CFCC partners with Guitars for Vets to offer free guitar lessons and instruments to veteran students

Wilmington, NC – Cape Fear Community College (CFCC) is excited to announce a new partnership with Guitars for Vets, a national non-profit dedicated to enriching the lives of veterans through music. This collaboration provides veteran students at CFCC with free guitar lessons. Upon completing the 10-week program, participants receive a guitar and all necessary components for maintenance and upkeep at no cost.

Guitars for Vets is a nationally recognized organization that helps veterans cope with the challenges of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other service-related issues through the healing power of music and community. Guitars for Vets offers personalized guitar instruction and creates a supportive environment where veterans can learn to express themselves, connect with others, and find comfort in their musical journey.

CFCC English Instructor Brian Weeks and Assistant Director of Veterans Affairs Jason Bocchino, who both play guitar in local bands, volunteer their time to teach the students. Lessons are designed to accommodate all skill levels, from beginners to those with prior music experience.

Victoria Mondragon, a CFCC student and US Army Veteran shared her experience with the Guitar for Vets program.

“I had heard of this program before, but it was only offered at the Veterans Affairs office in Jacksonville, and wasn’t feasible for me to participate. When I learned they were bringing the program to CFCC, I immediately signed up because learning to play the guitar has always been on my bucket list.”

Another CFCC student and US Army Veteran, Marcus Abraham, shared,

“Learning to play the guitar alongside other student veterans has been a wonderful experience. I really surprised myself that in just two short months, I went from knowing nothing about playing the guitar to being able to comfortably play three chords continuously. I’m so grateful to now have a guitar to practice on and the ability to continue to take lessons through this program.”

For more information on Cape Fear Community College’s Veterans Center, visit cfcc.edu/veterans . To learn more about the Guitars for Vets program, visit guitars4vets.org .