Operation Encore: Soldiers, Stories, and Songs

In this episode of “Soldiers, Stories & Songs”, Guy (Jaquier) and Adam (Rossi) spend time with Army combat engineer Mike “Doc Straw” Swart. Mike served from 2004-2013 and deployed twice to the Middle East, first near Fallujah in Iraq and later to Asadabad in the Kunar Province in Afghanistan, conducting road clearance for IEDs and other explosives.  Following Mike’s separation from the Army, he went back to school and became a doctor of physical therapy focusing on how the body and brain changes when we are subjected to stressful experiences/environments.  Mike currently lives in Virginia and fronts an alternative rock band called “Doc Straw and the Scarecrows”.  During this podcast, Mike presents three of his original songs, including:“Get On By”“For The Broken”“Situational Awareness”You can follow “Doc Straw and the Scarecrows” on any of your favorite streaming platforms or at:https://www.facebook.com/docstrawandthescarecrows/ Support the show

In this episode of “Soldiers, Stories & Songs”, Guy (Jaquier) and Adam (Rossi) spend time with retired Army helicopter pilot Kate Anderson and military spouse Secily Anderson.  Together, they blend compelling lyrics, smooth harmonies and tasty guitar leads as a duet called “Winter Grain”.  Learn about how Kate grew up around the Reno Rodeo, almost became a nun, then pivoted to 22 years of service in the Army, and how Secily grew up with music since she was 8 years old and has played in bands covering about every genre on the planet.  During this podcast, they highlight three of their original songs, including:“Passenger Seat”“Fists”“A Better You”You can learn more about Winter Grain and follow Kate and Secily on your favorite streaming platforms or at:https://Wintergrain.comSupport the show

In this episode of “Soldiers, Stories and Songs”, Guy (Jaquier) and Adam (Rossi) spend time with retired Army veteran and Green Beret Derek Stoner.  After spending a childhood hunting, fishing and working as a farm laborer in small town Craig, Missouri (population 200), Derek joined the National Guard while still in High School and served in the Army after September 11th.  Derek spent 20 years serving his country as an elite Green Beret, with over 16 deployments to the Middle East, including missions within Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria, Lebanon, Israel and Qatar. Following his retirement as a Master Sergeant, Derek moved near Nashville to pursue his music career.  You can now find him regularly around Lower Broadway, playing the Honky-Tonk scene.  During this podcast, Derek, Guy and Adam highlight three of his original songs:“Bad Decisions”“Break the Chain”“Bad Man Finder”You can learn more and  follow Derek on all the streaming platforms or at derekstonermusic.com.Support the show

In this episode of “Soldiers, Stories and Songs”, Guy (Jaquier) and Adam (Rossi) spend some time with Stephen Wayne talking about his humble roots in rural Arkansas and his year long “adventure” at age 14, sneaking on Greyhound buses, living on the streets and playing his old Fender Squire guitar.  Yes-Age 14!  Of course, he later met an Army recruiter and signed up as a mechanic a few months before 9/11.  He retired 21 years later, after a total of 5 years of deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan-and getting his vehicle blown out from under him 6 times.  Stephen’s music career consists of both solo acoustic projects and the new album with his band “Souls Worn Thin”.During this episode, Stephen highlights three of his songs, including:“Sideways”“Start A Band”“Treason”You can follow Stephen and “Souls Worn Thin” on all the streaming platforms or via their website:https://soulswornthin.com (https://soulswornthin.com) Support the show

In this episode of "Soldiers, Stories, and Songs", Guy [Jaquier] and Adam [Rossi] catch up with Operation Encore artist Mike Ponder, a veteran of both the Navy and Marine Corps. Mike was introduced to music at an early age: He started touring at age three and was playing drums at age 6 on stage with his parents and their band "JL and the Country Squires". Mike deployed in support of the Gulf War in 1991, Kosovo in 1999, and Iraq in 2002. He was medically retired from the Navy in 2008 due to complications from a gunshot wound after 20 years of service. Mike currently tours with his band "The Steel Rail Express" and is the founder and CEO of SRE Jams, a full service music e-commerce store. He also operates a program for servicemen and women , teaching music and offering free guitars for graduates.During this episode, Mike highlights three of his original songs:"When the Stars Align""Better Days""Hard Road"You can find more information about Mike and his music on the Operation Encore website or by searching for "Mike Ponder Music" on your favorite social media or streaming platform. Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org) Support the show

