COLUMBIA, S.C. — Some veterans spend a lifetime healing from their experiences, but comfort can come in many forms, including music.
That's the mission of the new Armed Services Veterans Band: to form a community, unite and soothe the minds of our local Midlands veterans.
"Music is the spice of life," said U.S. Marine Corps veteran Nell Mauney.
Getting ready for band practice is something veterans like Mauney have been doing every Saturday morning this fall.
They're part of a brand new group called the Armed Services Veterans Band. They practice behind the University of South Carolina School of Music building.
Amanda Schlegel is an assistant professor of music at USC and director of the Congaree New Horizons Band Program.
"An opportunity for veterans who are maybe struggling and wanting a space to be with other people and have shared lived experiences as a way to promote well-being and reduce anxieties and hopefully have some sort of impact on the suicide rates," Schlegel said. "Suicide rates for veterans: we lose about 23 veterans every day to suicide. We're hoping that having music as part of their life might be something that brings some more joy. Veterans have given so much. This is us trying to give back."
She and B.J. Brazier formed the group. They love music.
"[It's] good for the soul, good for the mind, good for the body, but it also is good to unite people, and I think that's the most important thing that we're doing here," said Brazier, an Army veteran group conductor.
Gary Hartman plays the trumpet. He's also an Army veteran.
"Joined the Army, played for Uncle Sam for 20 years and just thought, this is something I don't want to give up," Hartman said.
Mauney plays the French horn.
"There were some traumatic experiences for all of us and being able to play music is, it soothes the soul literally," Mauney said.
While these veterans haven't known each other long, they still feel connected.
"We have that special bond of having served and playing the instruments - it's just icing on the cake," Mauney said.
This band is performing next Saturday for Veterans Day in front of the Koger Center at 2 p.m. They said they're hoping for lots of people to come out and show their support.
Active duty or retired military who want to join the group or learn more about it can visit their website.