FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — In a tranquil, tucked away Franklin farm, veterans like Chuck Palmer are sharing their stories.
After 10 deployments in 25 years, Palmer finally found a way to put his experiences into words.
"I've been a soldier for a really long time, but I've been retired for a couple of months now, this is just helping me process what I've been through," said Palmer.
Statistics show one in three veterans suffer from the effects of PTSD, leading to a staggering 20 a day that commit suicide.
During this weekend retreat on Amy Grant and Vince Gill's farm, veterans learned to cope with the effects of PTSD through music.
Each veteran is paired with a songwriter and together they write a song.
"A big part of our job is to tell a story and these people have amazing stories and I've been touched by their honesty," songwriter Buddy Mondlock said.
They showcase their courage by also performing it in front of everyone.
"Music Therapy of the Rockies" founder, Mack Bailey, knows all too well what it's like to go through a dark time.
But music helped him through it and he hopes it'll do the same for others.
"Everything about this retreat is evidence-based designed to counter the effects of PTSD with the positive effects of music to rewire the PTSD brain," Bailey said.
The retreat is free for the veterans and each person leaves with a brand new guitar!
This is all made possible through donations and sponsors. If you want to learn more about the organization "Music Therapy of the Rockies," click here.
