After nearly 15 years as a combat correspondent in the U.S. Marine Corps, Dan returned home carrying invisible wounds that would take decades to surface. Despite building a successful post-military career, the weight of loss, trauma, and personal struggles led to a difficult crossroads. That’s when he discovered Guitars for Vets. With a guitar in hand and a supportive instructor by his side, he began a journey toward healing, purpose, and a new beginning. Here’s his story:
“As a combat correspondent for the United States Marine Corps for nearly 15 years, I was sent into Afghanistan immediately following the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Fortunately, I was one of the lucky ones, I did my job and returned home. Many others with whom I served were not so fortunate, and those tremendous and senseless losses of my fellow brothers and sisters stuck with me for a very long time afterward. It took me nearly 20 years to realize I was struggling with emotions that I thought I had long buried. Even though I became successful in my post-military career, I struggled with alcohol and eventually lost my marriage, my career and found myself in legal trouble.
I came across Guitars4Vets one day at a very low point in my life. I had been a metalhead since I was 10 years old and had toyed with guitars my whole life, but never formally learned to play. Therefore, I was shocked and ecstatic to be accepted into the program at 55 years old. I was paired with the incomparable Ben Mauro (pictured, with his consent), guitarist for artists such as Lionel Richie and Cher. Since I lived in rural Montana, Ben and I had to conduct our sessions through video conference, which was somewhat of a challenge technologically. For 10 great weeks we managed to make it work, and Ben was amazing. I couldn’t believe such an established, talented musician was simply volunteering his time for a veteran halfway across the country whom he did not know. His instruction was fast-paced and a little daunting at first, but he made it fun and was encouraging at every step, and I felt instantly comfortable with him. More importantly, he was an upbeat, great dude who went out of his way to remind me that there is a bigger world out there full of awesome people who care and who can make you smile and laugh again. In the wake of my grateful experience, I stopped drinking, repaired my life and made amends with a lot of my demons. Today I feel great. I’m healthy and present. I continue to play for at least an hour a day with the awesome black Epiphone acoustic that G4V gifted to me, and I couldn’t be happier. Am I a better guitarist? No comment! Am I a better human being? Absolutely.”
-Dan H
Missoula, MT
