The Soundtrack of Our Lives: A Review of Eric Spitznagel’s Vinyl Memoir, "Old Records Never Die" by Michael St. Amand This first appeared in The Havok Journal May 17, 2016. I first met Eric Spitznagel at a wedding. His mother was getting remarried and my wife and I were seated at the same table as Eric and his wife Kelly. We had never met before, and we have never seen … [Read more...]
It’s Memorial Day Weekend: Let people BBQ!
It's Memorial Day Weekend: Let people BBQ! by Sailor Jerri When people thank us for our service on Memorial Day, our go-to is getting angry. We lash out and puff up and tell this uneducated civilian, “Don’t Thank Me… thank the ones who didn't make it back.” Frankly, Veterans, we need to do better. As sad as it is for us to admit, many people just don't know the … [Read more...]
Warpiper: Born of Battle and Bagpipes
Warpiper: Born of Battle and Bagpipes by Jesse Short I am a piper. More specifically, I am a warpiper. I mastered my instrument before I knew war, much as I would eventually master medium and heavy machineguns, battle rifles, and an assortment of other tools made for killing men. The first time I played a set of highland bagpipes, the feeling was immense and indescribable. … [Read more...]
A Delta Operator Transitions from War to Music
A Delta Operator Transitions from War to Music by Brad Thomas If you told me back in the mid 1980s that I would be where I am today, having lived through one of the most horrific and historical battles in modern times and having retired from the premier counter terrorism unit in the world, I’d never have believed you. Today, so many years later, I’m tapping into my … [Read more...]
From War To Music: The Story of Silence and Light (Part Two)
From War To Music: The Story of Silence and Light (Part Two) By Brad Thomas If you would like to read Part I first, do so by clicking here. Our first engagement in Mogadishu happened on the 7th of September, 1993. It’s not depicted in the movie “Blackhawk Down” but it was an extremely violent and significant engagement that took place during one of … [Read more...]
From Soldier to Songwriter: Introducing Paul Handelman
Former U.S. Army Ranger Paul Handelman announces the December 2017 release of his debut EP “Unbridled” and the first date of his 2018 Concert Tour. This month Padre Paul will be releasing his debut EP titled Unbridled. The former Army Ranger, combines the story-telling sounds of Americana songwriting with Folk and Country grit. Unbridled showcases the unique one-man-band … [Read more...]
A Veteran’s Music Tribute: Thank You for Being There
2016 was already a rough year for music fans around the world. Last December, former Stone Temple Pilots front man Scott Weiland was found dead of a drug overdose on his tour bus. Three days after Christmas, an aggressive cancer took metal rocker Ian Frasier “Lemmy” Kilmeister of Mötorhead. Heart failure took Crooner Natalie Cole on New Years Eve 2015. Music and culture icon … [Read more...]
Why Prince’s Life and Death Matter… Even To Veterans
“Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to get through this thing called life.” That’s some heavy stuff right there. To be honest I didn’t even know that quote existed prior to Prince Rogers Nelson’s death a few days ago. I mean, I had to google what his real name was. You can already tell I am not exactly a die-hard Prince fan but that doesn’t matter nor is that the … [Read more...]
Music Is Life
Music has always been a part of me. Some of my earliest memories can dig back to moments where I would barefoot across our family piano to make noise or simply tap my fingers on my school desk to recreate the rhythmic patterns of my mind. I can remember Nirvana, Stone Temple Pilots and Pearl Jam blaring through my older sister’s stereo in the bedroom next to mine. I didn’t … [Read more...]
