Local musical non-profit aims to perform at every Veterans Home across US | 7 Salutes

CHARLOTTE HALL, Md. (7News) — More than 160 Veterans Homes across America are filled with aging heroes who sacrificed so much for our freedoms.

A special local organization, Voices of Vets, aims to perform at every single one of them. It’s a selfless mission to ultimately say thank you.

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Inside the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, a group of residents, many in wheelchairs, listened as a group sang patriotic songs and classic hits like "Crocodile Rock."

It may resemble a concert, and it may echo like one, but for these musicians, this is a form of medicine to rejuvenate exhausted souls.

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“When you have high blood pressure, someone gives you something for this. When you have pain, they give you medication for pain management. What are we doing for the mind?” said Voices of Vets CEO Kassie Sandacz.

Sandacz said this started as a challenge she was issued by a high school teacher about a decade ago, and it has now evolved into a nonprofit with professional musicians across America.

Many of these veterans at Charlotte Hall Veterans Home are confined to wheelchairs or in memory care. But when Voices of Vets performs, this captive audience lights up.

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“Magnificent!” exclaimed Army veteran Eddie Sanders.

“It's something that people don’t hear all the time, and it seems like it's an upgrade to your lifestyle,” said Marine veteran Clarence Williams.

“Change the mood, make their day, and make their day a little bit better,” said Sandacz.

Voices of Vets especially caters to these set lists to include songs from these vets’ younger years, and it always makes a difference.

“When we’re dancing with them and making that connection, it carries over; it helps when it's dinnertime and they’re able to eat a little more. It changes the quality of life, it changes their outlook,” said Sandacz.

Some of these musicians, like David Phenicie, have performed with bigger bands in front of thousands. But he says he gets more enjoyment with this crowd.

“Because of all they’ve done for us. All the sacrifices they’ve made. We’re so happy to do anything we can for these guys. They’re our heroes,” said Phenicie.

When William Cain was in the army back in the 70s, he never saw this sort of patriotism.

“[Vietnam] was so bad, and the country was so screwed up. Everybody hated the military,” said Cain. “You were shamed, you didn’t tell people. I lost opportunities for jobs.”

Watching Voices of Vets helps heal those scars from all those decades ago.

“This stuff makes you appreciate what you’ve done. This stuff shows you there was a purpose,” said Cain.

These performers are determined to show gratitude from a thankful nation.

“It’s a small piece that I can give back to our heroes,” said Sandacz.

If you want to support this non-profit and its mission, click here.