During this episode of Soldiers, Stories, and Songs, Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman and rocker Shannon Book describes his journey from Hazel Green, Ky to the battlefields of Fallujah, the aftermath that left him on the verge of taking his life, and the own personal story of recovery from PTSD. During the session with Guy and Adam, Shannon highlights three songs that he performs unplugged.  "American Made", a song about the privileges of American life that some take for granted, "Dear Mom", a song written for Gold Star families, and "You Are Not Alone", a song that encourages those suffering from PTSD and depression to seek help. Learn more about Shannon at the following links:http://Deliberatelybroken.comhttps://operationencore.orghttps://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Musician-Band/Shannon-Book-Music-103621488000250/If you are suffering from PTSD or depression, Shannon encourages you to seek out help from some of the resources he mentions during the podcast:Cover6Outdoorshttps://www.cover6outdoors.org/American Valor Foundationhttps://americanvalorfoundation.org/National Suicide Hotline1-800-273-8255Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Operation Encore: Soldiers, Stories, and Songs

Episode #13 - Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman Shannon Book - Back from the Brink

During this special deployed edition of Operation Encore, Co-founder (and active-duty Colonel) Rob Raymond talks with Adam Rossi from an undisclosed location in the Middle East. During the podcast, Rob describes the origins of Operation Encore and how veteran musicians gravitate toward one another, especially during deployments.  His current deployment is no different.  Rob introduces the audience to Dylan Westmoreland, a Red Dirt country artist who is on the verge of releasing a four-song EP. Dylan describes his service in the military as a security forces “Defender” and plays three songs from his upcoming EP.  You can learn more about Dylan and watch for his new EP on his social media sites below.https://www.facebook.com/dylanwestmorelandmusic/Instagram: @dylanwestmorelandmusicTwitter: @westmusicSupport the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episode #12 - Special Deployed Edition with OE Co-Founder Rob Raymond and Dylan Westmoreland

Meet Keith Broecker, a former Air Force pilot who used his guitar and quick wit to convince a cadre of instructor pilots he was worth keeping around....leading to an aviation career that spans Learjets, Tankers, Spy planes, and your next United flight (eventually). During the podcast, Keith opens up about how the Air Force culture deals with death, how the "dreaded" assignment to Grand Forks North Dakota was actually pretty awesome and how 17 deployments and hundreds of combat hours led him to create songs that resonate with anyone who's been away from family for extended periods.  A "product of the 80's", Keith plays "Two Weeks", a song about a parent's feeling when a child joins the military, "Slipping Bonds", a tribute to Air Force pilots who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and "Late November" from the first OE album. A humble talent with a commanding voice that can be heard in San Francisco cul de sacs during the Coronavirus, Keith is everyone's next best friend.   Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episode #11 - Air Force Pilot Keith Broecker -- "Two Weeks", Tent Cities and TERA - A Pilot's Story

During an appropriately social distanced Podcast, former Air Force Air Battle Manager Theresa Bowman describes life as a business owner during the current pandemic and she always tries to build-others up during times of crisis.  A prolific Ukulele player and one half of a a dual-service marriage, Theresa describes some of her early adventures as a fan of the (*Cough*) Australian entertainment industry, how she came to fall in love with her magic husband, how she first heard about Operation Encore, and the mindset it took to transition from three tours in the Middle East to a cafe owner in Seattle.   Along the way, Theresa performs three of her favorite original songs, "Lullaby", "You Said", and "We Weren't Mean To".   If you like Theresa's music, check out her Social Media sites below, and if you have the means, please support local musicians everywhere!https://filitaliana.com/https://www.youtube.com/user/Filitalianahttps://www.facebook.com/FilitalianaPg/Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episodes #10; Air Battle Manager Theresa Bowman - Uke-Not Stop Us With Covid-19

Meet Jerry Maniscalco -- Annapolis graduate, former SH-60B Helicopter Pilot, University of Michigan business school graduate and Operation Encore singer-songwriter with the Dave Matthews sound.  During the podcast, Jerry describes how he received his callsign "Toothless", his escapades in the North Atlantic, Central America and the Middle East. Along the way, he plays acoustic versions of "Riverside", a song that takes him back to Jacksonville, FL, "Wishing Eye", a song about the complexity of conflict, and "We Are", a song that reflects the best of humanity, which is especially relevant during the struggle with the Corona virus pandemic. If you like Jerry's music, you can listen to his latest EP, "Bold Enough to Try" on all the streaming sites, or on Operation Encore's YouTube site.Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episode #9 - Navy Seahawk Helicopter Pilot Jerry Maniscalco

