Everyone at the Eastern School of Fretted Instrument Repair is excited to help spread the word about a true American hero, 1st Lt. BRIAN BRENNAN.

US Army 1st Lt. Brian Brennan, a 23 year old Howell resident and graduate of Howell High School and The Citadel, was severely injured on May 7, 2008 from an IED attack, while leading a patrol in Afghanistan. Brian had been in Afghanistan for only two months when an IED exploded under the Humvee that he and four other men were traveling in. Brian and the gunner, Spc. Ryan Price of California, were the only ones to survive. However, they suffered similar fates. Brian was found in cardiac arrest. If not for the quick response of his fellow soldiers, Brian’s story might have a different ending.

The “Brennan Stands Alone Foundation” is organized to assist current and former members of the United States Armed Forces injured in the line of duty and their families.

Come out to the 3rd Annual 5k walk/run will be held April 27th, 2013 at Turkey Swamp Park in Freehold, N.J.

As many of you know, the Eastern School of Fretted Instrument Repair holds a special place in its heart for all those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Founder Joseph Civitano, a US Air Force veteran himself was motivated on making his program available and accessible for not only all that wanted to attend but definitely for any veteran. Upon our approval by the New Jersey Department of Veterans Training in 2009, Mr. Civitano has since developed an annual scholarship for returning disabled veterans.  That is why when earlier this week we were ecstatic when we were contacted by a wonderful individual Vincent DeLellis. Mr. DeLellis spoke with us about 2 amazing events coming up developed around and all about veterans.

VETstock 2013 will be held August 3, 2013 at the Manalapan Recreation Center.  VETstock’s # 1 mission is to help, support and show our appreciation for all of those who have sacrificed for the greater good of our country.  There will be entertainment for ALL AGES including live music, vendors, car/motorcycle/military vehicle shows.

VETstock is sure to be a hit yet again! Check them out on Facebook

Here is a GREAT example of a student who decided to start a new career  he knew he would love for the next chapter of his life!

There is a broad variety to the “type of student” that attends the Eastern School of Fretted Instrument Repair. Some students have attended immediately upon their high school graduation, while others have had previous education & training for some time in many different fields.   But for many students, they seem to have found themselves as established, educated, working adults that have had long standing careers in other areas of expertise. Many of these students are nervous and weary about making the transition into a new career at a later part of life. But with every semester and student that passes through, the shared love & desire of music seems to be a common denominator.

Recent graduate & Massachusetts native Sam Spinazzolla is a perfect example of this type of student. Sam attended the fall 2012 semester at the Eastern School of Fretted Instrument Repair after many years in communications.  He and his wife had visited the Eastern School earlier that spring to get a firsthand look at the facility and to see if this was the right repair school for him. With the support of his amazing family & loving wife, Sam decided to enroll into the Eastern School of Fretted Instrument Repair & excelled in all aspects of the program.  After graduation he returned home and has since opened his own repair shop, Finest Action Musical Instrument Repair.

Sam has proven that with dedication, hard work, sacrifice and with the support of family ANYTHING is achievable.