SongwritingWith:Soldiers

We were very fortunate to be picked for a SW:S retreat in Feb 2020. The weekend was so magical! It is hard to put into words, but know we can not express how grateful we are to have had this amazing experience! Songwriting with: Soldiers, EODWF, BCR, staff and volunteers provided us with a phenomenal retreat!

Songwriting with Soldiers is an amazing organization!! After an 18 month deployment, I had so much to say, but I didn’t know how to say it. Jay Clementi knew the right questions to ask to get the words out of me that I needed to be said. I told him that I needed to apologize to my children for being emotionally unavailable for so long. We came up with the song “Meteor”, because that’s what I felt like I was; a fiery meteor that came out of nowhere that destroyed my family. I will forever cherish the time I spent with such talented and caring people. Thank you all for everything you do!!

It doesn’t get any better than SW:S. The songwriting retreats are life changing. The care shown to our veterans is exceptional. Here is a song Jay Clementi and I wrote during a SW:S retreat: https://vimeo.com/749654072/51b13f8d3e

Had a great time I love the experience of writing a song it has helped my life in many areas. The retreat was great I have made friendship that will last a lifetime I would say many veterans should experience this I love this organization and very glad too be part of family now. Songwriting has helped me with my ptsd and I am so gain I can show my life experiences thru music thank you and great organization

My wife (Roseann) and I attended a SWS retreat in Loveland Colorado in November, 2017. As a 90% disabled Vietnam veteran, I was very hesitant to attend the invitation because of my personal attempts to control my PTSD. I was worried that it would open up mental wounds that I have tried to bury for 50 years and face ridicule from others for my actions in war. as a helicopter gunship pilot.

We were greeted with heart warming courtesy and explained that we were under no obligation to stay. It turned out to be an experience that opened my soul and hidden mental experiences to face the reality of how the war I participated in affected me for years. I was able to release some demons and come to understand that in order to improve my mental health, I have to talk about situations to make me stronger., not trying to keep them hidden. Putting some of my experiences into music made me realize that I can face my demons. I now have more comfort in who I am and was when proudly serving my country in war..

As an additional note, Roseann was asked if she would be willing to join a songwriter and. compose a song about what it was /is living with a husband for 50+ years who suffers from PTSD. She bravely agreed and the result brought tears to my and others eyes.
It. expressed that a spouse of one who has served can I also suffer from PTSD..

Thank you Songwriting with Soldiers for. a wonderful awakening weekend for both of us.

Robb & Roseann Robichaud
SWS 2017 Alumni

I recently had the opportunity to witness a SW:S retreat and I was floored by the transformations that occurred. We all know music is powerful, mix in a healthy dose of listening and ownership creates a unique therapy experience that I've never seen the likes of before. Even as an outside viewer, I left feeling like a better human than when I arrived. I'm excited to get more involved with this incredible org.

I'm a non combat veteran and I write Christian songs so when I heard about the retreat I was very interested. However, I did not know what to expect. It turned out to be the best thing that happened to me that year. From the professional songwriters to the phsycholigist to my veteran buddies I was very impressed in many ways. They took portions of our lives and crafted meaningful highly melodic songs that I still listen too. I loved the whole experience...I'm surprised by Sanny Myrich nailing that portion of my life and bringing it to the result in the chorus. Very grateful.

Life changing experience
Being able to journal, then turn hardships and joys into a song life changing.
The staff and professional song writer was a chance of a lifetime
Msgt G Watson retired Army

This is more than a non profit, it’s a ministry. The writers take the conversations seriously and look for a way to help us all heal the wounds we carry. I was not even aware of things I carried with me until attending this event. I still listen to the songs from the group I went with, and although I knew none of the EOD techs prior, I keep up with several of them still to his day. I’m not sure words can aptly express how much good Songwriting With Soldiers does. I will always be grateful for the opportunity to write my song.

I attended a retreat with Songwriting with Soldiers in 2021 for EOD spouses. It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had. I wrote my song, Overwhelmed, with Jay and I was blown away how he captured what I was feeling. I felt so seen and so relieved to let so much of my hurt out. The experience helped me start the process of positive changes in my life and I’ll forever be grateful. I’ll always support this fantastic organization.

This is an incredible organization, doing amazing things for our veterans and active duty soldiers. It is unlike any other organization out there. They are making a real difference in these peoples lives. Every veteran/soldier should have the opportunity to attend one of their retreats.

SW:S changed me, my family, and my world around me. I used to have a hard time telling my story about my combat trauma experiences and I was ashamed to tell my story about my military sexual trauma experiences. Since SW:S, I still have some difficultly; however, now all I have to do is PRESS PLAY. Having my story through songs has helped me in more ways than this block can hold! Honestly, I think the true blessing has been the way my songs have touched others with PTSD from combat or MST or both. Thank you SW:S for letting my light shine once again. I hate having to give you such a low rating of just a 5 star!

---The "I" is for Inspiring

Our retreat to Boulder Crest was AH-MAZING! We went for the Songwriting with Soldiers retreat mostly because this appealed to our youngest daughter and came away HUGE believers in music therapy. Everyone was so kind and interested in helping in any way they could and I highly recommend retreats with either group that you may be able to do in the future.

It brought us closer together and we haven't been able to stop talking about it since!

A fantastic group and a tremendous cause! Please support their efforts!

As a volunteer and participant, I can whole-heartedly pronounce the impact this organization has on my well-being. They consistently restore self-worth to others. I urge anyone that is curious about their gifts to others, to watch the PBS documentary, listen to some songs, and read more about the powerful role this organization plays in helping veterans and families tell their stories.

PBS documentary: http://video.klru.tv/video/2365566784/

This is an incredibly talented and compassionate charity that responds individually to "lost soldiers", most often overwhelmed and unable to reenter society or family life productively due to physical injures and/or ptsd. . . .The ability of SongwritingWith:Soldiers to help soldiers begin to overcome their extreme challenges by expressing it in a song (created by musicians) which uniquely helps a soldier begin to free his/her soul of its pain means we are helping give our brave warriors a personal life back. . . .one soldier at a time. The non-profit "delivers" like no other.

This organization is changing and in many cases saving lives, through the power of collaborative songwriting. I've met veterans who have been through the program and have seen first hand how transformative it can be.

A unique supported experience for veterans to interact with professional songwriters to share their story. Wonderful idea to help nurture and educate.

This is an organization that truly brings people together in an honest, open, and creative way. Songwriting allows connections to form, and the creativity inspires all involved! Love this program!