Montrose, COLO.– The Montrose County Veteran Services Officer is proud to help launch a chapter of Guitars 4 Vets, a nationwide program that provides a free guitar and lessons to veterans to overcome challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The local Montrose County program has already provided eight guitars to veterans, and more are expected to be donated in the coming months.
Veteran Service Officer Sheldon Smith said that the program is designed to help veterans with their mental health. “Learning a new skill can be very therapeutic,” he said. “It gives veterans a sense of accomplishment and helps them to focus on something positive. It can also be a great way to build relationships and camaraderie with other veterans.”
The Guitars 4 Veterans program is open to all veterans, regardless of their level of experience.
“Learning to play the guitar is a skill where everyone starts with the similar challenges at the same levels,” continued Smith. “This means that veterans who have been playing for a while can help to teach the new students. It’s a great way for veterans to come together and support each other.”
The Guitars 4 Vets program meets weekly on Fridays at the Warrior Resource Center. The sessions are led by U.S. Navy veteran and guitar instructor Bill Ball. To learn more about the program, please contact Sheldon Smith at (970) 249-2115.
