SongwritingWith:Soldiers

So many service members return home only to feel isolated and invisible. SongwritingWith:Soldiers (SW:S) pairs participants with professional songwriters in retreat settings to craft songs about their experiences. Sharing stories--often for the first time--helps participants feel seen, heard, and valued. When the new songs are performed, they realize they are not alone: “I thought I was the only one who felt this way.” "We became like family by the end of the weekend." 

We supplement songwriting sessions with creativity workshops (on photography, journaling, cooking, and more) designed to nurture strengths and skills. Our program builds trust, connection, and community. 

“This was an amazing retreat! I've never seen Veterans open up so quickly and share so much about their inner thoughts and feelings…I'm so blessed that I got to be a part of the songwriting. The entire weekend for me was one revelation after another. It was not only healing and personal, but very motivating.” (SW:S Participant, October 2015)

Impact

 We have brought over 20 events to locations in Texas, New York, California, Maryland, Florida, New Jersey, and Virginia. 200+ military members have co-written over 225 songs. The program has attracted acclaimed songwriters eager to help, including Radney Foster, Mary Gauthier, Gary Nicholson, Marshall Crenshaw, Jay Clementi, Ashley Cleveland, and JD Martin.

We share the songs across the nation through downloads, concerts, and social media, bringing solace to more veterans and bridging the military and civilian divide.

SongwritingWith:Soldiers is free to participants. With your help, we can bring our urgently needed program to more veterans, active duty service members, and military families. We are so grateful for your support.

National Recognition

 "SongwritingWith:Soldiers is a creative means to cathartic healing." Anne Marie Dougherty, Executive Director of The Bob Woodruff Foundation

"Your family program is the best that I have ever witnessed to date! What you have done for these families will never be forgotten and I know that they all walked away with a very positive outlook on their futures." Ken Falke, Chairman and Founder of Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness

"The creative act of writing offers a unique and powerful outlet for the painful memories and hidden scars of warfare… SongwritingWith:Soldiers deserves our thanks and support." Paul Williams, Songwriter, composer, and ASCAP President

Most important – Feedback from Veterans

“With my song, I can finally put my pack down.”

“I wouldn’t be standing here today if it weren’t for this program.”

"SongwritingWith:Soldiers helps you remember how to be you again.”

"I can play my song for my kids, and they can understand what I've been through."

"This retreat restored my faith in humanity. People really do care.”