Shofner Vision Center Embraces the First Annual Songwriters and Soldiers Retreat Fundraising Event to Support the SAFE Organization
Nashville, TN (PRWEB) October 31, 2013 -- Shofner Vision Center supports a multitude of not-for-profits, including six organizations, which support both active duty and retired military personnel. Dr. Stewart Shofner, Dr. Kevin Johnson, and the staff of Shofner Vision center are very pleased to be a major sponsor of the First Annual Songwriters and Soldiers Retreat held in Lyles, Tennessee.
Many servicemen and women with PTSD or other issues find it difficult to talk about their war experiences. However, many of them are willing to express their emotions and experiences through song writing, with the help of a professional musician. “This is a very unique and effective way to help our military and their families adjust to coming home,” says Dr. Shofner. “We owe these patriots so much and we look forward to hearing their stories through these songs,” added Dr. Johnson.
The songs are the culmination of the efforts of Nashville music industry to help veterans and active duty personnel express their personal stories they carried home from war — from Vietnam to Afghanistan. As one serviceman participating in the event stated eloquently in a song, “It’s not what we do in war, it’s what war does to us.”
All of the song writing participants live in Tennessee; three were active duty Soldiers from Warrior Transition Battalion, three were Army National Guard members, four were veterans (two of the female veterans were also spouses) and one was a military (female) spouse. Also participating were more than two dozen songwriters including Keni Thomas, David Bradley, Bob Regan, Jeremy Bussey, Jonathan Wells and Jason Jones as well as staff and writers from “The Beat of Life.” Most of them will be performing at the SAFE Veterans Day concert.
SAFE Veterans Day Concert Event
The concert titled “Singing Their Stories”, will include songs, co-written by service members and professional songwriters and will be performed November 8, 2013 on Austin Peay State University (APSU) campus. “This concert will showcase 14 different views of wars. We know each song will represent many others who have never had a voice,” said SAFE co-founder and director Jodi McCullah. McCullah also adds, “One of the best ways to honor those who have sacrificed so much for our country is to listen to their stories.”
This concert will feature hit songwriters and top artists from Nashville and beyond. It’s a night sure to be filled with healing as well as inspiration for all. Tickets are available at the SAFE Offices, at the door or online. All proceeds benefit SAFE, which provides counseling to anyone connected to the military — active duty, veterans or family members at no cost.
SAFE Organization
Soldiers And Families Embraced (SAFE) offers confidential counseling for anyone connected to military at no charge. SAFE operates solely on private donations and private grants. Services are for both active duty and retired veterans and their families, some as young as four years old. SAFE is located at 510 College St., Clarksville, TN 37040.
About Shofner Vision Center
Dr. Shofner's father was a highly decorated Marine General who participated in more combat than any Marine officer in WWII. He also led the one of the few successful escape from a Japanese prisoner of war camp. Dr. Kevin Johnson is active in the US Air Force Reserves. He is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force F-16 "Top Eye" program, and participated in the Air Force evaluation of PRK/LASIK for Air Force Academy Cadets and Pilots. Both Dr. Shofner and Dr. Johnson are extremely committed to giving back to our Servicemen and Servicewomen and their families who sacrifice so much for our country.
Services for Military
Shofner Vision Center offers special LASIK programs for Wounded Warriors providing complimentary LASIK for any Serviceman or Servicewoman who has trouble with glasses or contacts because of a lost limb while in combat. Dr. Shofner also offers very affordable vision correction surgery prices for Veterans, Reservists, and Active Duty Serviceman and Servicewomen and their families.
Dr. Stewart Shofner, Shofner Vision Center, http://www.shofnervisioncenter.com, +1 (615) 340-4733, [email protected]
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