tag:warriorsongs.org,2005:/blogs/latest-news?p=22Latest News2021-08-31T17:31:33-05:00Warrior Songsfalsetag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/67323962021-08-31T17:31:33-05:002024-01-26T15:21:51-06:00Executive Director’s final report - “The Last Thing We Ever Do: Warrior Songs Vol. 3” <p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/fc89e32e13322825a77edbc5cc41462181aad8ab/original/wsv3-album-cover-final.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>“The Last Thing We Ever Do: Warrior Songs Vol. 3” <br>Executive Producer's final report. <br>08/31/2021 </p>
<p>Introduction <br>From the very first fundraiser held on May 16, 2019 at Linneman's Riverwest Inn to the August 8th 2021 release party held at Turner Hall Ballroom, the creation of this “The Last Thing We Ever Do: Warrior Songs Vol. 3” has been a group effort. Including the creation, press tour, and release, over 450 individuals took part in creating this groundbreaking CD, and each person played an essential part. Words cannot adequately express how grateful I am to those who assisted in the creation of this project, but know this. </p>
<p>WSv3 is free to any and every veteran. Though we have only just begun, Warrior Songs has already distributed over 700 copies to veterans and organizations that work with veterans. (Get your copy here.) Every copy that finds its way into the hands of a veteran is an opportunity to change a life. Perhaps even save a life. When that happens... when the music reaches that veteran who is lost to the darkness… when the music makes that veteran feel the spark that brings them back… When the raw truth shared on the CD provides them not only with solidarity in their injury, but also a real path out of the darkness and back towards healing and wholeness… When that veteran begins their journey they have taken their first step to being fully and completely home. When that happens, it is because of the combined effort of the people listed below. </p>
<p>The CD features 14 songs created by professional songwriters from the firsthand testimony of Vietnam era veterans, brought to life by professional studio musicians. Nineteen Vietnam era veterans gave testimony, transformed into song by 21 songwriters and recorded by 81 studio musicians in 14 different studios across five states in two countries – USA and Vietnam. A total of 109 artists, including 17 Vietnamese nationals, joined forces to complete the project. </p>
<p>“The Last Thing We Ever Do: Warrior Songs Vol. 3” officially released August 8th, 2021 with an event at Turner Hall Ballroom, Milwaukee Wisconsin. The project began on 09/16/2019 when the first song, “Let it Go” was written. The first official fundraiser took place 05/16/2019 at Linneman’s Riverwest Inn, Milwaukee WI. From the first song to final release the project took 692 days, or 1 year 10 months to complete. The CD was originally intended to be a double CD with 28 songs, but the Covid-19 pandemic forced us to cut the CD to a single CD. Many of the cut songs will find homes on future volumes. Physical copies as well as digital downloads are free of charge for veterans at www.warriorsongs.org. </p>