In this episode of “Stories, Soldiers and Songs”, Guy [Jaquier] and Adam [Rossi] catch up with Operation Encore artist and Army veteran Schaefer Mueller after his recent OE recording session at AR Audio in San Francisco. During the podcast, they discuss Schaefer’s early music influences including his grandfather who played bass guitar for Funk and Jazz bands, and his parents who drove him to Jimmy Buffett concerts in a minivan decorated with shark fins.  Following a period sleeping in his car parked outside a bar living off dry ramen noodles and Monster Energy drinks, he joined the Army as a combat engineer and deployed to Afghanistan.  While there, he was stationed with the Green Berets at a forward outpost in Mohmand Valley, Nangarhar Province.  Also included -- a bonus description of his wife’s roller derby career!Throughout the episode, Schaefer highlights three of his original songs:“Blocked”“Happy”“One Last Rodeo”You can find more information about Schaefer and his music on the Operation Encore website or by searching for “Schaefer Mueller Music” on your favorite social media or streaming platform.Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org) Support the show

During this episode of “Stories, Soldiers and Songs”, Guy and Adam talk with USMC veteran Brandon Mills about growing up in Kentucky and his service as a Recon Marine and Scout Sniper during multiple combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan.  Brandon also describes his  post-military life, which includes three years working with a non-profit in a Palestinian refugee camp, his appearance on the TV series “The Bachelor”, his work in the field of “executive and celebrity security” and, of course, the pursuit of his music career in Nashville.During the Podcast Brandon performs three of his original songs:“Understand My Love”“Front Lines”“My Hero Too”You can learn more about Brandon and follow him at:Brandonmillsmusic.com Support the show

Meet JB Brown -- an up-and-coming  artist and Marine with a humble background and a smooth county-rock sound.  In this episode of “Stories, Soldiers and Songs”, Guy (Jaquier) and Adam (Rossi)  discuss JB's journey from a young drummer at a county fair to the streets of Iraq and back again.  During the podcast, they discuss JB’s service in a Marine recon unit and his close encounter with a roadside bomb that led to his retirement after 12 years of service. As JB opens up about that day and the impacts it had on his life and his music, listen to three of his most impactful songs:Church Pew You're Gone - A Song for CleveWay BackYou can find more information about JB and his website or by searching for “"JB Brown Music" on your favorite social media or streaming platform.https://www.jbbrownofficial.com/musicSupport the show

In this episode of “Stories, Soldiers and Songs”, Guy (Jaquier) and Adam (Rossi) catch up with Operation Encore artist and Navy veteran Morgan Warneke in Nashville, TN. During the podcast, they discuss Morgan’s journey from a cross country runner in an Arkansas high school to his time as a Naval Academy cadet, his service as a Surface Warfare Office on a mine sweeper in the Persian Gulf, and finally to his adventures as a singer/songwriter living in Nashville going by the stage name “Fogg Warner”.Throughout the episode, they play Morgan’s new recordings of three of his original songs:“Porch Boogie”“Malady”“Hookers and Blow”You can find more information about Morgan’s and his music on the Operation Encore website or by searching for “Fogg Warner Music” on your favorite social media or streaming platform.Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)Support the show

In this episode of “Stories, Soldiers and Songs”, Guy (Jaquier) and Adam (Rossi) catch up with Operation Encore artist and Navy veteran Adam Gaffney while he is recording his new EP (!) at AR Audio in San Francisco. During the podcast, they discuss Adam’s humble Midwest roots his adventures while shopping at Walmart, his military service loading weapons as a Navy Aviation Ordnanceman on aircraft carriers in the Persian Gulf (including one particular moment almost having his arm torn off while casually leaning against an F-18), and his style of music that combines Neil Young and The Band with a touch of Tom Petty.Throughout the episode, they play Adam’s new recordings of his original songs:“My Dear Friend”“For Being Someone”“White Lines”You can find more information about Adam and his music on the Operation Encore website or by searching for “Adam Gaffney Music” on your favorite social media or streaming platform.Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org) Support the show

In this episode of "Stories, Soldiers and Songs", Guy and Adam interview a new 2021 addition to the  Operation Encore family, Scotty Hasting.  During the podcast, Scotty discusses his military service and the challenges of trying to become a household name in country music as a Nashville-based singer-songwriter.   He also describes his "really bad day" in Afghanistan when he was shot 10 times and reveals how he adapted his guitar-playing by using a little bit of velcro and ingenuity to overcome his combat injuries. Throughout the episode, Scotty performs three of his original songs:"Truck it""The Stories That They Tell""Forever to Me'You can find more information about Scotty and his music on the Operation Encore website or by searching for "Scotty Hastings Music" on your favorite social media or streaming platform.Support the show

