U.S. military veterans are a vulnerable population, susceptible to high rates of disease and injury, mental health issues – and addiction.
At the VA Medical Center in Canandaigua, some veterans are turning to music to help them through recovery. Last year, a group of veterans in a music therapy program decided to take their jam sessions to the next level. They formed the deFenders.
Now, the 10-piece rock cover band plays veterans events, including birthday parties and concerts at the VA. Many of the members credit this group with their continued sobriety and their sense of community.
