ALTOONA, PA. (WTAJ) - 10-year veteran, Durel Doogie Houser, is giving back to the community by serving as the director and instructor of a musical program for veterans — Guitar for Veterans.
The program is designed to help those who have served to fight PTSD through music and is a passive experience without stress or anxiety.
"The biggest takeaway is that they enjoy themselves and you should be enjoying yourself, the whole idea is to have fun;" Houser said.
Greg Vanhorn is a disabled veteran who suffers 100% from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He was enrolled in music therapy at the VA and then was referred to Guitar for Vets because of his track record of playing guitar over the years. He said playing guitar is something he's learned to depend on in times of needing comfort.
"People you usually can't depend on but when you pick up a guitar and you play you get that feeling this is going to work for me, it makes you happy, it gives you a good endorphin rush, and that's mainly why I have the guitar and play guitar is because of that good feeling. I know I can put my guitar in the corner of my room, and when I'm sitting on the couch and have all these things go on bad thoughts and everything, let's go play the guitar, pick up the guitar and play it sorta takes it away," Vanhorn, said.
The program is searching for more instructors and students to participate in the initiative. An experience Doogie said teaches more than how to play the guitar it is also a way not to feel alone.
"I'm a therapist so your with somebody else and the idea is you have fun instead of being miserable, you climb out of that hole and you feel normal and you actually can enjoy it;" says Houser.
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Oak Spring Winery is one of 43 locations worldwide taking part in the initiative. The guitar lessons are free for all veterans and run for ten weeks. If you would like to sign up to become a student or an instructor send an email to DCH128@Breezeline.net with the subject line G4VS student or instructor.