<p>The August 8th, 2021 Release party was an amazing success. <br>Thank you to table volunteers Patricia Clason of Healing Warriors Hearts, Kim Stuart, Dianne Young, Susan Zenda, Carissa DiPietro, and Dawn Sky Strobel. Thanks to Welcome table volunteers Mark Flower, Alannah McReavey, and Camilla (Mila) Leffel. Thank you to the Green Room volunteers Benjamin Singleton and Alexandria Greco and to caterer Karen Gill for her wonderful creations. Thanks to Jayne Holland, Melissa ???, and Rick Benoit for helping with the Art Auction. Thanks to Lin Daley for creating the artwork that was auctioned. Thanks to Support Staff Todd Dennis, Bill Christofferson, and long distance Sarah Dolens-Moon. Thanks to the stage team: Jason Lipsky of Appleton Rock School, John Dougherty of Welcome Place Productions, Marcella Jones, Marc Solheim and all the fantastic Turner Hall Staff. Thanks the artists who came from far and wide to perform and attend: Lisa Johnson, Vets on Frets, Jake Froelke, ParThon, Kyle Rightly, Larry Reed w/Frogwater and Kevin Games, Pauline Pisano, Jeff Mitchell, Steve Gunn, The Mambo Surfers, and Watermelon Slim. Finally, thank you to the following ally organizations who came and tabled: Healing Warriors Hearts, Center For Veterans Issues, VetsNet, Dryhootch, Feast of Crispian, Milwaukee Veterans For Peace, Vietnam Veterans Against the War, Capt. John D Mason - Veteran Peer Outreach. </p>
<p>The media tour building up to the release was also a success. Thanks to Vera Roddy for lodging me in MKE. Thanks to John Zutz and Ron Arm for escorting our out of town guests. Thanks to Jim and Marty Linneman of Linneman’s Riverwest Inn. Thanks to Jeff Mitchell, Mambo Surfers, Love, Light and Harmony, Trouvaille, Watermelon Slim and Rich Travi who all joined us at Linneman’s. Thanks to Tim and Connie Friesen of Big Easel Gallery & Bistro. Thanks to Aaron Baer of The New Moon Café. Thanks to Mike and Jaxzen Bleck of AirMikeyB. Thanks to Collen Bos of Bos Meadery. Thank you to Bone Holler, Mark Lint’s Dry Folk, Matt DeBlass, Chris Wellner, Kyle Rightley, Kris Sheehan, and Lisa Johnson who all joined us at Bos. Thanks to R&R House – Mental Health of Wisconsin. Thanks to Yvette Pino of Wisconsin Veterans Museum. Thanks to Doug Bradley, Vets on Frets, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary's Mary Kolar and Lisa Johnson for joining us at the Wisconsin Veterans Museum event. Thank you to Jeff Funk of Funks Pub and to The Madtown Mannish Boys. The tour helped raise money for, and awareness of, the project. </p>
<p>There are too many people to thank for the entire CD. I’ve included the key participants for each song. Please see the CD liner notes for full names of every studio musician. Thank you to Bill Christofferson, John Zutz, and Dan Van Buskirk for sitting on the Vietnam Veterans advisory council. Thanks to Bill also for help with press and fundraising. Thanks to Connie Hunter-Baptiste and Marcela Jones for sitting on the diversity advisory council. Thanks to Dinh Luc & Dihn Tung Lam for the cover art. Thanks to James Wachtendonk for the remaining artwork. Thanks to Ngoc Han, whose art didn’t make the CD. Thanks to Offbeat press for creating the graphic arts and to Jake Johnson for mastering the CD. Thanks to Dr. Ed Tick for writing the CD forward. </p>
<p>Thanks to John Zutz, Lisa Johnson, Danny Proud, Vets on Frets, and Jake Johnson at Paradyme Studios for creating the song “Conscription”. Thanks to Doug Bradley, Jake Froelke, and Colin Wymore at Coney Pine Recordings for “Lookout Sam”. Thanks to Saji Villoth, Marcela Jones, Mambo Surfers, and John Tanner at Tanner-Monagle studios who helped an Anonymous veteran tell his story of rape on “Face Down”. Thanks to Mark Forman, Jesse and Katie Frewerd, and Kevin Arndt at The Exchange Recording Complex for “Mark’s Song”. Thank you to Bill Martin of Veterans and Patriots Performance Group, Kyle Rightley, and Landon Arkens at Blast House Studios for “Seawolf 7-6”. Thanks to Watermelon Slim and Walt Busby of the Bluesberry Café for “Trying My Best to Get Back Home”. </p>
