Chet's Guitars4Vets Story

On July 25, 2020 I was watching a podcast called Hometown Sessions by Sully Erna, frontman of Godsmack. Hometown Sessions was Erna’s COVID-19 era way to stay in touch with his and Godsmack’s fan base. On this particular episode Erna spoke with co-founder of Guitars4Vets.org Patrick Nettesheim.

This program sparked my desire to take up guitar with gusto. As a teenager, I had previously owned guitars. I lacked the dedication to learn. I reached out to Guitars4Vets and was directed to contact my local chapter – unfortunately, the nearest chapter was in Des Moines. Undeterred, I contacted the Des Moines Chapter and in October 2020 I stated taking lessons from a teacher, who would quickly become a friend. Jack and I still meet almost every week. We often say to each other, “we each learn from another” (I think I learn more from Jack than he from me).

Fast forward a year (September 2021). I teach beginning guitar for the Cyber (Online) Chapter of Guitars4Vets.org. Currently, I have two veterans in I am teaching. I give back to Guitars4Vets.org by playing for veterans gatherings and giving back by donating to promote Guitars4Vets.org. It is my vision to give back as long as I perform (and beyond) by donating 10% of what I make (donations, gigging or busking) back to Guitars4Vets.org. I can never repay what the program has done and continues to for me, not to mention how great it was in making a friend with Jack.

I am hoping to make a big announcement for Northeast Iowa in the coming weeks.