Namely News: Veterans earn free guitar in Guitars for Vets program meant to aid with PTSD

Kathy Borlik
·4 min read
Jeremy Linton took his guitar skills to the South Bend Vet Center, where he and two other volunteers are giving guitar lessons to veterans as part of the national Guitars for Vets program, which is designed to use music to help with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. After 10 lessons, veterans receive a free guitar.
Jeremy Linton took his guitar skills to the South Bend Vet Center, where he and two other volunteers are giving guitar lessons to veterans as part of the national Guitars for Vets program, which is designed to use music to help with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. After 10 lessons, veterans receive a free guitar.

Take 10 lessons and get a guitar. Sounds good. But it is more than that for some local U.S. veterans. The results may be a sense of calm, peace of mind or perhaps a joyous chord.

Guitars for Vets is a national nonprofit with a mission to help veterans recover from trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through the process of learning to play guitar. Following the10 lessons, the veteran receives a guitar.

It was started in 2007 in Milwaukee by a guitar instructor who was introduced to a Vietnam vet who wanted to learn. The vet, Dan Van Buskirk, thought his issue with PTSD would prevent him from learning. Within a few months with instructor Patrick Nettesheim, the duo found that the music and social interaction were working for Dan. He was learning how to play and cope.

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Since then, there are now more than 100 chapters giving lessons. More than 5,000 guitars have been distributed to graduates.

South Bend’s Vet Center recently started a new chapter and is making an impact.

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The chapter has three teachers and a handful of students. There is a waiting list to enter the program. It is a grand start.

Lindsay Slay poses with instructor Jeremy Linton in the Guitar for Vets class at the South Bend Vet Center.
Lindsay Slay poses with instructor Jeremy Linton in the Guitar for Vets class at the South Bend Vet Center.

It all had its start back in pandemic times. Jeremy Linton, counseling and human services professor at IU South Bend’s School of Education, always wanted to learn to play the guitar. “To sing around the campfire, play with friends,” he said. No rock band aspirations.

With a lot of time on his hands, he took Zoom virtual lessons. From there, he wanted to share his new skill and found the Guitar for Vets website and how to get involved. Introductions were made and plans started with Keith Ross at the Vet Center, 4727 Miami St.

Keith, veteran outreach program specialist in South Bend, got the program started with Jeremy.

Keith said the guitar is another skill to master for the vets. “It is an emotional escape for some," he said. "The best part is hearing the stories from the vets. How it has helped them.”

The center has graduated a dozen new guitarists. “There are 10 free lessons — one night or afternoon per week. They graduate and receive a nice guitar. I’ve seen a lot of change with the graduates. One said he quit drinking. Another one said the guitar helped his anxiety and he got a job,” Jeremy said.

Ben Newcomer signs the graduation guitar for Guitar for Vets at the South Bend Vet Center. Everyone signs the guitar when they complete 10 classes and receive a free guitar.
Ben Newcomer signs the graduation guitar for Guitar for Vets at the South Bend Vet Center. Everyone signs the guitar when they complete 10 classes and receive a free guitar.

The vets come from any branch of the service, male and female, any age and can be active duty. There are those in their 20s to Vietnam vets in their 70s.

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Randy Whiteman, of South Bend, and John Uplinger, of Goshen, are volunteer instructors in South Bend. Both have high praise for the program, the chance to help and finding new guitar buddies.

Both men are lifelong musicians. Both commented on the importance of working with the vets. “It is a chance to give back,” Randy said. “It is absolutely a great program. It can turn around attitudes. It is something special.”

Randy said a guitar is not as easy as it looks. “It takes a lifetime to master. Ten lessons are a basic introduction. We keep it simple. It is a simple song or two. For me, it is very rewarding. I’m not a fan of the government, but I am a fan of the vets. I'll do what I can.”

John took up guitar at the age of 14 on a dare. He said he is still learning from the instrument and from the vets. “My father and brothers were vets. This is a way to give back for their service. I listen to the stories (from the students) and the stress they experienced. Going door to door in villages. Never knowing what is next.”

Music can be that next step, John said.

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Ben Newcomer poses with instructor Jeremy Linton in the Guitar for Vets program at the South Bend Vet Center.
Ben Newcomer poses with instructor Jeremy Linton in the Guitar for Vets program at the South Bend Vet Center.

“I quit learning and practicing” a few years ago. With teaching, he has found a new avenue and interest with the students. “I’m learning again and I want to be there for them. I don’t want to stop at 10 lessons. I want to be available,” John said.

Jeremy said the chapter is always looking for donations of money, guitars, volunteers or vets. Contact the center at 574-231-8480 for information.

Contact Kathy at kfborlik@yahoo.com.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: National Guitars for Vets now has South Bend chapter