<p>Thanks to Janet Carr who introduced us to Elvis Thao who told the story of Chia Cher Vue with the help of Jeff Hamilton at Hamtone Studios. Thanks to Dr. Tick through whom I met Janet Carr. Thanks to Brigette McCoy who introduced me to ParThon who told the story of Calvin Wade on “Welcome to The World” recorded at Lowblack Studio. Thanks to Steve Gunn, Jeff Mitchell, and Stephen McCabe of Subsoil Studio for creating “Disquieted Mind”. Thanks again to Dr. Tick for connecting us to Steve. </p>
<p>“Orange Lipstick and Pink Uniform Taxes” recorded at House Of Demeter Productions - thanks to Charon Hribar who introduced me to Pauline Pisano, and BriGette McCoy who introduced us to Diana Danis. Thanks to Richard “Breezy” Brzeski, Karen Lopez, Isaac Muir, David Seeber, and Kevin Larkin for creating “Never Give Up” recorded at SAACA - Mixed Catalyst Arts & Makers Space. Thanks to Chuck Theusch of Children’s Library International, Son Mach of The United Saigon Orchestra, Yen Ngoc, Nhan Hau, Dieu Linh, Thanh Huyen, Van Anh, Minh Ngoc, Trinh Khanh Le, Jake Johnson for their contribution on “Seeds of Peace” Thanks to Johnathan Lubner for introducing us to Peter Rassmeson who connected us to Son. </p>
<p>Thanks to Katie Grace Bell who introduced me to Brenton MacKinnon years ago. Thanks to Aaron Baer and Paul Wisneski who brought Brenton’s truth to life at Cosmic Cow Studios on “Cracks and Patches”. Thanks to Feast of Crispian who introduced us to Larry Reed and Charlie Walton. Thanks to Providence Baptist Church for allowing us to record and film the song there. Thanks to John and Susan Nicholson of Frogwater. </p>
<p>Thank you to the organization and individuals who contributed financially to the CD </p>
<p>The total cost of creating the CD, including 5,000 printed copies, was $38,921.64. Warrior Songs raised a total of $42,101.35 to cover the creation of the CD. $11,996.00 was raised through grants from: The Bloomfield Family Foundation, Vietnam Veterans Against the War – Milwaukee, Veterans Journey Home, Larry Weiss Family Foundation, Herb Kohl Philanthropy, Veterans For Peace Chapter 13 Tucson, Veterans For Peace Chapter 1 Maine, Madison Veterans For Peace, and Veterans & Community of Wellness Works for the Warrior Spirit. </p>
<p>$26,579.40 was raised by Three hundred and three individual donors. Here is an alphabetical list of those donors (by first name). Adam Schultz, Aimee Bjorklund, Alyce Downer, Am Hecht, Amanda And Charles Baynton, Amber Smith, Amy Kinast, Amylee Pettis, Andrea Christofferson, Angela Lago, Ann Schremp, Anna Robillard , Annie Salmona, Anthony Torres Jr., Art Heitzer, Art Severance, Barbara Heimsch, Barron Brokiewicz, Benjamin Doran, Beryl Kunitsky, Beth Bachus, Beth Kille, Bill Carey, Bill Christofferson, Bill Schwulst, Bob Knudsen, Bob Phillips , Bonnie Caracciolo, Bonnie Nasca, Brad Vincent, Brenda Joy, Brian Pfitzer, Brian Sulla, Brigette Mccoy, Brittany Schurtz, Bruce O'Shire, Ca Bushnell, Carl Zutz, Carolyn Pine Stern, Cassandra Facciponti, Catey Doyle, Cath Tease, Charles Lee, Charles R Pruitt, Charlie Walton, Christa Fisher, Christy Jackson, Chuck Foxx, Chuck Marten, Cindy Bullion, Clara Acker, Clare Corcoran, Connie Steed, Courtney Waters, and Craig Werner. </p>
<p>Dale Throneberry, Danae Steele, Danyelle Shaltis, Darrell D Tickler Reed, Dave Bartlett, David Cross, David Heller, David Larsen, David Mccall, David Ripp, Debbie Maass, Debra Jircik, Dennis Grzezinski, Diana Danis, Diane Beaudoin, Dianna Matz, Dick Linhart, Dixie Thompson, Donald Miller, Donald Moore, Donna Fullerton, Doug Bradley, Doug Rawlings, Drew Mueske, Edgar Gonzalez-Baeza, Edward Aune, Edward Tick, Eileen Carlton, Elisa Farmilant, Elizabeth Ann Winslow Larson, Elizabeth Skrabonja, Ellen Barksdale Jacks, Emily Rabe, Enda Breadon, Eric Weiss, Evana Howard, Evon Mitchell, Frank Egger, Frederick Marx, Gary Anderson, Gary May, Gary