By: NICOLAS FIERRO
Salina Post
Quality acoustic guitars are set to get into the hands of US Military veterans, thanks to two people who care about our servicemen and women.
Kathy McCandless, Junior Vice President for the VFW Auxiliary Department of Kansas also apart of the VFW Post 1432 Auxiliary in Salina, and Black Blackim, drummer of Sunset Sinners collaborated to help initiate a generous gift of guitars going to veterans in the VFW National Home at Eaton Rapids, MI.
This was made possible through the Guitars for Vets program, which offers veterans, particularly those dealing with PTSD and service-related trauma, free, weekly one-on-one guitar lessons over a 10-week period, culminating in a graduation where they receive a new acoustic guitar and accessory kit.
McCandless reached out Blackim to see about donating several guitars to veterans at the National Home. Blackim did not hesitate to help, and so he contacted his guitar vendor and was able receive a large amount of guitars to be given to the veterans.
"Sunset Sinners is all about supporting veterans and active military," said Blackim.
The could not have been done without generous donations from the public as well. McCandless stated she wanted to let the public know that their donations are being well spent.
"People are enthused and give more when they see where their money goes," she said.
While the organization of Guitars for Vets started in 2007, it wasn't until 2023 that the program got into the VFW National Home.
Just this year, the VFW chapter in Kansas was able to get into the mix and opened the doors for McCandless and Blackim to help donate the guitars.
The guitars are planned to arrive to the veterans at the VFW National Home in Spring 2026.
Sunset Sinners are scheduled to perform at the Stiefel Theatre on February 13, 2026. Click here to purchase tickets.
For more information about Guitars for Vets, click here.
More information about the VFW National Home, click here.