A non-profit in Dalas, Texas is using the power of music to assist veterans re-adjust to life back home.
The veteran-focused music charity has been performing concerts for troops abroad and hosting musical camps for veterans. They claim that songwriting is a kind of therapy for some individuals. The Non profit is called Operation Rock The Troops, and we love it!
According to organizers, it all began with performing concerts overseas and teaching music to members of the military. They soon discovered that music had a big influence on their lives, especially those who were struggling.
Music has always been a pastime for Marine Corps veteran James Greenlee. After spending almost eight years and three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, he didn’t realize it could be much more until many years later.
According to Greenlee, it took him years to realize the head injuries he sustained while on deployment were the reason for his seizures and acknowledgment that he was also dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder.
“After I came home from Afghanistan, the problems in my marriage and personal life got worse,” he continued. “My job was fantastic at the time. Everything else was coming apart,” he said.
Greenlee had an idea for a music camp after playing with other veterans, which is what inspired Operation Rock The Troops’ weeklong songwriting camps for veterans. They end up writing and performing their own song at the end of the week by pairing them up with musicians and songwriters.
“I believe there aren’t even words to describe the circumstances people have dealt with, both abroad and domestically. The ability to translate that, I think, is extraordinary,” he added.
The organization has held three camps thus far in Alaska, Dallas, and Ireland, and they are working to raise $250,000 to host at least eight more camps. They’ve also started filming a documentary series about it.
“They are healing because they’re extracting what’s inside, their thoughts, feelings and experiences, as well as listening to others. They were healing, learning that they are not alone,” says Operation Rock The Troops Founder Matt JC.
The camps are said to be a therapeutic tool that doesn’t rely on medication by organizers and veterans who have gone through the program.
“I believe that venturing outside of our comfort zones and attempting something is wonderful. This program is beneficial, and it works. And it’s not another pill,” Greenlee concluded.
“The reason they never tell anybody anything is because they don’t feel like anybody wants to listen,” JC remarked. ” As a result, music distribution is one method for individuals to hear what’s going on inside them.”
So far, nearly 20 veterans have attended the camps. The organization wishes to grow their reach and help even more people.
“I believe music is one of the few things that can reach into you and re-engineer you,” Greenlee added. “Not to change who you were, because that will never happen again, but to help you on your way to who you want to be.”
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