Michiel Montiel, George Guyant, Gevon Monique, Gina Gaudio, Gordon Fowler, Gwen Ragland, Harvey Taylor, Healing Warrior Hearts/Patricia Clason, Helen Clifton, Hilda J Richey, Isaac Semrow, James Hackbarth, James Rowen, James Wachtendonk, Jamie Peterson, Jan Thal, Jayne Holland, Jeanette Petts, Jef Hall, Jenna Nilson, Jennel Veronica, Jennifer Garner, Jennifer Regan-Mitchell, Jennifire Arndt, Jeremy Thompson, Jesse Saywell, Jessica Davis, Jessica Davis, Jessica Love Moore, Jim Naughton, Jim Wohlgemuth, Joanna Sweatt, Joanne Potter, Joe F Campbell, Joe Slyzelia, Johanna Buwalda, John B Yang, John Dunker, John Fournelle, John Kaye, John Lycardi, Joleen Trustem, Jon Robert Christensen, Judy Miner, and Julie Vang. </p>
<p>Kara Naramore, Karen Lopez, Karen Zutz Renall, Karin Borgh & Bill Christofferson, Karl Rohlich, Kate Briquelet, Kathleen Kavaney Zuleger , Katie Grace Bell, Katie Kelch, Katinka Hooijer, Kay Springstroh, Kaye Baus, Kelly Potter, Ken Keeley, Ken Parejko , Ken Plant, Ken Tribolini, Kindra Lynn, Kirk And Lori Brown, Kristin Hunt, Larri Jacquart, Laurens Wildeboer, Lauri Ann Lumby, Lawrence Markworth, Lin Daley, Linda Daley, Linda Susan Spice , Lisa Johnson, Lori Pierquet, Lou Rothenstein, Lucia Dorneden, Lynn S Adelman, Marcella Jones, Marcia Koenecke Signorile, Marjorie Nixon, Mark Ellis, Mark Foreman, Mark Te Tai, Mark Tindle, Marshal Mckitrick, Martin Schreiber, Marty Stahl, Mary Askin, Mary Bennett, Mary Good, Mary Kolar, Mary Sambo, Mary Tenwinkle, Mathew Hoth, Matthew J. Scholtes, Maureen Rosette, Mbfdreams, Melissa Doud, Melissa Pepper, Melissa Rhine, Michael Bleck, Michael Nauert, Michal Dawson, Michelle Disher, Michelle Mcgrorty, Mike Rausch, Minnie Harmon, and Molly K. Mitchell. </p>
<p>Nancy Smith-Watson, New Territory, Nickolas Roedel, Norma Bufford Joiner, Oct Mitchell, Ove Frederiksen, Patricia Clason, Patricia J Menzeis, Patrick Beaumont, Patrick Curley, Patrick J. Goggin, Patrick Ryan, Paul Appell, Paul Ehlers , Paul Moriarity, Paul Shenep, Paul Szilvagyi, Paul Wisneski, Paula Selby, Penelope Dexenjaeger, Penney Johns, Peter Mcavoy, Peter Rasmussen, Ralph Kamps, Ray Silbersdorf, Ray Silbersdorf, Richard Brzeski, Rick Tvedt , Rita Bemis, Robert Hanson, Robert J. Conaway, Robert Lieber, Robin Lutz, Robin Spencer, Ron Arm, Roy Dolens, Sally Mckinney, Sandra Wicker, Sara Peck, Sarah Backus, Sarah Wolf, Sasha O'Donnell, Scott Cop, Scott Gelzer, Seth Reid, Shelly Nichols, Skip Jones, Society Of Wood Science & Technology, Stacey Kalies, Stephanie Youngs, Stephen Fournier, Stephen Piotrowski, Steve Berntson, Steve Books, Steve Citty, Steve Good, Steve Gunn, Steve Smith, Steven & Beverly Brentson, Steven Monhollen, Steven Queener, Sue Ruggles, Susan Blaustein, Susan Cox, Susan Dixon, Susan Hammond, Susan Proctor, Susan Riesch, Susan Rodgers Hammond, Susan Ruggles, Susanna Baker, Suzanne C Gordon, Tamala Karch, Tamara Mitchell, Tania Verhalen, Teresa Vilmain, Terry Talbot, Theresa Botts, Tina Manzo, Toby Hollander, Tom Condor, Tom Vanderpool, Tom Williams, Tricia Goehe, Ty Arch, Venesha Harden, Vila Giri, Walter Kelly, Warren Shipman, Wesley Franklin Jr, William P Martin, William Wilder, Yee Vue, and Yvette Hodgkinson. </p>
<p>WSv3 Media </p>
<p>Warrior Songs and contributing artists created several music videos and content from the CD. Below is the most up-to-date list of this media. </p>
<p>View the song sampler/official announcement video here </p>
<p>https://youtu.be/_9PE7RtJNFo </p>
<p> </p>
<p>View the music video for “Never Give Up” here </p>
<p>https://youtu.be/TGFHZZc__ug </p>
<p> </p>
<p>View the music video for “Welcome to The World” here </p>
<p>https://youtu.be/wJfPPyLFwXo </p>
<p> </p>
<p>View the music video for “Seeds of Peace” here </p>
