Wounded Warriors at Nebo (WWAN) spent September 15-18 hosting a new type of work shop event for the first time. Seven combat veterans and 4 professional musicians came together for two days of collaboration and mentoring in the art of poetry/lyric writing. They spent the days talking, exchanging ideas, collaborating and fine-tuning their compositions which were based on their military experiences.  This was a diverse group of warriors whose age and experience included serving in Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan.

Several participants brought their own instruments.   Warrior Cry Music Project donated guitars for those who did not have one.

Several of the participants were joined by their families for the evening meals and for the concert/finale held on Saturday evening. At the concert, each participant was encouraged to share their work. Some sang and some recited with background music provided by the pros. The weekend finished with a few selections from the repertoires of each of the mentoring musicians – Dustin Welch, Butch Hancock, Bernie Nelson and George Ensle.

Comments from several of the participants and musicians indicate that this was a very fulfilling and healing experience for those involved.

WWAN would like to offer a special “thank you” to Janice Ballard of the Texas Heritage Music Foundation for making the initial connections and helping to pay the expenses of the professional musicians for this special event. We also thank Clear River Ice Cream, Bakery & Deli for their generosity in donating Friday’s lunches. In addition, Stephanie Borda and Carlton Turner catered the evening meals.

This event wouldn’t have happened without your help and all the volunteers who participated.

Photos taken during the event can be viewed by clicking on this link. You can view and download all the photos at https://dlroberts.zenfolio.com/p596369359