NCIRE – The Veterans Health Research Institute is proud to announce its continued partnership with musician John Mayer to assist Veterans transitioning from military to civilian life (for a related article, please click here).  Now in its third year, the NCIRE / John Mayer collaboration continues to develop new reintegration resources for military service members returning from combat, while deepening the general public’s understanding of military service.

“John has consistently demonstrated a humble and steadfast commitment to the successful reintegration of military service personnel into civilian life,” said Robert Obana, NCIRE’s Executive Director. “Over the last few years, he has remained in regular contact with Veterans, scientists, care providers, and military families.  He has become extremely fluent in everything from the science to family complexities to the emotional challenges of being a warfighter.”

Mr. Mayer’s participation in dozens of military functions - ranging from attendance at “Welcome Home” events to briefings with individual service members - has also encompassed fundraising activities to benefit non-profit organizations including NCIRE, Military Outreach Ministries, and Fisher House. “John has become an invaluable part of the national dialogue about the civilian obligation to cultivate a healthy Veteran population,” noted Mr. Obana. “So have his management team and some of his most devoted fans.”

The Veterans Health and Integration Program (VHIP), launched in late 2011, is a collaborative project between John Mayer and NCIRE. Its goal is to research and develop new tools to enable Veterans to maintain post-deployment physical and mental health. Four pilot projects will provide tailored fitness training, integrative-medicine based exercise, fitness and nutrition, and post-military acculturation tools to returning Veterans.  Mr. Mayer explained, “I'm interested in doing all I can to transform what it means to be a returning combat Veteran in America.”

When Mr. Mayer was unexpectedly forced to cancel his 2012 “Born and Raised” tour due to a health condition, his fans around the world decided to donate to NCIRE in his honor. “This spontaneous outpouring of generosity is a testament to the seriousness of John’s commitment to Veteran’s health, as well as a demonstration of the extraordinary loyalty of his many fans and admirers,” said Mr. Obana. “We are honored to have the support of such a committed artist, his management group, and fan community.”