<p>https://youtu.be/PjhFMln_TYs </p>
<p> </p>
<p>View the original Vietnam first draft video for “Seeds of Peace” here </p>
<p>https://youtu.be/AklhLpXxhVg </p>
<p> </p>
<p>View the music video for “Let it Go” here </p>
<p>https://youtu.be/cQQvtEkEktY </p>
<p> </p>
<p>View behind the scenes interviews from “Let it Go” here </p>
<p>https://youtu.be/dYhWgY_sW_k </p>
<p> </p>
<p>View the original fundraising video here </p>
<p>https://youtu.be/fVikQ7EA6Pw </p>
<p> </p>
<p>View a photo album of the release party here </p>
<p>https://warriorsongs.org/galleries/879868/turner-hall-release-party-photos </p>
<p> </p>
<p>View a photo album of session photos here <br>https://warriorsongs.org/galleries/879867/recording-session-photos </p>
<p> </p>
<p>CD release party flyer here </p>
<p>https://warriorsongs.org/files/1126140/warrior-songs-wsv3-poster-8-5x11-print-ready.pdf </p>
<p> </p>
<p>WSv3 in the Press <br>Below is the most up-to-date list of this media. The CD, tour, and release event generated several press articles and interviews. Below is the most up-to-date list of this press. </p>
<p>2021-08-23 (TV Feature) – Positively Milwaukee –TMJ4 Milwaukee “'Warrior Songs' gives veterans creative ways to cope with PTSD” by Carole Meekins <br>https://www.tmj4.com/news/positively-milwaukee/warrior-songs-gives-veterans-creative-ways-to-cope-with-ptsd </p>
<p>2021-08-22 (TV Feature) - CBS58 WDJT Milwaukee – “I had found so much healing from transforming my trauma into songs': Milwaukee veterans deal with war trauma in new album” By Rose Schmidt Posted https://www.cbs58.com/news/milwaukee-veterans-deal-with-war-trauma-in-new-album </p>
<p>2021-08-06 (Article) - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - “Veterans record music, perform to help with the post-war healing process. See them live Sunday night.” by Grace McDermott https://www.jsonline.com/story/news/2021/08/06/wisconsin-veterans-songs-and-stories-performed-sunday/5454515001 </p>
<p>2021-08-05 (Radio Interview) 105.5 Triple M – “Healing Vets Through Music” by Kitty Dunn https://www.audacy.com/1055triplem/latest/healing-vets-trauma-through-music </p>
<p>2021-08-02 (Article) The Wrath Bearing Tree – “Larry Abbott on Warrior Songs, Vol. Three: “The Last Thing We Ever Do: Vietnam Veterans Speak Truth” <br>https://www.wrath-bearingtree.com/2021/08/larry-abbott-on-warrior-songs-vol-three-the-last-thing-we-ever-do-vietnam-veterans-speak-truth/ </p>
<p>2021-08-02 (Radio Interview) Devil Radio – The Earl Ingram Show https://www.devilradio927.com/podcast/8-2-21-the-earl-ingram </p>
<p>2021-07-27 (Article) – Milwaukee Independent - “LAST THING WE EVER DO: MUSICIANS EXPRESS THE VIETNAM WAR EXPERIENCE OF MILWAUKEE VETERANS IN NEW ALBUM” by Staff https://www.milwaukeeindependent.com/articles/last-thing-ever-musicians-express-vietnam-war-experience-milwaukee-veterans-new-album/ </p>
<p>2021-07-25 (Article) – Wisconsin State Journal – “Vietnam vets, songwriters team up for meaningful CD “by Gayle Worland <br>https://madison.com/wsj/entertainment/music/vietnam-vets-songwriters-team-up-for-meaningful-cd/article_b9720034-8abc-5e61-98f9-24b880e59ef9.html </p>
<p>2021-07-25 (Article) “Musicians and veterans join forces for catharsis on 'Warrior Songs' album” by Cameron Cieszki <br>https://madison.com/ct/entertainment/music/musicians-and-veterans-join-forces-for-catharsis-on-warrior-songs-album/article_4b170804-7150-5699-9a2a-724bf9529f2b.html </p>
<p>2021-06-18 (Article) NewsTrail.Com – “The Last Thing We Ever Do: Warrior Songs Vol. 3” by Francisca Sequeira <br>https://www.newstrail.com/the-last-thing-we-ever-do-warrior-songs-vol-3/ </p>
<p> </p>
