Veterans Exploring Dance & Music (VEDM) was founded by Izzy and Gerry, two veterans who experienced firsthand the challenges of transitioning from military to civilian life. Leaving the service often brings a loss of structure, purpose, and camaraderie, leading to isolation and unprocessed trauma. Traditional healing methods, such as therapy and medication, work for some but leave many feeling disconnected. Izzy and Gerry saw an alternative—a way to heal through music, movement, and community, and VEDM was born.

For Izzy, electronic music became a lifeline after his career as a TACP officer, where he led high-pressure combat operations. The dance floor provided a space where he could be present, process emotions, and reconnect with others. Gerry, an Intelligence Officer who later pursued a career in mental health, found that music and community offered a tangible, evidence-based path to healing. Together, they realized that the power of music, social connection, and mindfulness could help veterans navigate life beyond the uniform.

VEDM creates opportunities for veterans to engage in meaningful experiences that blend music with mental health awareness. Through workshops, events, and community-building initiatives, the organization provides veterans with tools to manage stress, process trauma, and rediscover a sense of belonging. By stepping away from traditional clinical approaches and embracing creativity and connection, VEDM offers a fresh and effective path to well-being.

More than just a nonprofit, VEDM is a movement redefining veteran wellness. It proves that healing doesn’t have to be confined to therapy offices or VA clinics—it can happen on the dance floor, in the rhythm of the music, and within a supportive community. For veterans searching for identity and purpose after service, VEDM offers not just a space to heal, but a place to thrive.