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Tony and Susan Villegas are elated and grateful to Flagstar Bank, which offered their nonprofit a $15,000 grant to conduct a free veteran’s guitar-building workshop in the High Desert.
Now, the couple is searching for a space to host their November workshop, which will allow veterans and first responders to construct their own guitar, learn a new skill and find a bit of healing.
“We’ve conducted many workshops where veterans have the opportunity to get out of the house and connect with other veterans who understand what they’ve gone through,” said Tony, 76, an Army veteran and the president of American Patriot Music.
Looking for space
“We have all the equipment, but now we’re looking for a large place that will allow us to set up shop,” said Tony, who also served with the California National Guard.
Tony said the National Guard Armory in Apple Valley would be an ideal location for the workshop that would host just over a dozen people.
“Since 2018, we’ve held 16 workshops across California, in places like airport hangars, wineries, warehouses, schools and the Big Bear Elks Lodge,” Tony said. “We just need a big space with electricity and a restroom for three eight-hour workshops that will also include breakfast and lunch.”
Something special happens
Tony said “something special happens” when veterans, especially women, come together for a purpose.
“We’ve had veterans tell us that they finally found a place to connect with others who have gone through some horrible times,” Tony said. “We’ve had many women veterans tell us that they felt extremely isolated until they came to one of our workshops.”
Tony explained how one Vietnam veteran, who survived a bombing, came to the workshop with uncontrollable “shaky hands” due to their injuries.
“This veteran brought a friend to help him build the guitar, but after a while, his hands stopped shaking, and he built that guitar all by himself,” Tony said. “The look and pride on his face was something we’ve seen on many veterans.”
American Patriot Music Project and Band
American Patriot Music Project was originally founded in 2018 by retired Navy SEAL veteran Darrin Isham, with the foundation’s goal of utilizing music to help veterans.
Isham also created the American Patriot Band, which Tony was also a part of, which is a component of the nonprofit as it serves as a marketing and fundraising platform for the foundation's music programs.
The award-winning band works with veterans and first responders on and off stage, supporting a variety of music projects designed to create a positive influence in the lives of our nation’s heroes who need help.
The band has performed at many events, including but not limited to Temecula’s State of the City, Ontario Reign hockey game, Producers Choice Honors Awards at the Hollywood Hard Rock Cafe, and Los Angeles Music Awards in Hollywood.
To participate in the workshop, to offer venue space, or for more information, call Tony Villegas at (909) 908-2480.
Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on X @DP_ReneDeLaCruz
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Nonprofit to host veteran’s guitar-building workshop in the High Desert