<p>--</p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/66522322021-06-07T17:41:10-05:002021-09-29T10:29:42-05:00“The Last Thing We Ever Do: Warrior Songs Vol. 3” <p>P.O. Box 8805 • Madison, WI 53708 • info@warriorsongs.org • WarriorSongs.org • EIN 45-4122418 </p>
<p>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE </p>
<p>CONTACT: Jason Moon – Warrior Songs Founder & Executive Director </p>
<p>VETERANS AND MUSICIANS WHO PARTICIPATED ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS. </p>
<p>“The Last Thing We Ever Do: Warrior Songs Vol. 3” </p>
<p>An album of songs based on the experiences of Vietnam era veterans, titled “The Last Thing We Ever Do,” is scheduled for release in August by Warrior Songs, a non-profit helping veterans heal from the trauma of war through the creative arts. </p>
<p>The CD features 14 songs created by professional songwriters from the firsthand testimony of Vietnam era veterans, brought to life by professional studio musicians. Copies of the CDs are made available to veterans and veteran non-profits free of charge. </p>
<p>The songs on the album run the gamut of topics, from dealing with the Selective Service to combat to coping with returning to the U.S., civilian life, and moral injury. </p>
<p>Nineteen Vietnam era veterans gave testimony, transformed into song by 21 songwriters and recorded by 81 studio musicians in 14 different studios across five states in two countries – USA and Vietnam. A total of 109 artists, including 17 Vietnamese nationals, joined forces to complete the project. </p>
<p> “This album is about healing, and also about reconciliation,“ said Jason Moon, an Iraq war combat veteran plagued by severe PTSD who founded Warrior Songs to help other veterans. He wrote one of the songs, “Seeds of Peace,” in Vietnam in 2019 and recorded it with Vietnamese children as vocalists. It is about the importance of reconciliation in healing moral injury. The renowned conductor of the United Saigon Orchestra, Son Mach, completed recordings in Saigon and Da Nang. </p>
<p>The song was inspired by Moon witnessing a meal in Duc Pho shared by Vietnam veteran Chuck Theusch, founder of Children’s Library International, and other US Vietnam veterans, with former Viet Cong. The two groups had fought against each other 50 years ago in that province. </p>
<p>A release party is planned at Turner Hall Ballroom in Milwaukee, WI on Sunday, Aug. 8 , from 3 to 6 pm. Admission is free to veterans and $10 to the general public. All attendees will receive a complimentary copy of the CD. Several Milwaukee and Wisconsin based veterans service organizations will be present at the event to share information about their work. The lineup includes 10 of the 14 acts that wrote and recorded songs for the CD. </p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/63539062020-06-15T11:13:18-05:002021-05-27T12:02:35-05:00Warrior Songs honors Board Member Connie Hunter-Baptiste for Outstanding Leadership<p>View this email in your browser </p>
<p>I would like to take a moment to recognize the outstanding effort and leadership of Warrior Songs Board Member Connie Hunter-Baptiste. Recently, Warrior Songs received an unexpected $4,500 grant from our very generous benefactors at The Bloomfield Family Foundation. The grant was designated to support veterans experiencing financial hardships due to COVID-19 related issues. As financial assistance grants are outside of our wheelhouse, Warrior Songs would need to build an entire system of application and distribution out of thin air. </p>
