaching for the bottle, they reach for a guitar? Music is Therapy. When I feel sad, angry, depressed, or lonely, my guitar helps me. I can express and release my feelings. When I am mad, I can thump out some Rock & Roll. When I am sad, I can gently stroke the strings. The magic of music is found by feelings and emotions and that is what Veterans Get Guitars Program is all about.
In February 2016, My wife and I drove to Key Largo, Florida and gave away free guitars and lessons to the veterans. It was a huge success! Our intent was to give their minds an escape from thoughts of war and have a weekly gathering of music and support. I found that the guitar was like a catalyst. Talking, joking, and laughing was the result. We met every Wednesday and we helped create a comfortable atmosphere. The energy we feel when veterans get together and talk about their experiences is incredible. The veterans continue to meet each week and I felt great. Almost…
Sometimes I wish I served in the military. But I did not. For this I feel both relief and regret. This is my way of service to our brothers and sisters. If you served in the military, thank you. Thank you for my freedom. If you did not serve, here is your opportunity.I know you love your freedom as I do. Help me say “thank you” to the ones that gave so much.
We are asking for your support. Our goal is to raise enough money to cover the cost of guitars. 100% of the proceeds will go toward this program. We will appreciate every contribution that is donated. We will continue to give as many guitars and guitar lessons to veterans as possible. Perhaps they will heal mentally and come back to live a healthy life.
Thank you again for your time and support.
Sean T Hannan
God Bless America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave.