"For me, the demons of PTSD knock the loudest when it's quiet. When I have a guitar in my hands, I find peace," says songwriter, artist, and Army Veteran Scotty Hasting. In April of 2011, the former Army Infantryman with the 1st Infantry Division 4th Squadron 4th Cavalry was left fighting for his life, flying out of Afghanistan on a medivac after being shot ten times. Narrowly escaping death, Hasting is now on a mission to help anyone struggling with loss or mental health find solace through his music. The Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky native's notable release, a special version of the deeply personal "Til The Last Shot's Fired" with Lee Brice and Dolly Parton, is out now (10/18). "The first time I heard this song (recorded by Trace Adkins), I was at Walter Reed," shared Hasting, who spent six months at the National Military Medical Center in recovery. "It was like something inside of me flipped. I started sobbing, and I couldn't stop. In that moment, I knew that I had to live life to the fullest for my friends that would never have the opportunity to." Hasting bares his heart to listeners in his debut EP, I'm America (5/3). After hearing the project's title track, "I'm America" (2/9), written by Wade Kirby and Phil O'Donnell, Hasting knew he had to record it. "Every single line of this song is why I decided to enlist in the Army," says Hasting. Hasting's debut single on Black River, "How Do You Choose" (11/3), strikes a chord with anyone who has been left to pick up the pieces from a life-changing moment that's left them asking God that age-old question. The "promising, impactful debut" (Billboard) details Hasting's first visit to best friend Adam Hamilton's tombstone following his death. Having found his escape from PTSD through archery and music, the "'I’m America' hitmaker" (People Magazine) devotes his time and talents to several organizations including Guitars 4 Vets, Pen Fed Foundation, CreatiVets, and Operation Encore, to offer other veterans the same tranquility. Despite only first picking up a guitar in 2020, Hasting has already opened for incredible artists, including Dave Grohl, Tanya Tucker, Jelly Roll, Lee Brice, Chris Janson, and more. Hasting recently partnered with Operation Democracy and represented the U.S. with multiple performances in Normandy, France, during a week-long celebration commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day (exclusive People photo diary HERE). Hasting then stepped into the coveted Circle for his Grand Ole Opry debut (7/28) during the Opry's celebration of 30 years of "Forrest Gump" and celebrated fellow Veterans at the second annual National Veteran's Parade in Washington, DC (11/10) this Veteran's Day as Grand Marshal and with a special Opening Ceremony Performance.
For more information and tour dates, please visit scottyhasting.com and follow Scotty Hasting on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
“I am so honored to be involved with G4V… the guitar is a friend to us always – ready whenever we are, never impatient, never asking too much. Pick one up and the relationship will be there forever. Together, we can help so many vets get the joy back in their lives through the power of music.”
“I’m honored to bring awareness of G4V to our growing community of 150,000+ acoustic guitar geeks who share the same values as G4V: It’s not about mastering the instrument, it’s about the healing power of music & human connection, constant progress and fun. We’re excited to support G4V through the Acoustic Life Festival, monthly donations via acousticlife.tv and direct monetary and guitar donations from individuals in our community.”
“I’m honored to be able to give back to those that gave so much. By partnering with Guitars For Vets, we can help arm our brave heroes with acoustic guitars, allowing them to learn to play, experience the healing power of music and become a six-string soldier! For many Vets the guitar has become a source of peace and comfort during difficult times and personal challenges. Nothing can heal the mind, body and soul like music. We look forward to working with G4V to help put more six-strings in the hands of those that gave so much to secure and protect our freedoms. It’s not what you got, it’s what you give!” ~ Frank Hannon
My heart swells knowing that through Guitars For Vets, I get to pass on the healing power of music to these amazing men and women. People who have lost so much in order for us to live out our dreams every day. This is more than giving away an instrument, it is giving an outlet for peace and light in the darkness.
I am honored to support and bring awareness of G4V to our growing community. I have a tremendous amount of respect for our veterans and as G4V’s first High School Ambassador, I hope to spread awareness to high schools and communities throughout the country. Playing music and learning to play guitar is my passion, and I hope to change the lives of many veterans in the same way music has changed my life.