<p>Normally, building the plane as we fly it is not a problem for us. However, at the time we found out we would receive the grant, extenuating personal issues had aggravated my PTSD to the point of debilitation. Having once been a veteran at risk of homelessness, I knew time was of the essence. I began to really struggle with the idea that my disability would hinder our capacity to get the grants to veterans in need in an expedient manor. Then I remembered that I have a great team in my board of directors, reached out, and informed them of my concerns. </p>
<p>That is when Connie stepped up and took the lead. Within 24 hours, she had an online application form ready and approved by the rest of the board. Within 48 hours, she had created the rubrics for application and distribution through collaborating VSOs. Connie used her Senior Ambassador position at Women Veteran Social Justice Network to assist Warrior Songs with cultural competency as we laid out a plan to meet diversity goals in our grant distribution. Within 72 hours, we were approving our first grant applicant. </p>
<p>Connie didn’t stop there. She continued to take the lead in arranging a direct connection with our treasurer, who, as our newest board member, she had previously not met. Within one week of receiving notice of the grant award, the first applicant had received their emergency grant. The momentum caused by her excellent leadership was so outstanding, that it motivated the rest of the board into immediate action. When we ran out of the $4,500 with four veterans left on a waiting list, we created an online fundraiser and raised another $1,000 to assist them. Had the program not been so effectively managed, I do not believe this additional fundraiser would have been successful. </p>
<p>From left to right: Vera Roddy, Shelly Nichols, and Connie Hunter-Baptiste receiving the award WAMI Album of the Year award 2019 </p>
<p>In the end, due to the exceptional leadership of Connie Hunter-Baptiste, 22 veterans struggling with financial hardship due to COVID-19 received emergency cash assistance grants of $250 each. Due to Connie Hunter-Baptiste’s outstanding networking skills and collaboration with WVSJ, we met and exceeded our diversity goals. Thank you Connie for your outstanding leadership on this mission. Warrior Songs is an honored to have you on our board of directors. Thank you on behalf of the myself, the board of directors, and the 22 veterans who your efforts assisted. The value you bring to our organization is without comparison. </p>
<p>Sincerely, </p>
<p>Warrior Songs Founder and Executive Director. <br>Jason Moon </p>
<p>To download the track "Always On Top" for free, go to https://warriorsongs.org/dl and enter the code abcd-1234 <br>edit profile unsubscribe</p>5:06Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/58992882019-09-20T10:41:43-05:002021-09-27T17:32:59-05:00Warrior Wings nominated for 2019 Native American Music Awards - Pop Song of the Year<p>Warrior Wings, by performed by Anna Wang, written by Shelly Nichols and Garrett Stahl, released on 2018’s “Women at War: Warrior Songs Vol. 2”, has been nominated for Pop Song of the Year at the <a contents="2019 Native American Music Awards" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://nativeamericanmusicawards.com/19th-awards-gala" target="_blank">2019 Native American Music Awards</a>. Warrior Wings was mastered at Surround In Sound Studio by Jonathon Leubner. Warrior Songs founder Jason Moon acted as the executive producer. <br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/ea1e7e00c1222f32b4c820374e1745ec64558473/original/backgroup-photo-options-2nd-large.jpeg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/56845992019-03-18T16:21:07-05:002021-12-16T12:51:39-06:00Creative Arts Healing Retreat for Women Veteran MST Survivors - Scottsdale, AZ Nov 20-24<p>Our retreat is full! 4 day creative arts healing retreat