In this episode of the Operation Encore (OE) podcase, active-duty Army soldier Bob Deprato drops in the OE studio during his stateside leave and talks to Guy and Adam about his 18-year career in Special Operations.  Bob describes his deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan, his time in the Crisis Response Force providing security for overseas embassies, his efforts leading military support for overseas Presidential visits, and his experience acting as an Army security liaison for the Tokyo Olympics.  Bob also discusses his recent attempts to reconnect with one of his Afghan interpreters and his work to deliver an SUV-load of kids' winter coats to the Afghan refugees housed at Marine Base Quantico as they await their resettlement to local communities.During the podcast, Bob plays and describes three of his original songs:"War Brewin' ""Fightin' Man""Tennessee Mystery"To find out more about Bob, visit the Operation Encore website. Support the show

In this episode of the Operation Encore podcast, Marine Landing Support Specialist Barbara  Sim gives a fascinating, open and honest description of her time in her marines and her  singer-songwriting journey.  An upcoming country artist with a soaring voice, Barbara describes her time as part of the "Lioness Group" in Iraq, searching for dangerous contraband and explosives among the population  (Preview: finding a grenade was "no big deal"). She also describes the feeling of loss and survivors guilt associated with combat loss and describes the stories behind three of her  most memorable songs: "Silent Anthem"     "Running From Goodbye" and"Freedom Isn't Free"If you want to learn more about Barbara, you can find her on the Operation Encore website and on her social media sites below.  Send her a message and let her know that her music speaks to you.  You can also find and book Barbara at local venues in the Greenville, SC area.Facebook (@barbarasimmusic)Instatram (@barbarasimmusic)Spotify (Barbara Sim)Support the show

In this episode of the Operation Encore podcast, former Marine Combat Engineer Steve Harwood takes Guy and Adam on a journey of discovery, from a tumultuous youth to the battlefields of Fallujah.  Born in Woodenville, WA, Steve tells the story of how his father bought him a 45-day Greyhound bus ticket after high school and how that eventually led him to join the Marines and drive Humvees across Iraq.  After dodging incoming fire during his time in Operation Enduring Freedom, he returned to Washington and began taking his music career seriously and joined Operation Encore in 2019.  During the podcast, he plays three songs from his recent EP that highlight his unique sound and rocker pedigree:"Tuesdays with You""Shadowland" and"All That I Need"Find out more about Steve on the Operation Encore website and on his numerous social media sites below:Facebook (@steveharwoodmusic)Instatram (steveharwood_music)Spotify (Steve Harwood)Support the show

Army Combat Medic John Evans has a lot of stories to tell.  Born in Houston, TX and raised in upstate New York, John idolized his WW2-veteran grandfather and decided to enter the Army immediately following 911.  After hearing a slightly inaccurate portrayal of the "Health-Care Specialist" field from his local recruiter, John signed up and was trained as a combat-medic, then deployed multiple times in support of operation Iraqi Freedom.  During the podcast, he tells Guy and Adam about one of the worst days in his life, when a suicide bomber detonated a vest-borne improvised explosive device in a crowd of civilians.  This life-changing event changed his perspective and focused his life-efforts on supporting the humanity and fragility of every human being.  Following his service, John describes his struggles with his transition out of the military, how he became sober (since July 2, 2007!) and how his life-journey led him full circle to help those struggling with addiction.  During the podcast,  John also describes the major influences to his music and performs three songs that capture the essence of his Americana style:"The Arrow of Time""The Creek Don't Rise" and"Turn Me Back Into Stardust"If you enjoy John's music, look for his upcoming 3-song EP release on the OE website and social media channels soon!Support the show

