This country band is breaking the mental health stigma among veterans

NEW ORLEANS (InvestigateTV) - A group of veterans has turned their shared experiences into a mission, using country music to address mental health stigma in the military community.

Vet Jams, a band that performs at bars around the New Orleans metro area, combines live music with open conversations about therapy and mental health support for veterans.

“I literally get on the microphone and say it’s okay to go to therapy. And people will turn around from the bar. It’s weird. Right? And it’s not a normal thing. But that’s kind of the idea,” said Jason Davey, the band’s leader and a Marine veteran who served in Iraq in 2003.

Personal tragedy sparked military service

Davey said his decision to enlist began with family tragedy.

“My brother actually signed up before me. He was a few years older, and unfortunately, he passed away. So, we had the full 21-gun salute. And after his funeral, I just kind of got it in my head that I wanted to finish his enlistment. So, I signed up so I could finish what he started,” Davey said.

After serving overseas, Davey married, started a family and settled in New Orleans. Years later, he faced another loss.

“I lost my wife about four years ago now, and I started my therapy journey before she passed away. And it just kind of made me realize how important it is. And there’s just a lot of people in the military that don’t seek that avenue. It’s this kind of social stigma that really exists in the military,” Davey said.

Veterans find connection through shared experience

Davey said therapy helped save him, along with connections with other veterans who understood his experiences.

“I’ve never told my wife anything about being in Iraq, but you will tell a complete stranger sitting at the bar stool next to you everything about it. There’s just certain rapport and trust that you have with somebody else that’s been through the same thing,” Davey said.

Three years ago, Davey partnered with Army veteran Chet Pierson to form Vet Jams.

“Me and Jason Davey, we were sitting right here, talking about mental health. He’s like, I play guitar. I play harmonica. He’s like, I got a great idea. Let’s form a band and start talking about mental health for veterans,” Pierson said.

Mission targets veteran suicide rates

Pierson, who served in Desert Storm and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder in 1992, said the band’s mission is to meet veterans where they are.

“The 22 a day, 6000 a year for 20 years. And more veterans kill themselves than we have in combat. You know, that’s a staggering number,” Pierson said.

More than 20 musicians have played with Vet Jams in a rotating lineup of veterans using music as support.

“Togetherness can save lives. Music saves lives. Camaraderie saves lives,” Pierson said.

The band performs for free and hopes to take the stage at Jazz Fest one day. More information is available at vetjams.org.