Voices of Valor

Voices of Valor Each program consists of eight 90-minute sessions that meet once a week, with 8-10 veteran participants, two musical facilitators, and a psychology mentor.

A unique opportunity for veterans to work with songwriters to create a song based on your experiences and reflecting who you are - no musical experience required! Voices of Valor is a program designed to help returning veterans reintegrate into civilian life, and to address some of the challenges and stressors inherent in that process. A detailed curriculum has been created, with a stated goal for

each week, a music relaxation exercise and specific assignments. Over the course of the eight weeks, the participants will learn: 1) The most common stressors they are all facing, 2) How to translate their experiences into song lyrics, 3) The structure and form of a successful song, 4) Simple music relaxation tools they can all use at their leisure, and 5) How to keep relaxed and open while discussing negative or stressful experiences. Voices of Valor is supervised and managed by Music For All Seasons. http://www.voicesofvalor.org/why-voices-of-valor/

03/03/2026

🎶 NOW STREAMING 🎶

When Veterans are given the space to be heard, powerful things happen.

Voices of Valor is honored to share the official debut of “I Won’t Back Down” by the Lyons Heart — a remarkable group of Veterans from the Lyons VA Medical Center, part of the VA New Jersey Health Care System, who turned their lived experiences into deeply meaningful, original music.

Guided with care by facilitators Benny Harrison and Laura Blaine, this group grew stronger session after session — building trust, lifting one another up, and finding the courage to tell their stories through song.

Recorded at Sound On Sound Studios in Montclair, NJ, this piece is more than music. It is resilience. It is brotherhood. It is healing in action.

Every lyric in this song was written by the Veterans themselves.

To the Veterans who shared their voices and stories in this song — thank you for your courage and for trusting this process.

If this video moves you, please watch and share to help amplify the voices of our Veterans. 💙🇺🇸

If you are interested in supporting Voices of Valor or bringing the program to your facility, we would love to connect.

For more information, visit https://voicesofvalor.org

With heartfelt thanks to TD Charitable Foundation for their generous support in making Voices of Valor programs possible.

The Lyons Heart is standing strong. 💙🇺🇸In this powerful Voices of Valor session, these Veterans brought courage, honesty...
03/02/2026

The Lyons Heart is standing strong. 💙🇺🇸

In this powerful Voices of Valor session, these Veterans brought courage, honesty, and brotherhood to their original song, “I Won’t Back Down.” Every session built toward this moment — and their message is clear.

📸 Take a look behind the scenes as the Lyons Heart prepares to share their voices.
🎬 The official video premieres later tonight at 9pm. Stay tuned. https://youtu.be/oKxAHA8nv9E

02/14/2026

Love is in the air — and in every lyric we write together. From our Voices of Valor family to yours, Happy Valentine’s Day! 🎵❤️

02/14/2026

“You Make Me Smile” — and today, our veterans are sharing that smile with YOU! 😊❤️
Happy Valentine’s Day from Voices of Valor! 🎶

02/11/2026

Proud Vets of Paramus | Voices of Valor

📅 Released February 11, 2026

Today we are proud to announce the official release of “You Make Me Smile” — the newest original song created through Voices of Valor, a signature program of Music For All Seasons.

Written and performed by the Proud Vets of Paramus, this uplifting song celebrates camaraderie, resilience, and the healing power of music. Through shared stories and shared sound, these veterans transformed their experiences into a joyful anthem of connection.

Facilitated by Ron Haney and Dave Rimelis, the group recorded the song at Sound On Sound Studios in Montclair, capturing the authenticity and heart of every voice in the room.

We extend our deepest gratitude to:
Paramus Veterans Memorial Home

And give special thanks to:
💙 TD Charitable Foundation

Your support makes Voices of Valor possible — creating meaningful musical experiences that honor and uplift those who have served.

At Music For All Seasons, we believe when veterans raise their voices together, healing happens.
Today, we invite you to listen, share, and celebrate with us.

🎧 Stream “You Make Me Smile” now.
💙 Share it with someone who makes you smile.
🇺🇸 Help us amplify veterans’ voices.

Behind the Scenes – Recording Studio Day🎙 “You Make Me Smile”By Proud Vets of Paramus📀 CD Release Date: February 11, 202...
02/10/2026

Behind the Scenes – Recording Studio Day
🎙 “You Make Me Smile”
By Proud Vets of Paramus
📀 CD Release Date: February 11, 2026

Step inside the studio with the Proud Vets of Paramus as they record “You Make Me Smile.” These behind-the-scenes moments capture more than microphones and music — they reflect camaraderie, courage, and the power of shared stories through song.

From warm-ups and laughter to focused takes and heartfelt harmonies, this recording day was filled with connection, purpose, and pride. Each photo tells part of the journey — veterans coming together to create something joyful, uplifting, and lasting.

“You Make Me Smile” is more than a title — it’s a reminder of the healing power of music and the bonds formed when voices unite.

Celebrate the journey. Celebrate the voices.
🎶 Official CD Release: 2/11/26

02/09/2026

Coming Soon- “You Make Me Smile”

A new original song from Voices of Valor, a program of Music For All Seasons, created by Proud Vets of Paramus.

Releases February 11.

🎵✨ Our February programs are here! ✨🎵This month, Music for All Seasons celebrates love, connection, and the powerful leg...
02/03/2026

🎵✨ Our February programs are here! ✨🎵
This month, Music for All Seasons celebrates love, connection, and the powerful legacy of Black musicians and composers. From Valentine’s-themed programs to performances honoring Black History Month, we’re excited to share music that uplifts and inspires our communities. 💙❤️

01/01/2026
12/21/2025

🎶 NEW VOICES OF VALOR RELEASE 🎶

We are incredibly proud to congratulate the Veterans of Unheard Herd on the release of their powerful new song, “Can’t Tame the Herd.” This original work reflects courage, resilience, and the strength it takes to step forward and share one’s voice. We celebrate these Veterans for their commitment, creativity, and willingness to turn lived experience into music that resonates far beyond the studio.

📅 Release Date: December 19, 2025

Recorded at Shelter Island Sound in New York, NY, this project was guided by facilitators Julio Fernandez and Kirsten Thien, who fostered an environment rooted in trust, collaboration, and creative exploration.

Voices of Valor is a songwriting program for Veterans that uses music as a powerful tool for healing and self-expression. Through guided songwriting and recording, participants create original music while building connection, confidence, and community through shared creative experience.

💙 With Appreciation

We gratefully acknowledge Samaritan Daytop Village for their partnership and for connecting us with the Veterans who participated in this project.

This program was made possible through the generous support of TD Charitable Foundation.

🎧 Please take a moment to listen, share, and celebrate these voices.
Your support helps ensure Voices of Valor can continue offering meaningful songwriting opportunities for Veterans through the power of music.

🌐 Learn more & show your support:
👉 www.voicesofvalor.org

09/01/2025

Address

Scotch Plains, NJ
07076

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