Songs of Hope and Healing for U.S. Veterans

In the wake of a traumatic experience, people can experience intense, disturbing thoughts, detachment, anger, sadness, insomnia, and other negative reactions that endure long after the event has ended. This is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

PTSD is a serious, often debilitating condition that does not discriminate. It affects approximately 3.5% of U.S. adults every year, and is disproportionately high among veterans, reaching as high as 20% of veterans being affected by PTSD.

Fortunately, PTSD can be treated. With different therapies, veterans can be free of PTSD and move forward to live happy and productive lives.

Warrior Songs Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to bringing hope and healing to veterans through music and the arts. Through a multitude of creative programs, Warrior Songs uses the arts to assist veterans and civilians to better understand the war experience.

The mission of Warrior Songs is to help veterans to more fully understand and integrate all aspects of their military experience by transforming their traumatic experiences and struggles into an art form which both inspires and is life affirming, thus motivating their continued healing. They also provide educational opportunities for non-military community members to learn more about PTSD and other critical issues plaguing many veterans today.

Jason Moon, the founder of Warrior Songs, believes they could help more veterans if they had more resources. “Warrior Songs often misses out on documenting the important work we do with veterans because we cannot afford to hire a videographer,” Jason states. “The footage we could gather if we had the equipment would not only enhance the healing power of the work by amplifying the work behind the songs, but would also vastly increase our ability to document the work for fundraising efforts.”

Staff Electric employee, Tom McHugh, is a veteran himself. He nominated Warrior Songs for Staff Electric’s 101 Acts of Kindness, stating, “My nomination for Staff to donate to these veterans is driven by being part of a family that has sacrificed for all with no expectations asked for in return. Being a veteran is being a part of a family, and Staff Electric thrives on helping families.”

Tom attributes his time working as an electrical contractor at Woods VA Hospital where he witnessed firsthand the effects of the selfless sacrifices made by the brave men and women of our country as inspiring him to join the U.S. military. Since serving our country, he has had the opportunity to meet veterans from all walks of life, and is continuously impressed by their humility and commitment to others.

“You will never hear them call themselves heroes,” Tom shares. “In fact, most dislike that term. The heroes didn’t come home. These traits sometimes lead to the unwillingness to admit weakness and their need for help. Breaking through these walls and helping veterans is not always easy, however, it can really make a difference.”

In November 2021, in honor of their 101st Anniversary, Staff Electric donated a monetary gift to Warrior Songs to purchase quality media equipment so they can professionally document their work and the positive impact they have on veterans’ lives.