Guitars for Vets Testimonial: How Music Healed My Wounds
Guitars for Vets gave me my life back. As a veteran battling PTSD and isolation, I never imagined an acoustic guitar could be my path to healing. This is my testimony — a firsthand account of how Guitars for Vets transformed my days of darkness into songs of hope. If you believe in this mission, please consider supporting through donations or bidding on guitars, with 100% of proceeds funding this life-saving work.
Before Guitars for Vets
When I left the military, I brought invisible wounds home with me. Every day felt heavy — anxiety, hyper-vigilance, and nightmares were my constant companions. I avoided crowded places and conversations. Counseling helped, but it only scratched the surface. I needed something more — something that could bypass the barriers in my mind.
Then, one afternoon at a VA office, I saw a flyer pinned to a bulletin board: “Healing Through Music – Guitars for Vets.” I paused, skeptical. I didn’t play an instrument. I didn’t think music could help. But deep down, I was willing to try anything that might help me feel human again.
You can listen to Nigels entire story of his journey as a marine and experiences with Guitars for Vets in this Youtube podcast
My First Lesson
I remember walking into my first session, nervous and unsure. My instructor greeted me with a smile and a brand new acoustic guitar. “This is yours now,” he said. That moment hit me hard. Someone was giving me a chance — not just a guitar, but a new beginning.
The first few sessions were slow. My hands fumbled across the strings. My strumming was shaky. But for the first time in years, my mind was still. I wasn’t stuck in the past or dreading the future. I was present, focused on the music.
With each chord I learned, my confidence grew. Music became my meditation. What started as lessons turned into therapy. I began to anticipate each session — and not just for the guitar. I found community among other veterans, all walking their own paths of healing.
What Guitars for Vets Gave Me
Guitars for Vets gave me more than an instrument. It gave me:
A Free Acoustic Guitar Kit: A new dreadnought guitar, padded gig bag, extra strings, tuner, picks, and more.
Ten Weeks of Individual Instruction: Tailored one-on-one lessons that met me where I was emotionally and musically.
A Supportive Community: Other veterans who understood what I was going through without explanation.
A Renewed Sense of Purpose: A reason to get out of bed, a place to belong, and a creative outlet for emotions I couldn’t express in words.
Each lesson opened me up emotionally. I found myself writing simple lyrics about my experiences — not just war stories, but moments of peace, gratitude, and connection.
A New Purpose
Six months after graduating from the program, I was invited to perform with other alumni at a local fundraiser. I stood in front of a small crowd, hands trembling, and played the first song I’d ever written. As I finished, I looked up and saw people clapping, some even crying. In that moment, I didn’t feel broken — I felt proud.
Now, I volunteer as a mentor, guiding new students who are just starting their journeys. Watching someone go from hesitant to hopeful — just like I did — reminds me of why this work matters.
Why I Share My Story
I share this story because too many veterans are suffering in silence. Guitars for Vets breaks that silence. It meets veterans where they are and gives them a tool to heal, express, and connect. It’s not about becoming a professional musician. It’s about reclaiming a part of yourself you thought was lost.
When you support — whether by donating or bidding in an auction — you’re giving someone else the opportunity to feel whole again. You’re helping someone like me find their song.
How You Can Help
Donate Today
Help fund instruments and instruction for veterans across the country. Your support changes lives. Donate to Guitars for VetsBid on a Guitar
We’re auctioning off three beautiful guitars, and 100% of proceeds go directly to the program. You can get a guitar while also helping get numerous guitars into veterans hands, its a win win. Bid on a Guitar Here.
Every dollar goes to vets, every guitar comes with included accessories (6 string sets, headstock tuner, and a guitar neck rest)
The Podcast Behind the Story
In our recent podcast episode, I shared this story in my own words — the struggles, the triumphs, the music. If you haven’t listened yet, I encourage you to. You’ll hear the raw truth about what this program has done for people like me — and how it continues to ripple outward in the community.
The Reach of Guitars for Vets
Guitars for Vets has helped over 4,000 veterans across the United States. The impact is massive, but so is the need. Thousands more are waiting for a chance. Your support ensures that Guitars for Vets can continue expanding, reaching more cities, more clinics, and more hearts.
Every guitar given is a message: You are not forgotten. Your healing matters. You are not alone.
What’s Included in the Guitar Package
For those wondering what veterans receive when they join the program, here are the key details:
Guitar: Acoustic Guitar
Accessories: Gig bag, electronic tuner, picks, strap, extra strings, beginner method book
It’s a complete setup — no cost to the veteran, thanks to donations from supporters like you.
Final Thoughts
Guitars for Vets didn’t just teach me how to play guitar — it taught me how to feel again. It reminded me that healing is possible, even after years of pain. Music gave me my voice back. Today, when I pick up my guitar, I feel grounded, connected, and alive.
If you’ve made it this far, thank you. Thank you for listening. Thank you for caring. And if you’re looking for a way to give back to those who’ve served, I can’t think of a more direct, meaningful way than supporting this incredible organization.
Whether it’s $5 or a guitar bid, your support makes a real difference.
Let’s keep the music going — for every veteran who still needs to hear their own song.
