The soothing sounds of healing and freedom will fill the lobby at Erlanger East Hospital as Operation Song participants are showcased in the Healing Hearts and Minds concert on Friday at 7 p.m. Several veterans will perform as well as Hunter Girl and Claudia “Bo” Cox.
Operation Song is a program whose mission is to provide an outlet for active duty military and veterans through the power of songwriting and music. The goal is to allow members to cope and therapeutically deal with their experiences and emotions from their time serving the country. Writing the songs, based on each member’s personal experiences, becomes a cathartic release for them, sometimes easing their soul as the waves of the lyrics wash over them. Song topics run the gambit from suicide to terrorism.
“People go to the doctor when their hearts are broken, but they come to us when they are breaking,” said Don Goodman, Billboard Top 100 Songwriter with Operation Song. “None of my hit songs have meant more to me than what I’ve written with the veterans.”
The founders of Operation Song want to help before the veterans have turned to alcohol and substance abuse, and to give them an outlet that is constructive. According to a study by the VA, roughly 20 veterans commit suicide every day. Researchers have found the risk of suicide among veterans is 21% higher than civilians.
The concert is free and light refreshments will be served at the event. T-shirts and CDs from Operation Song will be available for purchase. For more information please visit www.operationsong.org
or
www.erlanger.org
.