Robert C. Perry is a Vietnam era, 100% service-connected Marine Corps Veteran, singer, songwriter, music producer and VA Volunteer. As a suggestion from a VA psychiatrist, he turned to music to cope with his PTSD. In a deep depression, he asked for a purpose to live and a way to continue to serve his fellow Veterans. That led him to get involved with helping to bring “The Wall That Heals,” a memorial in Montana to those who lost their lives in Vietnam.
It was while working security for that wall and talking with a fellow Navy Vietnam Veteran who happened to be on the same ship as Perry that he learned to play music. They wrote and sang songs in honor of those who had passed.
For Perry, this was the beginning of a life renewed in service and a life dedicated to honor those who sacrificed for the nation through music. He began writing songs and playing for the Veteran patients at Fort Harrison VA in July 1995. He played in the patient rooms and in the main lobbies.
Performed for Veterans across the country
Perry has traveled the country and honored active-duty military and Veterans with his music at memorial dedications, Stand Downs, festivals and Rolling Thunder.
After 13 years of unofficially volunteering at Montana VA from 1995-2008, Perry was finally convinced to fill out the paperwork to become an official VA Volunteer. Over those 16 years, he volunteered over 1,850 hours of his time playing shows for Veterans.
He has played 1956 shows with a goal of 2000 shows.
Perry’s music became his therapy and a way for him to heal. His mission is to share his passion for music with others, celebrate and honor the brave men and women who sacrificed for the country he loves, and to remind his brothers and sisters they are not alone and can heal as well.
His dream is for his story and actions to inspire others to volunteer and provide musical entertainment and healing for Veterans at VA facilities across America. His late, older brother Jimmy, a Silver Star recipient and Vietnam combat medic, is his hero and inspiration.
Perry has written 50+ songs, produced and recorded 3 CD’s, and his music is available for free on SoundCloud, Spotify and YouTube.
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I’m happy for him. People need an escape especially as they age. They need to know they are significant in some area of their lives. It gives people purpose.