Shofner Vision Center Proudly Sponsored a Recent Fundraising Event That Raised Nearly $30,000 for a Local Non-profit Supporting Military Personnel and Their Families
Nashville, TN (PRWEB) November 28, 2014 -- In September, Shofner Vision Center sponsored the 2nd Annual “Singing Their Stories” song writing retreat that paired talented Nashville songwriters with Military members or their spouses and children to write songs. Soldiers and Families Embraced (SAFE) uses music and song writing to help service members and their families address PTSD and other issues related to combat and multiple overseas deployments. The process of sharing their experiences through song writing was not only helpful in overcoming combat related trauma, but also was very inspirational and meaningful to the professional songwriters.
The Fundraising Event
A select number of the songs written during the retreat were performed at iHeart Media in downtown Nashville on Saturday, November 8th. Titled “Heroes Lead the Way: Songs & Stories from the Journey Home,” this fundraising event provided guests with a unique and memorable way to honor our Military heroes and their families during Veterans Day weekend. “We were very appreciative for all the volunteers who helped with organizing the event, which was a huge success,” said Dr. Kevin Johnson of Shofner Vision Center. “SAFE will be able to provide many months of free counseling to deserving members of our Military and their families.”
Nashville’s own Keni Thomas, combat veteran of the 75th Ranger Regiment who, with his fellow rangers distinguished themselves in an 18-hour firefight that would later be recounted in the highly successful book and movie “Blackhawk Down,” was the keynote speaker for the event. “Mr. Thomas was incredible. The leadership lessons he shared with us were compelling, on point, and I will use them in both my personal and professional life,” said Dr. Johnson.
Keni Thomas
As an entertainer, Mr. Keni Thomas has been recognized by congress, the White House, and was recently inducted into the VFW Hall of Fame for his dedicated work on behalf of our veterans and military families. As a participant in the “Singing their Stories” retreat, Keni shared his talents as a songwriter as well as his experience as a veteran to help soldiers write their songs of healing.
SAFE
All proceeds benefited Soldiers And Families Embraced (SAFE). SAFE offers individual and group counseling services, as well as peer support groups for active duty, veterans and their families. Services are confidential and offered at no cost to clients. The counselors and staff of SAFE are comprised of veterans, family members of veterans or active duty military, or have extensive experience working with them.
About Shofner Vision Center
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, Shofner Vision Center has provided the highest quality of vision care for 23 years. Shofner Vision Center is comprised of two stellar doctors and a dedicated staff of professionals that strive to offer patients the best experience possible.
Dr. Stewart Shofner is one of the most prominent eye surgeons in the country who has performed more than 30,000 LASIK/PRK vision correction surgeries and 10,000 ocular surgeries in Middle Tennessee. Dr. Stewart 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.
Shofner Vision Center’s Eye Specialist, 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 free LASIK for any Serviceman or Servicewoman who has trouble with glasses or contacts because of limb lost 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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