A restorative process, lasting long after the first chord is strummed…
Reveille Guitar Project
More than just a name.
We are fully committed to teaching Special Operations veterans the art of guitar building by hand – repurposing their high-level skills to reawaken the senses, ignite creativity, and serve as a new “reveille,” the ‘bugle call’ that signals the beginning of their next chapter.
MISSION
Restore purpose and identity to Special Operations veterans by reawakening their creativity, focus, and resilience through the art of guitar building.
VISION
A future where Special Operations veterans, staring down the invisible wounds of service, are provided a dedicated sanctuary promoting purpose, identity, and connection – serving 50 veterans each year.
A Word from the Founder
Our Special Operations veterans are trained to endure and adapt – but many return home searching for purpose and identity.
At Reveille Guitar Project, building a guitar helps rebuild lives.
BENJAMIN CHANNELS | FOUNDER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Military Mental Health Challenges
•1 in 4 veterans struggle with mental health challenges.
•PTSD nearly doubles compared to civilians.
•Special Operations Forces suicide rates are ~30% higher than the military overall.
These are not failures of character. They are gaps in purpose, identity, and connection.
Why Reveille Guitar Project is Different
We don’t treat veterans.
We awaken what service already built.
Most programs focus on managing symptoms. Reveille focuses on restoring purpose and identity.
We emphasize:
•Process over product – the build matters more than the guitar.
•Strengths over deficits – capability, not trauma, leads the work.
•Creation over consumption – hands at work, minds at ease.
•Veterans rebuilding veterans – shared experience, earned trust.
Reveille isn’t an escape from service.
It’s a continuation of it—reimagined for life beyond the uniform.
Participant Snapshot
Christian Ortiz, former Special Operations Medic
“Transitioning out of the military, you’re left with a lot of ‘what if’s’ and what the next purpose is… this week has been the first time in a year it has been quiet… I’ve been able to focus on the next step in my life.”
8-Day Immersive Guitar Building Course
Robesonia, PA
Hands—on instruction from instructor and master luthier Eric Schaefer
Craft acoustic guitar with provided parts and materials
Participants create their own acoustic guitar from raw materials
We are committed to building…
A permanent home for Reveille Guitar Project
Our future sanctuary would serve as:
•A permanent workshop where veterans rebuild purpose and identity.
•A physical resource for veteran-led instruction, creativity, and connection.
•A catalyst to triple Reveille’s impact.
We are early, but the need is real, the model works, the vision is clear.
However, this will not exist without leaders stepping forward to help us build it.
Become a founding partner in building the Reveille Sanctuary
This is about organizational leadership, not a single donation.
Our ask:
Host a private event with trusted friends and leaders.
Sponsor/fund existing guitar building courses.
Invest in a permanent sanctuary for Special Operations veterans.
Consider anchoring a pivotal fundraising event that launches us toward a sanctuary focused on reawakening purpose and identity by building a place where healing happens.
Board of Directors
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Benjamin Channels
BOARD MEMBER
Founder, Executive Director
Chief Warrant Officer Five (Retired) Wade Ziegler
BOARD MEMBER
Co-Founder, Treasurer
Command Sergeant Major (Retired) Chris Kitchens
BOARD MEMBER
Director of Programs
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Steve Chilton
BOARD MEMBER
Brand Ambassador
Board of Advisors
JOHN CLEMENT
PRESIDENT, BOARD OF ADVISORS
JIM DECOLA
MASTER LUTHIER, GIBSON U.S.A.
BRIAN SAIN
PARTNER, KPMG STRATEGY