Drew preferred the humble, quiet nature of service and we aim to keep those tenants alive during your Project D.R.E.W. workshop. 

You will not have to sing, play an instrument or introduce any part of your story. That is all left to your songwriter. At the same time, if you want to be more involved in any part of the process, that is always open.

There are no cameras, social media, or forced participation of any type. This should feel like an experience you’re shaping at all times, around your Story of Service.

Either way, your Project D.R.E.W. Weekend will start with a short phone call to understand your musical tastes and military background so we ensure your best songwriter pairing.

Day 1: Saturday

On Saturday morning, we gather at The Barn at 10am for short, private introductions. At that time you’ll be paired with a songwriter and spend the remainder of the day telling your Story of Service. For some, that may only take 90 minutes. For others, it may last a few hours. Once you finish, your day is complete.

Day 2: Sunday

The following day, on Sunday, you will return to the Barn for a private, invitation-only concert. At that time, you will hear not only your song, but the songs composed for your fellow Project D.R.E.W. attendees. You are welcome to invite family, close friends or former military teammates but we leave that up to you.

For Veterans traveling from out of town, you can expect to arrive on Friday afternoon or evening and stay at a local hotel. We cover airfare, hotel, and necessary transportation.

Project D.R.E.W. Impact

A tribute to you

Everyone has a story

“I had an amazing, transformational, incredible experience this weekend.”

I had an amazing, transformational, incredible experience this weekend. Thank you all so much! It was more of a spiritual retreat for me than a workshop – which I badly needed.

– Matt Crane, 2025

“That weekend that I spent did so much to help me process my trauma and everything else. Thank you for all that you do for all the veterans”

– Melissa camp

“This is the greatest honor, the absolute most heartfelt, overwhelming, terrifying, satisfying, and joy in life. Thank you for asking me, it humbles.”

– Charlie Wiener

“Project D.R.E.W. (Music On A Mission) is just an incredibly valid program.”

The immediate effects were visible instantly. People are capable of carrying grief for a lifetime. Telling someone about it is like a pressure relief valve on a boiler. We could all use more of this love and respect. Sometimes we feel we are not enough…victims of our circumstances…not good enough, not smart enough, not big enough, not tough enough and lastly, not appreciated enough.

This weekend’s events erased all that. We ARE enough. All of us are. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

– Veteran Marc Alu

“When you can share your story, communicate with other people, share who you are and what you went through, a little bit of that weight is carried by someone else.”

– Veteran

“Hi Marilyn and thanks for doing this for us Veterans. It’s special and moving in a great way.”

– chris Mcavinue, D28

“To be listened to and heard to a degree that could be expressed in song was a priceless gift. ”

What an emotional weekend it was. To be listened to and heard to a degree that could be expressed in song was a priceless gift. Because veterans of the war in Vietnam feel more comfortable sharing stories and yes, feelings, with a nurse who was with there, I have heard many stories. They need a safe place and acceptance. You’ve created one!

– Mary Reynolds powell

“The atmosphere created is unlike any of us will ever find.”

– Veteran

“It was particularly impactful to go through the workshop and hear Gretchen bring part of my story to life. It definitely gave me a deeper appreciation for the entire experience.”

– Veteran

“Only if you really knew how much this project has meant to my special Veteran!”

– linda Horvath

in creativity and healing

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