A rustic music band in New Orleans is taking a special method to performing whereas additionally selling psychological well being consciousness amongst veterans.
Vet Jams performs exhibits throughout bars within the New Orleans space, melding their love for nation into open dialogue with viewers members about psychological well being struggles and the significance of in search of assist by means of remedy.
Jason Davey, chief of Vet Jams, served within the Marine Corps and was deployed to Iraq in 2003. He is aware of his band has a special method to taking part in stay than most, however he’s wonderful with that.
“I actually get on the microphone and say it’s okay to go to remedy,” Davey mentioned. “And folks will flip round from the bar. It’s bizarre. Proper? And it’s not a traditional factor. However that’s sort of the thought.”
Overcoming Private Tragedies
The demise of his brother propelled Davey into navy service.
“My brother really signed up earlier than me. He was a couple of years older, and sadly, he handed away,” Davey mentioned. “So, we had the complete 21-gun salute. And after his funeral, I simply sort of bought it in my head that I wished to complete his enlistment. So, I signed up so I may end what he began.”
Following his service, Davey married, and the couple began a household, planting roots in New Orleans. Years handed earlier than one other tragedy struck.
“I misplaced my spouse about 4 years in the past now, and I began my remedy journey earlier than she handed away. And it simply sort of made me understand how vital it’s,” Davey mentioned. “And there are simply lots of people within the navy that don’t search that avenue. It’s this sort of social stigma that actually exists within the navy.”
Veterans Discovering Connection By means of Music
Whereas remedy was a saving grace for Davey, constructing connections with fellow veterans who shared related experiences additionally helped. He may discuss to them about delicate subjects that even shut members of the family didn’t learn about.
“I’ve by no means instructed my spouse something about being in Iraq, however you’ll inform an entire stranger sitting on the bar stool subsequent to you all the things about it,” Davey mentioned. “There’s only a sure rapport and belief that you’ve with anyone else that’s been by means of the identical factor.”
Speaking to different veterans led Davey to Chet Pierson, who served within the Army. Each veterans realized they liked music and will play devices. Three years in the past, they developed Vet Jams.
“Me and Jason Davey, we had been sitting proper right here, speaking about psychological well being. He’s like, I play guitar. I play harmonica,” Pierson mentioned. “He’s like, I bought an important concept. Let’s kind a band and begin speaking about psychological well being for veterans,” Pierson mentioned.
Band Promotes Suicide Consciousness
Pierson, an Operation Desert Storm veteran, found he had post-traumatic stress dysfunction in 1992. Each he and Davey realized that in the case of remedy for veterans, it’s not a one-size-fits-all answer. Vet Jams works to satisfy veterans wherever they’re of their psychological well being journeys.
Pierson pointed to the eye-opening statistics of twenty-two veterans and a 6,000 per 12 months suicide charge that held regular for twenty years. Lately, whereas the speed has dipped barely, current information confirmed that from 2022 to 2023 the speed of veteran suicides ticked down a fraction, from 17.6 per day to 17.5.
“And extra veterans kill themselves than we’ve in fight,” Pierson mentioned. “You understand, that’s a staggering quantity.”
Whereas Davey and Pierson make up the core of the band, Vet Jams’ lineup isn’t set in stone. The duo welcomes veterans from round New Orleans to play with them, that includes a rotating unit of 20 musicians who’ve jammed with the band in recent times.
Performing the music they’re enthusiastic about and sharing tales with veterans has made an influence.
“Togetherness can save lives. Music saves lives. Camaraderie saves lives,” Pierson mentioned.
Vet Jams performs at no cost and has thrilling aspirations for the long run, like acting at New Orleans ’ well-known Jazz & Heritage Pageant sometime. Upcoming exhibits are listed on the band’s web site.
