Today, MusicWorks4Veterans remains committed to creating opportunities like this for veterans. With your support, we can continue to help veterans rediscover themselves through the power of music.

Mike's Story -  Vietnam-era Army Veteran:

From poem to song and renewed purpose.

“The Lucky Ones”

MusicWorks4Veterans’ “Music Night” is a dynamic, interactive program held regularly at veteran facilities in the Puget Sound area. Since its inception in 2012 at the Washington Soldiers Home in Orting, the program has provided veterans with opportunities to connect and heal through music. Participants are encouraged to engage creatively, whether by singing, clapping, playing instruments, or sharing their stories. These events foster camaraderie, joy, and artistic expression—each night bringing forth something beautiful and unique.

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Mike, a Vietnam-era Army veteran, is one of the program’s most powerful success stories. As a poet, Mike deeply appreciated how MusicWorks4Veterans not only encouraged storytelling through songwriting but also helped fellow veterans heal through music. After one Music Night in February 2013, Mike shared a poem he had written nearly 40 years prior. While he had never shown it to anyone before, he entrusted it to John Selzler, MusicWorks4Veterans founder, to set it to music. Mike humbly asked to remain anonymous, humorously crediting “Veterans Anonymous” as the author, and expressed his wish for John to use the poem in any way that would support the mission of MusicWorks4Veterans. He hoped that sharing his story could inspire and benefit other veterans.

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Inspired by Mike’s heartfelt poem and his vision for its use, John composed music to complement the powerful words. When he shared the finished song, titled “The Lucky Ones,” with Mike, the response was overwhelming. Mike was deeply moved and proud, thrilled that his work would be performed during Music Night and beyond. The song had a profound and lasting effect on those who listened to it, resonating deeply with veterans and audiences alike for its authenticity, emotional depth, and powerful storytelling.

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John and his band have continued to share “The Lucky Ones” through the years, performing it at events and using it as a centerpiece for the program’s outreach efforts. In 2014, the song was entered into the National Veterans Creative Arts Festival and received a Blue Ribbon and Best of Show honors at the state level in Washington. The song was also recorded as a track on L.I.F.T. VOL. 1, a MusicWorks4Veterans CD project, and is used as part of the program’s fundraising efforts to support veterans.

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Mike’s journey exemplifies the healing power of music and storytelling. By sharing his poem and seeing it brought to life, he found a renewed sense of pride and connection. His story continues to inspire others, showcasing how creativity can help veterans process their experiences and find peace.​