Stephen Bradford, founder of Instruments 4 Success, requests instrument donations to help heal veterans returning from combat with PTS (Post Traumatic Stress) and TBEI (Traumatic Brain Injury).
Nancy Stutman
All are invited to the Jewish War Veterans Copper State Post 619 meeting, Sunday, May 17 to learn about Instruments 4 Success. The meeting takes place in the Oakwood Country Club Ballroom, 24218 S. Oakwood Blvd in Sun Lakes. A “Meet & Greet,” with free lox and bagels, coffee, and doughnuts starts at 9:30 a.m. The speaker follows at 10 a.m.
Instruments 4 Success founded by Stephen Bradford, under the nonprofit Veterans First Ltd, helps veterans heal through music. By donating 1,000 musical instruments to veterans and their families, Stephen enjoys organizing Veteran bands that play at various events to bring awareness to Veteran causes.
When asked how the concept was born, Stephen replied, “While speaking with Veterans enrolled in an inpatient substance abuse program at the VA, I met a Veteran with a strong musical connection who was battling addiction. Through a Facebook post, I was able to get a guitar donated by a high-school classmate. It was like a miracle that sparked his road to recovery and the bright future he still enjoys today. I thought maybe we stumbled on to a winning concept, and Instruments 4 Success was born” Bradford concluded.
Who Gets an Instrument? Veterans in an inpatient setting may benefit from an instrument. Referrals from a healthcare professional receive top priority. ASU Office for Veteran and Military Academic Engagement (OVMAE) coordinates a list of students that we teach each semester who will receive a brand-new guitar and accessories package upon graduation. Family members that have tried everything else call Steve for help. He strives to get instruments to most requesting Veterans.
Donate An Instrument
To donate an instrument or if a veteran, to receive an instrument, contact: Stephen Bradford www.instruments4success.org.
Stephen Bradford served in the U.S. Army for eight years, including two combat deployments in the Gulf War. His civic activities include volunteering at the Phoenix Police Department from 2010 to present. Stephen was the lead Instructor for Guitars for Vets in the Phoenix/Tempe chapter for many years and is active with several nonprofits that provide recreation therapy. Bradford is a state certified peer support counselor and was inducted into the prestigious Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame for his advocacy.
Stephen returned from combat having issues with nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, as well as a battle with addiction, multiple suicide attempts and multiple brain injuries. “So, I know firsthand how music literally saved my life” explains Stephen. It was then, he began to volunteer helping others. He interacted with doctoral students at ASU that were proving how playing guitar reconnects neural pathways, prevents dementia, Alzheimer’s, and many other benefits. Receiving support from many organizations, Bradford started giving out instruments to veterans and their family members. For the past eight years, Stephen has taught guitar with the help of his team of instructors for ASU OVMAE, community, and VA programs.
For more information about JWV Post 619 and membership opportunities, please visit the JWV Facebook page www.facebook.com/CopperStatePost619 and contact Arthur Uram at 702–884-4175 or via email at uramarthur@gmail.com.