Colfax veteran distributes MP3 players to PTSD vets

On a recent trip to Florida to visit his father, retired U.S. Navy veteran Steve Aspenwall of Colfax met up with a former commander and learned of a program aimed at helping veterans to manage and overcome PTSD.

The program, called Songs and Stories for Soldiers, provides pre-loaded MP3 players to veterans to help with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

“He took some information, and when I returned home, a box showed up with a few of these MP3 players,” said Aspenwall.

Aspenwall, a former senior chief petty officer, said the MP3 has helped him a lot.

“It really helps me get a good night sleep,” he said. “I was waking up and couldn't get back to sleep.”

The MP3 players come pre-loaded with stories and songs in a wide variety of genres. Aspenwall said he prefers to use the soothing music.

Knowing how much the program has helped him, Aspenwall now aims to help other veterans within the community, county and region.

“Anyone with PTSD, I will hand these out for free,” he said.

He is now looking for community support. Aspenwall, a member of the Colfax Rotary Club, received a $250 Rotary donation to go toward purchasing MP3 players to distribute, and he will also be visiting the Pullman Rotary Club and other organizations in the region.

The music devices cost $10 and come with earphones, an adaptor and computer cord. Aspenwall wants to keep them free to veterans.

“Absolutely free to the veteran, but I do ask the community members to donate,” he said.

He plans to continue to find organizations and possibly schools to meet with regarding the program.

“I'll be making my way slowly but surely,” Aspenwall commented.

He said the program has made its way into clinics and veteran’s hospitals in the eastern United States, and he is hoping for it to catch on in the west, too. He said the program is very helpful.

“I think it's a very worthwhile program,” said Aspenwall. “I checked it out, and I'm using it. It seems to be doing well.”

He also said he will continue to order more MP3 players to be ready to distribute as the needs arise.

Aspenwall said the website associated with the group also has more than three million songs and stories readily available for free download so that individuals can add to the pre-loaded music.

More information at: http://songsandstoriesforsoldiers.us