From: Kenneth Troyan, director, Flutes for Vets of Central Illinois

In May 2021, Flutes for Vets of Central Illinois opened it’s chapter doors in McNabb, Ill., with Kenneth Troyan as director. The original chapter office for Flutes for Vets is in Tucson, Ariz. Pictured are two students on each side of Troyan (Ron Tardio and Matt Weaver). Both students are members of Ottawa American Legion Post 33. Flutes for Vets of Central Illinois covers LaSalle, Putnam, Bureau and Marshall counties. Our plans are to expand in the future to other areas in Illinois. Lessons are held once a week at Post 33 and the Veterans Assistance Commission in Peru, Ill. Learning to play the Native American woodwind flute is music therapy for veterans dealing with PTSD or other mental health issues. Age, knowing how to play an instrument or being able to read music is not a consideration as to whether a person can learn to play this flute - it is an easy instrument to learn. As we tell our students, you can’t make a mistake with how the flute sounds. Our mission is to help our veterans find a calming for their lives through playing the Native American woodwind flute. Our program provides free flutes and free lessons for each veteran. There is never a charge back to a veteran. To learn more about Flutes for Vets of Central Illinois, visit us at our Facebook page ‘Flutes for Vets of Central Illinois,’ and like us. To learn about how to sign up, contact Troyan at kennethtroyan@gmail.com.