GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The healing power of music: That’s the idea behind Guitars for Vets.

Every Wednesday, veterans meet at the American Legion Boat and Canoe Club in Grand Rapids. They represent the Grand Rapids chapter of Guitars for Vets, a national nonprofit that started in Milwaukee in 2007 and quickly grew to over 130 chapters across the country.

The nonprofit offers guitars and lessons for any veteran willing to try.

“The main purpose of it is to give these guys a chance to learn the guitar, if it helps them cope,” explained Dave Kirvan, coordinator of the Grand Rapids chapter of Guitars for Vets.

The program is aimed at those struggling with physical injuries, post-traumatic stress disorder and other forms of distress.

“It’s something they can experience by themselves or with a group. Plus, getting together with a group like this, where we’re almost all veterans and have that in common — it’s good to get away from other issues or problems they might be having in their lives,” Kirvan said.

Any veteran willing to commit to 10 lessons or more gets a new acoustic guitar for free, along with a stand and other accessories.

“We ask them to commit to 10 lessons,” Kirvan said. “We force them to sing a song to the group. Not every chapter does this.”

He says over the course of 10 years, he has graduated almost 100 students and given away just as many guitars.

Many of the students still come back on Wednesdays to enjoy the community.

“I think the fact that veterans are getting together, that’s what makes it the best,” Kirvan said. “The fact that they’re working with a group, playing with a group, that encourages them to keep going.”