[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 160 (Thursday, October 29, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1561-E1562]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     RECOGNIZING GUITARS FOR HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KENNY MARCHANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 29, 2015

  Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a special 
veterans program in North Texas known as Guitars For Heroes. As an 
initiative through the Recreation Therapy Services of the VA North 
Texas Health Care System, the program was founded in 2012 by Fort Worth 
VA Outpatient Clinic Supervisor Donna Gerron with the objective of 
assisting veterans through music therapy.
  Guitars For Heroes provides veterans 12 sessions of free instruction, 
acoustic guitars, and accessory kits with the intent of restoring joy 
and a renewed purpose in life. Veterans from all different backgrounds 
who are overcoming traumatic experiences, depression, or

[[Page E1562]]

isolation have found solidarity and restoration through the program.
  For over three years, Guitars For Heroes has mentored veterans into 
becoming fine musicians. I am pleased to announce that they will be 
performing at the Annual Veterans Fair on November 7, 2015, in 
Grapevine, Texas. This annual event, made possible by the tireless work 
of dedicated personnel, helps introduce veterans to important benefits, 
programs, and services. It will be a privilege to have Guitars For 
Heroes perform in front of the hundreds of attending veterans.
  As a special acknowledgment, I am pleased to recognize each member of 
Guitars For Heroes performing at the fair. These honorable veterans are 
Mike Andersen, James Benson, Steve Brenner, James Bullard, Rondal 
Burns, Keith Burrowes, Marco Garcia, Dujuan Jackson, Brian Michel, 
Frank Precure, Juan Reyes, Alfred Schram, Roy Vaughn, Glen Wilson, and 
Bill Yohn.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure to acknowledge the success of Guitars 
For Heroes, and I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in 
recognizing this special program.

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