Former Marine and Dayton native Zack Sliver is one of the most authentic people you'll ever meet. A son of a pastor, his life has been an exercise in mental toughness and service to others as he's grown from "Angry Young and Poor" to "A Place to Call [HIs] Own". Zack leads Guy Jaquier and Adam Rossi through an incredible set of experiences in his young life -- from serving the homeless as a young teenager, to his first assignment in Japan, his first-hand tragic experience losing his best friend during the Quantico, VA shooting and a near repeat experience in Dayton, OH.  Along the way, he describes his constant love of his hometown of Dayton, how he once got kicked out of a church band and how he once took an Uber instead of an ambulance when he had a decompressed skull because "Marines don't take ambulances". Through it all, Zack has maintained music as a constant part of his life.  Now on the verge of his big break, he describes the inspiration and meaning behind three songs from his band's new EP: The title track, "A Place to Call My Own", plus "Things That You Said", and "Scoundrel".  Always authentic and always serving, Zack is a guy you'll enjoy learning more about.If you enjoy Zack's music be sure to follow his band Yuppie on Instagram and Facebook where you can encourage him to make more.https://www.facebook.com/TheYuppieMusic/https://www.instagram.com/theyuppiemusic/@TheYuppieMusicSupport the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episode #8 - Marine Radio Field Operator Zack Sliver - A Scoundrel's tale of Overcoming Adversity

In this special episode, Operation Encore advisory board member Tom Luce describes his incredible musical career and how he went from painting houses to touring across the nation in sold-out venues. Tom describes the challenges of his early career, how he felt peace in the silent moments driving across the country, how he moved from the success of one song to a vibrant career, and how through it all, he focused on his love for melodies, lyrics, and arranging music.  During the podcast, you'll hear about the time his equipment van was stolen before a show (he racked up $10K at Guitar Center), how he almost missed opening for Toad the Wet Sprocket and how one introduction can change a life. Along the way, listen to Tom perform "A Good Day", "Buy a Dog" , and a new original song exclusive to this podcast.If you enjoy Tom's music, be sure to visit his website (www.luceband.com), where you can "keep the music flowing and pay what you want."Also be sure to visit one of Tom's favorite charities mentioned in the podcast (and good friends of Operation Encore) Notes4Hope (www.notes4hope.org).Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episode #7 - Special Guest Tom Luce: Four-Tracks, Fame & Family - A Musician's Arc

Former Navy meteorologist and singer-songwriter Logan Vath tells about his experiences in the Navy and life as a singer-songwriter.  During the podcast, Logan shares tells about his love for his hometown of Scott's Bluff Nebraska, drinking beer in a field (he never participated), his 159 day journey aboard the USS Nassau (he was robbed of a record), avoiding Bob Dylan (he eventually relented), his brief encounter with law enforcement (a misunderstanding) and the origins of The Fraternization Song.  He plays several of his favorite songs, including I Once Was,Winter, Lay It On, and Nebraska while talking about the various ways to make music as an up-and-coming artist and his first few experiences with musical affirmation.  If you enjoy Logan's music, be sure to subscribe to his Bandcamp site, where you can download all his music and encourage him to make more.Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episode #6 - Navy Meterologist Logan Vath - From Nebraska to Norfolk, A Songwriters Story

A former combat medic who served two tours in Iraq during the "surge", Stephen Covell is a gifted, authentic storyteller with an incredible voice that carries lyrics with vivid imagery that stays with you long after the song ends, begging you to hit "repeat". During episode #5 of the OE podcast, Adam Rossi and Guy Jaquier introduce the audience to Stephen, a hyperactive kid who picked up a guitar at 18 and frustrated his music teachers by learning everything quickly by ear. Stephen tells the story of joining the Army at 23 and "wanting to go to combat because I was an idiot", of his assignment to the "Old American Chorus" that lasted less than 7 days, and of his first deployment to Iraq and how some of the hardest moments were treating Iraqi civilians. Along the way, he performs three of his most impactful songs while describing the experience of returning home from war, and how suicide can seem like a relationship, but in reality is "just a story we tell ourselves".   Don't miss this episode.The songs referenced in the podcast can be found at the links below, complete with lyrics:"Monuments" "On That River" "Sandhills to Sandals"   "Her Cold Hands" - Available soonSupport Stephen's New Book "Bring Your Gun to Work Day": Learn more about Stephen on his website:  http://stephencovell.com/Purchase Stephen's newest album: Longing For the HillsSupport Stephen on Patreon"Her Cold Hands" Lyrics:I flirt with deathi send her flowers and chocolatesin the hopes that she’ll noticeand send her attention my waydeath she flirts backgives me that smile that I wantedshe takes my hands and holds thembecause hers are always so coldmaybe i’m oh yes i am a fooli go steady with deathgo driving around after my shiftdown to the shore where it’s quitewe’re trying to just be alonedeath snuggles upwraps herself around my neckshe lets go, I catch my breathand we stare up at the skyunderneath the starswe both feel smallshe says let’s go homeI say, that’s a good calli fight with deathshe breaks a glass on the countershe storms out through the showerslamming the door as so goesstops returning my callsi got a note pinned to my doorsaid baby I’m gone and I’m sorrymaybe the timing was wrongi can’t lie and still dream about her I doone day she’ll come backgirls like that always dowhen smell the shirtthat she left in my bedroomthe sweet sour smoke of her perfume i know that I should but I can’t throw it outi won’t lie, I still dream about her I doone day she’ll be backgirls like that always choose ------------Operation Encore is a non-profit veteran service organization that helps veteran artists get noticed in the music industry while advocating for veterans through the powerful medium of original musicSupport the show