“It is such a pleasure to be an ambassador and work next to the amazing people here at G4V. The mission is all about helping others through the healing power of music! In my career I’ve seen from stage how crowds respond to music and the emotions connected to that moment. Music is a universal language.. It sets a mood and touches the soul to its core. As a guitar teacher I’ve seen some amazing positive changes with students. Playing music can be a mood changer, boost self esteem and it can also create a discipline that can be applied to all aspects of life. I’m a huge fan of G4V and the difference being made in the lives of those who sacrificed so much for our country.”
“We are humbled and honored to be working with Guitars For Vets to help bring the healing powers of music and comradeship to Veterans with PTSD. Music touches in so many ways and it can be the lifeline for someone who feels they have nothing else to cling to. Partner it with the brotherhood of others who have been through their own darkest days and you have a formula for hope and inner peace, for now and into the future.
We are looking forward to helping those who have volunteered to sacrifice so much for us. For without them we have nothing.”
The Imaginaries is an Americana band formed in the open plains of Oklahoma. Consisting of husband & wife duo Shane Henry (guitar, vocals) & Maggie McClure (piano, vocals), their debut album was released March 26, 2021. It was recorded in famed Muscle Shoals, AL with legendary “Swampers” & serves as both an introduction to The Imaginaries and the beginning of their journey as a band after both singer songwriters have enjoyed their own successes as solo artists. The songs are filled with effortless harmonies, heartfelt lyrics & real-life lessons. Maggie, with her subtly sweet vocals and piano-driven style fuses seamlessly with Shane’s blues-rock grit to form their own unique blend of Americana/Singer-Songwriter music. The Imaginaries were selected to open for the Brian Setzer Orchestra Christmas Rocks! Tour in 2019. The duo has recently opened for artists like Judy Collins, John Waite, Alain Johannes, Sixpence None The Richer and more.
Maggie and Shane wrote/produced the soundtrack for and made their debut as Film Producers with feature film, A Cowgirl's Song written/directed by Timothy Armstrong. The film stars Cheryl Ladd, Savannah Lee May and Darci Lynne. Maggie and Shane also co-star in the music driven family feature film, distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films, on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Starz & more. The duo has had over 75 placements with their songs featured in film/television/ads. They currently have 2 songs featured in film Mending The Line on Netflix (#1 Movie on Netflix in March 2024) and have a track featured in (and appear on camera performing it) in biopic Reagan starring Dennis Quaid, in theaters August 30, 2024.
Their newest single "Whole Lotta Livin'" features fellow Okie Vince Gill on guitar and is the first of many new tracks from The Imaginaries' upcoming album. The 2nd single from the new album is "Crossroads" feat. Joe Bonamassa out October 4th, 2024.
The Imaginaries are releasing their heartfelt tribute song and music video for "Carry Me, Carry On (Veterans' Song)" on November 8th, 2024, honoring the sacrifices and the enduring pride Veterans instill in the nation. In conjunction with the release, The Imaginaries will be partnering with Guitars For Vets to raise awareness and funds for the organization.
Guitars For Vets is something that is near and dear to my heart. People often forget how much our military does, and the sacrifices that they make, along with their families. I really love music because it has a HEALING power. Music brings joy and happiness to people. Music allows an outlet that offers comfort and helps with the healing process. Being a guitar instructor, I see first hand the joy it brings to someone once they learn something new, even if it’s just something as simple as a chord. That sense of accomplishment is really impactful and really gives them the belief that they can achieve anything. When our military is overseas they never leave any one behind because they are family. It is our job to make sure they are not left behind here at home because they are family. I’m honored to be an ambassador for an organization who makes sure our Vets are number 1. Guitars For Vets helps to bring relief and happiness back into our vets who suffer from PTSD and other disabilities that they got from combat. Music can change the world, and it can change the world for our Vets as well. I want to THANK all of our VETERANS who have sacrificed so much, so that I am able to do what I do. Let’s help and HONOR our BELOVED Brothers and Sisters by getting music into their lives, one guitar at a time!
“The power of music never ceases to amaze me and the work G4V is doing to help our Veterans overcome PTSD, depression and other personal demons is nothing short of miraculous. I have undying appreciation, love and support for these heroes and for me to be an Ambassador to raise awareness for this program is nothing less than an absolute honor. Keep up the good work, G4V! Thank you!!”
“I’m happy to support this organization as a show of gratitude for those who have served, but also because I believe in the healing power of music. It is a theory of mine that if we can express through song the burdens that we carry, those same burdens might just transform into wisdom and strength over time.”