Meet Angel "Nolo" Santiago -- the kind of man who sets his mind to a task and overcomes all obstacles to make it happen.  A native of Puerto Rico , Angel had music in his life from a young age. He began playing a nylon-string guitar in grade school and steadily increased his skill through high school as he waited on weekly TV shows to pick up tips and tricks from the likes of Eddie Van Halen.  One day after college as he was taking garbage out for a local restaurant, he decided he needed to adjust his vector in life and  joined the Air Force, "one of the best decisions [he] ever made"...despite some slight  misrepresentations of truth from the local recruiter.  During his conversation with Guy and Adam, Angel describes his initial culture shock to middle America, how he had to send his pregnant wife back to Puerto Rico during training, and how music always has always had  a heavy influence on his life.  His guitar doesn't sit in a closet, but like him, is "always plugged in, ready to go."   During the podcast,  Angel performs three of his newest songs -- two that are exclusive to the podcast, and one that was recorded at Adam Rossi Studios and is available at your favorite streaming service. Ayer Insinto AnimalEnloquecer You can find out more about Angel on Operation Encore website, or through his handle on Instagram and Facebook:  @nolo.oficialSupport the show

Meet Mr. Lloyd Smith -- a doctor, surgeon, chemistry professor, student of California Gold Rush lore, California native, singer/songwriter, and one of the most generous men you'll ever meet. He's also a self-taught luthier who has built over 80 beautiful, custom guitars which he has given away as gifts -- some of which have made their way into the hands of our artists.  In partnership with Lloyd, Operation Encore is announcing the Lloyd Smith Project --- an album of Operation Encore artists covering Lloyd's songs on his custom guitars.  During this Special Edition Podcast, Lloyd describes his family history in California, how he used music as a therapeutic stress reliever throughout his life, and how he discovered and developed his skills making guitars.  You'll hear about his not-so-secret techniques for creating long-lasting pieces of art (HINT:  Carbon-fiber is a key ingredient) and the story behind his infamous "bullet" guitar. Along the way,  OE artists Andrew Wiscombe and Steve D. Wilson join Lloyd for performances of three of his impactful songs: "Big North Wind" (Steve D. Wilson)"Two Bad Men from Bodie" (Andrew Wiscombe - Upcoming Release)"Grandfather's Tool Chest" (Lloyd Smith)Support the show

You can't have a conversation with Tyree Woods without leaving with a smile on your face. The man with the infectious smile and positive attitude has had his share of trials and tribulations. During this episode of the OE podcast, Tyree describes growing up in Muskegon Heights, MI  as a biracial kid, and how foster care helped him forge the resiliency necessary to adapt to a Army life.  A veteran of two combat tours in Afghanistan, Tyree describes the bonds formed through combat and why the loss of that brotherhood after leaving the Army led him to create his current band, Buffalo Commons. Along the way, Tyree gives us a taste of his "Soulgrass" style with songs that are "just poems put to music":Cannonball Jones: A song about an urban Robin HoodMonday : A song about a life-changing event in Afghanistan in 2012Tangled: A song about living life in the momentIf you enjoy Tyree's music, you can find him in the Steamboat Springs, CO area.Become part of the Buffalo Commons "Herd" at BuffaloCommansBand.comSupport the show

Meet Brian Boland - Half Redneck, Half Surfer, and all-American active-duty C-130 pilot.  During episode #16 of the OE  podcast, Brian tells about his adventures in the Coast Guard, from "Flying back from Gitmo yesterday", to conducting  iceberg reconnaissance, surfing while watchin 50 caliber machine guns, and conducting 11-ton cocaine drug busts.  In his off time from helping stabilize the geo-political scene off our nation's coasts, Brian has written three military fictional books and released two albums, "RTB" (Return to Base) and "Oceans".   During the podcast, Brian sings three songs in his unique "Red Dirt Country" style:Searchin': A song about survivor's guiltStripes : A song about the tension between family and dutyOceans: A song about friendship and living in the momentCheck out Brian's Novels on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Brian-Boland/e/B01LXK14M9/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1Search for "Oceans" and "RTB" and more of Brian's music in your favorite music app.Support the show

In this episode of the OE podcast, Guy Jaquier and Adam Rossi interview Operation Encore Co-Founder Erik Brine. Erik describes the history of OE and how it grew from an idea between friends into a successful non-profit that serves over 25 veteran musicians and performs at events throughout the county. An Air Force Reserve pilot Colonel and former , Erik describes why he tells people he's been involved in multiple military affairs (legislative, public, and international) and describes his struggle with a rare eye condition which almost ended his military career. Instead, it taught him how to overcome adversary and gave him a path to three advanced degrees, two professional certifications, a White House Presidential Management Fellowship, and recently, the opportunity to serve in elected office. During the interview, Erik highlights three songs from Operation Encore artists that had a profound impact on him:  Sandhills to Sandals by Stephen CovellAnother Trip Around the Sun by Rachel Harvey HillWe Are - Jerry ManiscalcoSupport the show