MUSKOGEE, Okla. — Teaching Veterans to play the guitar as a form of music therapy is something new for Eastern Oklahoma VA Health Care System.

“Music therapy is something I’ve wanted to offer our Veterans ever since I took this position,” said Dr. Nathan Williams, Whole Health Clinical Director. “So when I learned about an open call to apply for a pilot program with Challenge America, I sent in our application. I’m excited to say that we were one of only five VAs selected to participate this year and the only VA site to offer the music retreat exclusively to women Veterans.”

Over the last year, Challenge America, a national Veteran non-profit organization, joined forces with the Department of Veterans Affairs to create and test an innovative online music therapy program that supports Veterans who struggle with post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, and/or military sexual trauma. Leading this project is Heather Seymour, the Director of Community Partnerships and Communications at the Columbus VA Medical Center. This project also receives support from the Rural Veterans Tele-Rehabilitation Initiative, funded by VA’s Office of Rural Health. Over the course of a 12-month pilot project, this program is serving Veterans from coast to coast.

The music retreat, which began June 7, consists of participants working virtually with both a Music Therapist and professional songwriters in a process that teaches Veterans how to play guitar and allows them to convey their emotions into a song they write.

“The final day of the retreat is June 28, which is their concert,” said Dr. Williams. “The concert is when the Veterans’ songs will be performed by professional songwriters as an ode to the therapeutic process of the retreat.”

Veterans were also able to pick out their own guitars, which were donated by Challenge America. The guitars for Eastern Oklahoma VA’s participants were decorated by members of the Muskogee Art Guild.

“I think each artist truly gave thought to their painting and what they hoped their art would bring to the Veteran,” said Wren Stratton, Muskogee Art Guild member.  “Each artist brought their unique take on what the guitar could look like and what emotion it could bring to the veteran who chose it. We are so grateful to those who have had the courage to do this. To have the chance of offering even some small gift in return was, in turn, a gift to us.”

Dr. Williams said each Veteran has shared their appreciation for the hard work that went into decorating the guitars and how much the program has meant to them, particularly that it was specifically for Women Veterans. He also acknowledged Joan McWilliams, Whole Health Coordinator, who has been crucial to the success of the program.

“Being a life-long resident of Muskogee and knowing the strong ties in our community to art, music, and the VA, the idea of using our local art guild to decorate the guitars was a great way to increase local awareness and involvement with the project,” said McWilliams.

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