Veterans, Helping Veterans, Helping Veterans
About 10 years ago a group of volunteers got together to provide song writing skills, music lessons for veterans, and to play some music. At that point we were pretty small and the main goal was to provide an artistic outlet for returning veterans. Soon a certain camaraderie and sense of belonging developed. The common experiences of serving our country, helping our fellow veterans, and a love of music brought us together.
Through the years we continued to band together to learn, practice, and play twice a week at a facility generously provided by the Disabled American Veterans organization. After many lessons and hours of practice it was time to “go on the road”. Most of the roads led us to VA hospitals and nursing homes to hopefully bring some joy and entertainment to our brother and sister veterans. One thing I know, service of this nature brings much joy to our band members.
Year to date, 2023, we have had the privilege to play for the following;
VETERANS SUICIDE PREVENTION EXPO—Northport VA Hospital
5 concerts for VA Hospital residents—Northport VA Hospital
NY STATE VETERANS NURSING HOME—Stony Brook University
3 Concerts for disabled school children at Nassau BOCES— Carmen Road School, Massapequa Park
All totaled this accounts for approximately 500 veteran contacts plus the BOCES student population. A GOOD START, but we know we can and will do better.
Our immediate goal is to reach out, through our music, to more veteran’s groups and the general population. We feel that we have a very good thing going here and through playing more performances, advertising, and social media we hope to attract more veterans to our BAND OF VETERANS AND FRIENDS.
