SAFE to host music retreat for those with PTSD

ClarksvilleNow.com Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Soldiers And Families Embraced (SAFE) is hosting their second annual “Singing their Stories” therapeutic retreat as a source of healing for soldiers, veterans, and their families. Shofner Vision Center and ASE Direct, Inc. are sponsoring the event scheduled for September 19-21 at the Scarritt Bennett Center in Nashville.

Participants will be paired with Nashville songwriters for a music therapy experience in which they will tell their stories and work together to create a song. The program has been effective in the healing process for many struggling with PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and the aftermath of battle.

A concert will be presented at APSU on October 23, 2014 as an opportunity for the participant stories and songs to be heard by family, friends and the community.

During this year’s retreat, family members will also be participating. Rev. Jodi McCullah, Director of Soldiers And Families Embraced says, “We believe the whole family suffers and the whole family needs support and help with healing after war.”

“As a wounded Soldier returning from Afghanistan and dealing with his injuries, loss of his men, PTSD and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury), times have been hard. We face everyday challenges that push us to unbelievable limits and sometimes do so alone. We isolate ourselves from family and friends and walk in the world of darkness,” said Roger, one of the participants. “The weekend of the retreat was the first time I had smiled and laughed since April 2011. I felt feelings that I haven’t felt in years. The musicians and songwriters blessed us Wounded Warriors with music from Heaven.”

Clear Channel Nashville will also host a fundraising event on November 8 where select songs written from the retreat will be performed. Keni Thomas, a singer, songwriter and author will be the guest speaker. As a combat veteran of the 75th Ranger Regiment, Thomas and his fellow rangers distinguished themselves in The Battle of Mogadishu, which was recounted in the book turned movie “Blackhawk Down.”

For more information about SAFE, visit the website.