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In 2007 Patrick Nettesheim, a Milwaukee-area guitar instructor, was introduced to Viet Nam Era Marine, Dan Van Buskirk. Dan wanted to play guitar, but felt that the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) had left him with the inability to coordinate the hands and the mind. What Dan soon discovered was that the same strong heart and spirit that got him through Vietnam was all that he needed to make music and learn guitar. The lessons that Patrick and Dan shared together were enlightening for them both. Patrick's success as a teacher was not simply about his ability to play guitar, it had much more to do with the teacher-student bond-- Patience, Acceptance, Gratitude and Empathy, or being on the same P.A.G.E., as Patrick describes it. It is when these human qualities are in place that quality learning begins. "The guitar is a catalyst for positive human interaction," Patrick explains.

It was a few months into these lessons that Dan suggested the two of them bring this modality to the Veterans at the VA in Milwaukee. The idea was born, and Patrick coined the name and slogan: GUITARS FOR VETS - The healing power of music in the hands of heroes. Since 2007, Guitars for Vets has provided over 800 new guitars and 5,000 lessons to our Nation's Veterans. Chapters have been established in over 25 cities across the country, with more being added as resources are available.