Band of Veterans & Friends taps into the healing power of music

Their toes tapping to the beat, the group of practicing musicians — some on guitars, another on drums and one on harmonica — are on a mission. 

They are members of the Band of Veterans & Friends, many of whom served in the Air Force or Army and several who saw combat in the Vietnam War.

According to Army veteran Bob Schlageter, of Massapequa, the mission now is to spread the “healing power of music” to veterans trying to reintegrate with society.

The Islip-based band, formed about 12 years ago, performs across the Island. Last week, it played at a private event at a country club in Islip.

“We have to do other gigs to get paid to cover our expenses, but the veteran-related events, we never charge,” said Schlageter, 77, who plays the mandolin and was drafted into the military in 1968.

He said the band is made up of about 12 veterans including himself, two first responders and three volunteers.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' website, post-traumatic stress disorder is "slightly more common among veterans than civilians." There have been several studies, including a report from the National Institutes of Health, that suggest some people with PTSD can benefit from music therapy. The Band of Veterans & Friends' website says music is "therapeutic" and can "reduce symptoms of PTSD."  

Schlageter is in charge of marketing for the band, which he said plays a mix of country rock. The band is also a registered nonprofit and offers free guitar lessons to veterans. After the fifth lesson, each “student” receives a free guitar.

While the band shares its love of music with audiences, it's allowing the members to be a part of something bigger.

“People feel good when they play music, and it's not only the playing of the music, but it's being a part of a band, being a part of something,” Schlageter said. “For a lot of our guys, including me, it's the highlight of the week to come out … and play. So our band members get a sense of belonging."

The group, made up mostly of older adults, practices two to three times each week in Islip for two hours at a time.

One of its founders, Bill Manton, 65, of Massapequa, said playing the guitar brings him joy.

“I play it every single day,” he said. “When I go away on vacation, my wife takes care of the luggage and I take care of bringing my guitar. So I try to communicate that to the guys in the same way; to have the love of the instrument is something that you can keep for the rest of your life.”

Manton said the Band of Veterans & Friends is looking for new members who are also military veterans.

The group has a practice space but is not allowed to keep equipment there. He said having a spot where band members can permanently leave their equipment would be a big deal. Manton added he is tasked with moving instruments, which is physically challenging for him.

After a gig at a nursing home, Schlageter recounted the time someone thanked him for putting a smile on their father’s face. That's what the band is all about, he added.

Manton said the band is also helping veterans and older adults connect with each other.

“It's nice to have purpose in your life,” he said. “I think that's what gets people out of bed, I think it's actually what helps people stay alive longer.

"And that's what I think with this band, the same thing — I think this music is actually helping them be healthy, getting out, moving, just doing something, as opposed to just sitting in a house.”