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All-veterans rock group bands together to support vet community

WXXI News | By Veronica Volk,
Veronica Volk
Published September 4, 2018 at 11:33 AM EDT

U.S. military veterans are a vulnerable population, susceptible to high rates of disease and injury, mental health issues – and addiction.A locally-based band is offering support to the veteran community.

At the VA Medical Center in Canandaigua, some veterans are turning to music to help them through recovery. Last year, a group of veterans in a music therapy program decided to take their jam sessions to the next level. They formed the deFenders.

Now, the 10-piece rock cover band plays veterans events, including birthday parties and concerts at the VA. Many of the members credit this group with their continued sobriety and their sense of community.

Copyright 2018 WXXI News
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Health & Wellness veteransWBFO Veterans News DeskVetsdeFenders
Veronica Volk
Veronica Volk is the Great Lakes Reporter/Producer for WXXI News, exploring environmental and economic issues, water, and wildlife throughout the region for radio, television, and the web.
See stories by Veronica Volk
Veronica Volk
Veronica Volk is a Reporter/Producer for WXXI News. She comes from WFUV Public Radio, where she began her broadcasting career as a reporter covering the Bronx, and the greater New York City area. She later became the Senior Producer of WFUV’s weekly public affairs show, Cityscape. Originally from Ocean County, New Jersey, Veronica got her B.A. in Communication and Media Studies at Fordham University, concentrating on Media, Culture, and Society.