Po Box 1751 Pigeon Forge, TN 37868 865-323-4067 sandy@communitysalute.org

Music as Medicine:

Alleviating Symptoms of Combat Trauma

Our beloved nation suffers the great loss as service men and women attempt to brave their post-war trauma and its accompanying uncertainties. Understanding this heart-breaking and gripping need for practical treatment coupled with compassion, American citizens are marshalling their resources, both personal and professional, to minister to our wounded warriors through music. Programs addressing these concerns encompass grass-roots efforts to provide musical instruments to veterans, all the way to government-sponsored musical events. What follows is the conclusion of a Three-Part Series which looks into some of these opportunities for soldiers to enjoy a greater measure of recovery than was available to their comrades in arms from wars past. The Center for American Military Music Opportunities, known as Cammo Music, believes that “music is a powerful, non-invasive, and non-pharmacological medium”. The founders caught a vision of creating a Society of Military Musicians. This community of musically-minded artists is composed of those receiving music therapy as well as current musicians who would benefit from additional development to aid in new careers in the music industry. With current locations near our nation’s capital, additional sites are expected to serve many other musicians in the near future. Heroes’ Voices helps veterans “build confidence and community by connecting them with the power of music.” Programs are free, and nationwide expansion will enable many more veterans to enjoy workshops and music lessons. Heroes’ Voices actively fosters further investigation into therapeutic uses for music for war-injured veterans. Clearly, the demand for musical medicine exists. And just as clearly, it soothes the souls of our service men and women.