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John Mayer's Quiet Philanthropy: $5 Million for War Veterans
🇪🇸 Spain /Culture & Society

John Mayer's Quiet Philanthropy: $5 Million for War Veterans

From El País · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • Musician John Mayer has quietly dedicated years and approximately $5 million to supporting war veterans through his nonprofit Heart and Armor.
  • Mayer founded the organization in 2019 to address mental health issues like PTSD among veterans, inspired by his visit to Camp Lejeune in 2010.
  • The singer was recognized as Philanthropist of the Year by The Hollywood Reporter for his sustained commitment to scientific studies and programs for veterans.

John Mayer, the musician known for hits like "Gravity," has been quietly channeling his resources into a significant philanthropic endeavor for war veterans. For over 15 years, Mayer has dedicated himself to supporting veterans, particularly those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health challenges.

I was deeply moved to speak with someone who had suffered a traumatic brain injury and to understand what it feels like to hear them speak. I was moved to see people who spoke beyond their injury.

— John MayerMayer described his inspiration for supporting veterans after visiting Camp Lejeune.

His commitment began around 2010 after a visit to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, where he met wounded veterans. "I was deeply moved to speak with someone who had suffered a traumatic brain injury and to understand what it feels like to hear them speak," Mayer told The Hollywood Reporter, which featured him on its August cover. "I was moved to see people who spoke beyond their injury."

This experience spurred Mayer to begin funding research in 2012. He partnered with Gerard Choucroun, a social worker specializing in PTSD and veteran care, who now serves as the executive director of Mayer's organization, Heart and Armor. The nonprofit, formally established in 2019, has invested approximately $5 million in scientific studies and programs aimed at improving veterans' well-being.

It is very rare for someone to arrive without a camera and stay for 15 years.

— Gerard ChoucrounGerard Choucroun, executive director of Heart and Armor, commented on Mayer's long-term commitment.

Heart and Armor has already supported nearly a dozen studies on topics ranging from exercise and PTSD symptoms to military sexual trauma. The organization's work extends to addressing specific needs, such as accelerated uterine aging in women veterans, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to veteran care. This sustained, private dedication has earned Mayer recognition, including the Philanthropist of the Year award from The Hollywood Reporter.

Normally it would be an uncomfortable conversation, but John listened attentively to a debate about accelerated uterine aging in women veterans.

— Katie MillerKatie Miller, director of community events for Heart and Armor, praised Mayer's engagement with diverse veteran issues.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El País in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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