The Highground, the Willard Well and several supporters, including musician Victoria Shoemaker (of “Virginia Steel”), are offering military Veterans the opportunity to learn how to play acoustic guitar. The program is designed to help them gain skills to bring joy that accompanies creativity to their lives and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Veterans through the process.

The Vets & Guitars program will consist of 10 sessions of instruction and “jamming” with fellow Veterans and musicians. The program will begin on Thursday, July 7 at 6pm at The Highground. Each session will run 1-2 hours every Thursday evening through Labor Day with a few additional sessions during the final week.

All Veterans are invited to join this program. In addition to the overall fun of learning to play guitar, the physical, mental and spiritual activity of playing a guitar or other instrument has been proven to bring a sense of peace, accomplishment and “centering” to people under stress and to those living with post-traumatic stress (PTS).

Veterans will be supplied with an acoustic guitar and all accessories needed to play, free of charge. Sponsors and donations are needed to support this unique healing program as it is being offered to the Veterans at no charge. Sponsors of “Vets & Guitars” currently include the Willard Well, Morgan Music, Ken McEwen and Julie Diesing.

Businesses and individuals can sponsor a Veteran for a donation of $125. The program is also accepting donations of new or gently used acoustic guitars and gig bags/cases.

Veterans are encouraged to register early for the Vets & Guitars program by sending an email to Theresa at museum@thehighground.us or by calling 715-743-4224.

The Highground is located at W7031 Ridge Rd, Neillsville WI 54456