Guitars for vets

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC) - Veteran Judy Hughes plays the guitar today, but inside her music lies a much deeper story.

"It saved my life," said Hughes.

That's how she describes what music has meant to her.

She's a veteran who has fought in the war and suffered from things like PTSD and depression.  Her music helped her find a way out of it.

"You know they don't feel very good about themselves, they don't think very highly of themselves," said Michelle Davidson, who is the coordinator for the Birmingham Chapter of the Guitars for Vets Program.

The program offers emotional support for those veterans in that situation by providing free guitar lessons.

"They feel so good once they can ring a note or a chord. You can just see the joy and excitement in their face," said Davidson.

There is really no telling how many vets across the country have been helped through the program. It literally saves lives and provides a sort of escape.

"It gives them something to do while they are in pain," said Hughes.  "It's an outlet.  And then of course the part where we also play is another level of therapy."

Because the program has grown in popularity, the local chapter is in need of donations, everything from guitars to tuners. 

You can contact the Birmingham Vet Center at 205-212-3122 or by emailing G4V_BHAM@outlook.com

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