by Amanda Hara
MILLERSVILLE, Tenn. - A mid-state woman is garnering national attention after sending dozens of guitars to troops in Afghanistan.
Robin Weber runs Guitar Gallery in Millersville, where she sells the high-end instruments. But last year, Weber started giving them away to soldiers after U.S. Army Sgt. Bob Persch sent an email.
"He wasn't even asking for himself, he was asking for one of his troops and I thought of course, it was a no brainer, of course I would donate a guitar," Weber said.
Sgt. Persch sent an email to Robin Weber during the summer of 2009 asking for donated guitars.
Robin originally sent eight, but over the months some 70 guitars have made their way to troops in Afghanistan.
In addition to running her shop, Robin now manages the non-profit group called Guitars 4 Troops.
Donations are helping her continue to send the instruments to soldiers.
"A guy might buy a guitar for $8,000 and he'd say tack $200 on the charge so you can send another guitar to the troops," Weber said.
In return for those guitars, Sgt. Bob Persch sent Robin dozens of video clips of his troops learning to play.
Soldiers also said thank you through those videos.
Robin said it costs about $50 to send the guitars overseas. If you'd like to help with the Guitars 4 Troops project, go to their website at www.guitars4troops.com.
Email: ahara@newschannel5.com
