The Rockford Chapter of Guitars for Vets hosted “Heroes Unplugged,” its third annual benefit event at the Nordlof Center Saturday.
The program featured emcee Aaron Wilson, Paul Bronson, Post Facto, the Rockford Dance Company Cardio Tap Dancers, Malandrino and the Rockford G4V Jam Band.
There was a silent auction fundraiser and music from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Guitars for Vets currently operates more than 80 chapters nationwide and is dedicated to sharing the healing power of music with veterans suffering from combat-related distress, according to the organization’s website. The program provides guitar instruction in a structured program run by volunteers.
Trish Rooney, coordinator of the Rockford chapter of Guitars for Vets, said the program provides a “positive outlet for dealing with whatever stresses (veterans) are going through.”
“The Nordlof Center is a wonderful, gracious host,” Rooney said. “It’s very easy to get volunteer performers because they want to support the cause, and they enjoy performing at the Nordlof.”
Participant R. Glenn Wolf of Belvidere, an Air Force fire and rescue specialist from 1974 to 1980, manned the greeting table at the venue Saturday afternoon.
Wolf said he suffers from insomnia, lack of focus and other health issues stemming from his military service.
