By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Guitars 4 Vets (G4V), a national nonprofit organization established in 2007 to provide music therapy to U.S. veterans, recently celebrated the graduation of its first class in Alabama. Among the first six members of this inagural class were Zack Sewell, James Lonnie Worthington and Mickey Worthington, all of Luverne. The men, all veterans, recently completed the 10-week structured guitar program which aims to foster community, connection and healing through music. 

Each participant received a brand-new guitar during a ceremony held Oct. 24.

For Lonnie Worthington, the experience went beyond learning chords and melodies. As a 34-year military veteran who served across multiple branches including the Army National Guard, U.S. Army and finally, 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, Lonnie struggled with chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after several deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. The G4V’s program, he explained, has helped him rebuild his confidence and sense of belonging.

“With being diagnosed with not just PTSD but chronic PTSD, my socialization skills had greatly diminished, and I was really withdrawn within myself,” Lonnie said. “Although I was a little apprehensive to begin with, now I truly want to be around this group of guys and other people, and I look forward to gatherings.”

The G4V program provides free lessons and allows veterans to learn guitar at their own pace while accommodating any physical or emotional challenges they may face. After completing the course, each veteran receives an acoustic guitar, gig bag, strap, tuner, strings, picks, a method book and a certificate of completion.

According to the G4V website guitars4vets.org, an estimated 800,000 U.S. veterans grapple with physical injuries, PTSD and other emotional distress. Studies show that music can alleviate symptoms of anxiety, increase self-esteem and reduce episodes of panic attacks, nightmares, and flashbacks. Nationwide, G4V students reported a 21% improvement in PTSD symptoms and a 27% decrease in depression symptoms through the program, with playing guitar as a central therapeutic tool.

According to Lonnie, the experience was transformative. He noted the tragic loss of seven fellow soldiers from his last deployment unit to suicide and said that today, he finds solace not only in playing music but in the camaraderie formed with his fellow veterans that brings healing and a new sense of hope. 

Each Sunday, several of the class members gather to practice together — a new tradition that Lonnie said has been a powerful antidote to the challenges of PTSD.

“Being a person with borderline PTSD, the guitar lessons have brought a calming effect,” said Mickey Worthington. “During my military experience, I was as a firefighter working on the crash crew side. Four years of that time I was an airborne firefighter on a helicopter crew, responding to aircraft crashes if need be. We did our water survival training in the North Sea.” 

Under the guidance of instructor Tim Catrett of Troy, who is himself a retired Navy veteran with over 40 years of guitar-playing experience, the veterans learned songs such as George Strait’s “Troubadour” and Vince Gill’s “Go Rest High on That Mountain.” Catrett, who spent much of his service on a submarine, found that teaching the course had personal rewards as well.

“More than anything, I have gained a few brand-new friends that I would do anything for,” said Catrett. “And they would do anything for me. They just have to let the class totally occupy their mind. Once they get over the jitters after the first class, and then quit thinking about everything else and focus on how it feels when they are actually producing a musical sound, it is such a release.”

Beyond technical skills, veterans develop new coping mechanisms. Mickey Worthington, who spent much of his time in the military as an airborne firefighter, spoke about the program’s impact on his well-being. 

“Being a person with borderline PTSD, the guitar lessons have brought a calming effect to me,” Mickey said. 

Stephen Green, the Troy site coordinator and a veteran who served 16 years in active duty across the Army, Air Force and Marines, was instrumental in bringing the G4V program to south Alabama. Green, who first encountered G4V through social media, initially took the course virtually during the COVID pandemic. His partnership with Catrett helped make the Troy program a reality.

“It took us over a year to get all of this up and going,” Green said. “I am proud that these guys can come in, set a goal and most importantly-feel better. Some of our guys have PTSD and some have physical disabilities, but it’s great they can come together.”

The next G4V class will begin early next year, with limited slots available. For more information about the program, to make a donation or to purchase G4V merchandise, visit guitars4vets.org. For those interested in joining the class, contact Steve Green at 334-268-0542.