Military service is taking a heavy toll on the mental health of our service men and women. That's why some Austin-based musicians are banding together to stage the "Music March for Heroes."

The upcoming event will raise money to provide free counseling for veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as their families.

Willie Braun and his brother Cody are using their voices for veterans. Their band, "Reckless Kelly," is raising funds to pay for counseling for soldiers and their families.

"It's the least we can do. These guys are doing a lot more than that for us so," Braun said.

Spreading the word on KGSR radio is the start. For veterans it means being able to turn to the "Hope for Heroes" program offered at the Samaritan Counseling Center on Burnet Road.

"And it's an invisible wound. It's not something you can see on the outside," said Michele Riggs, a counselor who also served eight years in the United States Air Force and knows the challenges of readjustment to civilian life.

"Debris on the side of the road they’re thinking that that's an explosive device. In their mind they kind of go back there even if it's just a millisecond," Riggs said about flashbacks.

Combat experience can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. It is estimated 30 to 40 percent of returning vets suffer from PTSD. The hardest part is being willing to ask for help.

"There certainly is stigma attached to mental health counseling and there certainly is that fear there and a lot of people are afraid that it will impact their career in some way," Riggs said.

The "Music March for Heroes" featuring Reckless Kelly and other Austin-based musicians will insure more counselors will provide free and confidential sessions.

"We could not have done it without the Texas musicians who are supporting the troops," said Monet Sangermano, event organizer.

More shows are planned and in turn more soldiers will receive one-on-one counseling and that's very satisfying to Riggs.

"That's the most rewarding part about this job is helping people reclaim their lives," Riggs said.

The “Music March for Heroes” concert is Sunday, Oct. 12 at the Nutty Brown Cafe on Highway 290 West. Doors open at 5 p.m.