CHARLOTTE, N.C. —  A program in Charlotte is helping heal veterans through the power of music. 

The Guitars for Vets program has been around for a few years, but recently received national recognition during the Academy of Country Music Awards. 

What You Need To Know

  • The Guitars 4 Vets program is a music therapy program that helps veterans cope with PTSD, anxiety and depression

  • The non-profit has been around for several years, and recently received national recognition during the Academy of Country Music Awards

  • They gift veterans who complete the program a new guitar and accessories kit, and they are always looking for donations to help supply the instruments

The non-profit provides 10 free music lessons to veterans to help them deal with their PTSD, anxiety and depression. Lucky Riley, a U.S. Navy veteran, joined the program two years ago after he heard about the program through the VA. 

“That’s what happens, it starts to mellow you out a little bit,” Riley said about the program. 

Dennis Savage, the coordinator for the Charlotte area, says he and Riley have become more than a music duo. They’re now good friends. 

“If Lucky wanted to talk to me during the lesson, then it’s a thing of just put your guitar down and listen,” Savage said. “We give them someone to talk to, and that’s extremely important on our part.”

The non-profit gifts veterans who complete the program a new guitar and accessories kit. They are always looking for donations to help supply the instruments.

For more information on how to donate, click here.