I’m a combat veteran, a Purple Heart Recipient, a musician, and a professional stand up comedian. Comedy healed my soul after I came home from war. Just like music does too. Guitars 4 Vets is helping other vets like myself find some healing through music, and I want to help them keep taking soldiers like an NCO does.
I support Guitars for Vets because this is a personal journey in my life and playing guitar was the only aspect of my life that got me through the most difficult struggles of deployment and coming home. I brought my guitar on both tours in Iraq and hanging out in the smoke pit after missions was our little slice of home. Guys would ask me to learn songs that reminded them of home and we would just get lost in music a little bit each night.
When I got out of the Marine Corps, that is when the real struggle began for me. Feeling lost and so disconnected from those around me, music was the glue holding my life together. I was lucky enough to find a few fellow musicians who felt that passion for music and have been traveling the world together. Music is the true universal language and no matter where you go, you play guitar for people, you all come together to enjoy that connection.
Everyone knows how great it feels when you hear a song that just makes you believe you can do anything! That’s the power of music. More people need to understand what has been known for centuries– music has the power to heal. And playing or singing is even more so! I use music to keep myself entertained, balanced and focused. That’s why I was so excited to hear about Guitars for Vets. I can’t say enough about what a great idea it is!
I’m looking forward to teaching a few G4V classes about technique and songwriting.
Some of my favorite songs only have 2 or 3 chords. I taught my granddaughter that one of the greatest things about music is that it is a global language. There might be hundreds of ways to say good morning or I love you, but the D chord is the same in all the languages. Music is part of our everything- An important spiritual ingredient to our everyday life.
Thank you to everyone at Guitars for Vets.
You’re my heroes!
I am honored and proud to support a non profit organization that helps, by using Music as main vehicle or medicine , if you will.
“My time as an instructor for the Guitars for Vets chapter at Jesse Brown VA in Chicago confirmed for me that G4V is building communities in which veterans of all ages and backgrounds can connect through the power of music and share their experiences and stories. I’m beyond proud to continue my involvement in the ambassador capacity and work to bring G4V to as many facilities and individuals as possible.”
“Music heals. I’m thrilled to work with Guitars for Vets to bring the joy of making music to men and women around the country. What a wonderful way to harness the power of music and community, and to help ease the suffering of our brothers and sisters.”
We have all benefited from the healing powers of music, and G4V has proven that music is indeed the best therapy. We are proud to be Artist Ambassadors because the willingness of our brothers and sisters who have sacrificed for our country has earned them our lasting gratitude. Hearing just a few notes of a song can transport you to a peaceful and serene place. It’s an honor to be part of this beautiful organization that focuses on spreading joy, healing and peace through music.
For many, music is a powerful tool in healing from the wounds of war. Its effect on the mind and body is undeniable. Guitars 4 Vets is the middleman between the music and the soldier and I’m honored to be involved.
I am proud to support Guitars for Vets. I have personally experienced the healing power of music on many occasions throughout my life, and I also know how therapeutic playing (and even practicing!) can be. Guitars and vets are a match made in heaven, and may you be blessed for your efforts, G4V.
G4V supports Veterans with no strings attached. Since my return from Iraq in 2004, music has helped me externalize and process what I’ve been through. I am honored to be able to support this amazing organization, as its mission has always meant a lot to me. For any Veterans struggling to find where they fit in when that uniform comes off, get plugged in with you local G4V chapter; music can truly speak volumes to your experiences, even if there’s no words yet to sing.
“I’m happy to be an Artist Ambassador for Guitars for Vets. The very first rock ‘n’ roll record that I really heard was “Blue Suede Shoes.” I was 11 years old and that’s right out of Memphis. That was the record that actually started me playing the guitar. I went right out when I heard that record and got my brother’s guitar out and started to teach myself to play.”
“After a traumatic experience as a young man, my mother brought my guitar to the hospital which helped me greatly in my recovery. Guitars4vets is a wonderful way of taking veterans minds off the situations they have had to cope with both mentally and physically. I feel that the magic of music is one of the greatest forms of therapy. Guitars4vets is an organization that everyone should support.”
Guitars For Vets Processing Center
13400 Bishops Ln Suite 120,
Brookfield, Wi 53005