Episode #5: Combat Medic Stephen Covell -- Monumental Impacts...Songs that Stay with You

A rising country artist and 3rd-generation veteran out of Provo, Utah, The Real Doug Lane describes the origin of "The Real" part of his name, the trials of growing up under challenging circumstances and the lessons learned from a family of veterans.  During the interview, Doug explains the story behind the song "Faces" and the impacts of his grandfather's struggle with Alzheimer's, his struggles with transitioning from the military, and the time he was first considered "The Old Guy".  Along the way, Doug describes the best way to impress high school choir girls and a couple secrets of military recruiters (HINT:  they may not always be 100% truthful).  Doug's new album "Water from the Stone" will be released in March 2020. Learn more about Doug at http://www.therealdouglane.com or support him on Patron at https://www.patreon.com/TheRealDougLane.------------Operation Encore is a non-profit veteran service organization that helps veteran artists get noticed in the music industry while advocating for veterans through the powerful medium of original musicSupport the show

Episode #4: The Real Doug Lane -- Kingsville, Courage, and Country

Military spouse and Kentucky native Rachel Harvey Hill sits down with Adam Rossi and Guy Jaquier and discusses life as a military spouse. During the chat, she shares her introduction to military life with her future husband, the impacts and fears of 911, getting through deployments as a spouse and the impacts of military life on her kids. Along the way, she shares advice for other military spouses, sings authentic songs inspired by her experiences and speaks about her many projects, including "Acoustic Hymns", her EP "Straight Toward Love" and her upcoming album for kids.   Hear more at Http://www.RachelHarveyHill.comSupport the show

Operation Encore #3: Military Spouse Rachel Harvey Hill

Steve D. Wilson is an award-winning singer-songwriter and a veteran of both the Army and the Air Force. The son of a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, he served for 16 years as an Army paratrooper and a B-52 Electronic Warfare instructor. Steve has created a unique style with a driving beat and authentic lyrics developed from his experiences in life and the military. His music is an autobiographical road map of Steve's lifelong drive to play music, but also subtly touches on the way war affects veterans. Listen to Steve's personal story and raw acoustic versions "Juliet", "Cold Steel Rain", and his newest creation "Long Division".Operation Encore is a non-profit veteran service organization that helps veteran artists get noticed in the music industry while advocating for veterans through the powerful medium of original music.Learn more at http://www.SteveDWilson.com. Support the show

Operation Encore Episode #2 - Army Paratrooper Steve D. Wilson

Operation Encore is a non-profit veteran service organization that helps veteran artists get noticed in the music industry while advocating for veterans through the powerful medium of original music.  A folk musician based out of Utah, Andrew Wiscombe’s style has been referred to as foot-stompin’ street music. He showcases his musical talents in one-man band fashion, playing up to five instruments at once. A Berklee trained award-winning songwriter, Andrew has a unique ability to clothe stories, words, and emotions in American roots music. A married father of two boys and former U.S. Army sniper, he joined Operation Encore with “The River, the Lark, the Pine,” an upbeat song about having the guts to play music. In this podcast, Andrew tells some powerful stories about his veteran experience while highlighting some of his incredible music, ahead of the upcoming release of his new album.Support the show

Operation Encore Episode #1 - Army Sniper Andrew Wiscombe

Listen to veteran and active-duty members of the armed forces highlight their original music and tell stories of their service, as they work to spread their message and their music, to new fans.Operation Encore is a non-profit veterans organization that provides opportunities for veteran and active duty singer-songwriters and musicians to take their music to the next level through artist development, professional recording, and industry-focused educational services. We seek out talent from across veteran communities to produce and highlight their original music, showcase their talents and advance their careers. Our podcast features powerful stories and original songs from our artists and artists across the veteran community.​

hubhopper

Operation Encore: Soldiers, Stories, and Songs

hubhopper