Three music products suppliers have found ways to honor U.S. troops at home and abroad this summer.

Chicago-based Parker Guitars recently got an update from Staff Sgt. Iaian Thompson of the 101st Airborne Division stationed in Afghanistan. Thompson is a member of Out of Uniform, a rock band made up of members of the 101st. In addition to their regular duties, members of Out of Uniform perform for the troops and tour Afghanistan to play for other bases. Parker Guitars provided Thompson with the Fly Mojo Flame to show its support of the armed forces.

Healing War Wounds
Godin Guitars also donated a Triumph electric guitar to a raffle to raise money for Guitars for Vets (G4V), a non-profit that provides ailing and injured veterans with guitars and music instruction.

“I have seen the solemn faces of traumatized soldiers light up with joy and hope when they receive their guitar from G4V,” said Patrick Nettesheim, director of education for G4V. Its goal is to donate as many as 1,000 guitars a year to U.S. vets.

The raffled Godin guitar was also signed and played by Genesis guitarist Daryl Stuermer.

Alfred Publishing took a more personal route by honoring its own employees and their loved ones who have served. It created a memorial marked by a commemorative flagpole and plaque in New York’s Patriot Park during Memorial Day weekend. Joined by fellow businesses, the crowd gathered to show their gratitude. The memorial was funded by donations from Alfred employees.

godinguitars.com; parkerguitars.com; alfred.com