Hi everyone, I’m Franz. I’m a 57 year old proud vet. I’m also a retired State Correctional Officer. I have a lot of free time (like all the time) 
I always wanted to learn harmonica, so I have seized my opportunity.
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@sargegeil God bless you and thank you for your service! What a treasure to have time to spend playing harmonica. Welcome to the forum. Please let us know how we can help! Rock on! 
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Wow being a correctional officer must be stressful. A friend worked in a prison and gave me tour. Not for me.
Your service is noted and appreciated. You picked a great way to enjoy what you have earned.
I was the same way as at 68 regretted not playing a musical instrument. Two years into it and having the time have made the harp my favored past time.
I feel you have decades to learn and enjoy the next road down harp lane. This forum is a very good place to get good advice. Everyone is helpful and egos do not seem to get in anyone’s way. Its one of the few addictions you can have that is good for you from a health standpoint and fun at the same time. Welcome.
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Hi Sargegeil!
Welcome to the forums, and also I’ve had this long-held question I always wanted to ask: if you take a movie like shawshank redemption there is the character with a harmonica right? I was thinking, there’s like NO WAY that an actual inmate would use a harmonica (unless maybe it was like the “top dude” or whatever), because harmonicas, are, well, noisy and annoying when you are learning and practicing. Would really like your take on this since this felt like the perfect opportunity to ask.
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I have seen the movie several times but cannot remember a harp. There was a bucket of cold beer brought in by a guard for some financial advice. I have a friend that took me through a prison he worked at. What an experience. I doubt a harp would last long as they would make sharp knives. All I can say if a person can take the stress for eight straight hours. There is no place like home. Sargegeit! You are a tough person. The only time it got to me was when a trustee was saying bye to his wife and very young daughter and tears were shed by her. I have a daughter that was the same age.
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Thanks Scott
Thank you Luke
In today’s age, here in Pennsylvania, inmates can’t have anything that can be fashioned into a shiv. But then again, everything can be made into a shiv (even toilet paper…that’s the truth)
The harp in the movie represents freedom. Every inmate serving significant time needs hope to eventually get their freedom back. Without hope or faith you have nothing.
God bless and thanks for your great question.
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Welcome!!
Welcome @sargegeil, my horns are also green. Everyone has been helpful and respectful since I joined two weeks ago. Enjoy the journey, keep your lips wet and try not to suck or blow to hard 
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