The piano, like other instruments Ruben Reyna plays, can be a gateway to his soul.
"All my worries that I had in the past... even when I served my country and I go ahead and play... I'm not stressed... I'm more calm," Reyna said.
The former Marine corporal often thinks about his father while playing music.
Carlos Reyna served in the Korean War as an Army sergeant.
He recently passed away from illness.
Ruben said his father benefitted from the healing powers of music.
As a music instructor with more than 35 years experience, Reyna wants to share that musical power with vets, Valley-wide.
"So they can feel the comfort in music and not think about the past," he said.
The showroom at Mr. Music on East Ruben Torres Boulevard has recently transformed.
It will be home to Operation Music 4 Vets.
The operation's goal is to help heal soldiers through the power of music.
The business is offering veterans free instrument lessons, either piano or guitar, in hopes vets will pick up something new to love.
"You do play out of heart for whatever reason," said Reyna. "You do play out of your heart."
Many vets suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD.
Health experts believe hobbies, like playing an instrument, can help alleviate a person's symptoms.
The opportunity to play a therapeutic role in a military comrade's life is music to Reyna's ears.
The operation kicks off February 14th, 2011 with registration starting immediately.
Mr. Music is located on 1425 E. Ruben Torres Blvd. in Brownsville and can be reached by calling (956) 542-2503.
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