KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A group called Our Brother’s Keeper spreads hope to those who need it most through music. The group was launched by veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.
Charles Flanders, who records at destiny audio recording studio, calls music his outlet, rapping about his life and hitting rock bottom.
“I was fighting for custody of my daughter. I lost my house. I lost my car. I lost everything,” said Flanders.
Flanders, a veteran, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, and he isn’t alone.
He believes “devout orchestration” put him in the same place at the same time as Jeremy Ridge, who is also a veteran.
“I didn`t think that my life would ever get any better after coming out of the service. It just wasn`t going so well,” said Ridge.
The duo teamed up and launched an organization called Our Brother’s Keeper, whose mission is giving hope where hope is needed.
“Our Brother`s Keeper isn`t just a symbol, it`s not just music. It`s taking care of your brothers and sisters that are next to you. And it`s not just military. It`s anyone,” said Flanders.
All music recorded sold for profit, benefits therapy programs for veterans and at-risk teens.
“It`s long hours. It`s not easy for us. We believe we can make a change,” said Ridge.
The pair says they won’t stop until they reach those who need them most.
“If we would just take the time to sit down and talk to people who really need help; people that really just need a friend or someone to be there for them. I believe we could really change the world,” said Flanders.
Our Brother’s Keeper will perform at High Noon Saloon in Leavenworth, Kan. on Saturday the 22nd at 9 p.m.
For more information about Our Brother’s Keeper, click on this link.