for Women Veteran MST Survivors. The retreat will take place at the Franciscan Renewal Center in Scottsdale, AZ November 20 to the 24th. This retreat will be offered completely free to 15 Women Veterans. Over the four day retreat the veterans will explore their military experience, trauma, and recovery through different art modalities. The retreat will conclude with an art show open to the public at the Franciscan Renewal Center 7pm Nov 23rd. If you know a Woman Veteran MST Survivor who needs to heal, consider sharing the event with them. As of today we do not have travel assistance. Veterans will be financially responsible to get to and from the center. Warrior Songs will need to raise $20,000 to provide the retreat free of charge. We will launch a fundraising campaign in early April. <a contents="Apply here.&nbsp;" data-link-label="Apply for Phoenix MST Retreat" data-link-type="page" href="/apply-for-phoenix-mst-retreat">Apply here. </a></p>
<p>The retreat is staffed by: </p>
<p>Lin Daley – Creative Arts Director <br>Stacey Thompson – Assistant Creative Arts Director <br>Linda MacLeish - Mind, Body, Spirit Director <br>Graciela Marroquin - Assistant Mind, Body, Spirit Director <br>Jason Moon - Songwriting - Art Show Director <br>Heath Phillips – Assistant Facilitator</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/16c333c42a00d07113c667a798e4572351e9e34d/original/announce.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/56666302019-03-02T16:06:55-06:002019-03-02T16:06:55-06:00Women at War up for 2019 Album of the Year WAMI<p>Women at War: Warrior Songs Vol. 2 is up for 2019 Album of the Year WAMI from the Wisconsin Area Music Awards.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/bf4127f6697523f3786c68a78f76efa8e7f77016/original/2019-wami.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>5:45Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/54942242018-10-31T15:04:27-05:002018-10-31T15:04:27-05:00Women at War - in the press<p>Check out this article about veteran and "Women at War: Warrior Songs Vol. 2" contributor and leadership committee member Shelly Nichols. I hope Shelly Nichols song gets a Native American Music Awards - NAMA LIVE nomination this year. </p>
<p>http://www.grandronde.org/news/smoke-signals/2018/10/31/tribal-veterans-song-included-on-women-at-war-compact-disc/#sthash.KxEhX6Gt.dpbs</p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/54827812018-10-23T14:35:05-05:002018-10-23T14:35:05-05:00Women at War is on it's way<p>We just got word from the manufacturer. The CD is on it's way. </p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/54477832018-09-28T15:24:33-05:002019-05-25T11:24:08-05:00Women at War - update<p>We hit a snag on the art going to proof. It delayed us a little bit, but we are set to go to manufacture on Monday October 1st. We've pre-released "You're the Enemy" by Emily Yates. <a contents="Download it here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/1564039/you-re-the-enemy" target="_blank">Download it here</a>. It's pay what you want. Donations accepted but not expected. All proceeds go to help us reach our goal of getting 15,000 copies of the CD to Women Veterans across the country.</p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/54336202018-09-18T12:58:30-05:002018-09-18T12:58:30-05:00Women at War sent to press today!<p>09/18/2018 - All songs were approved from the mastering studio today. Graphic Design final draft was approved yesterday. Everything should be approved by the CD manufacturing company by Monday, September 24th at the latest. National Press releases are finished. Local and customizable contributing artist press releases are coming soon. Everything is on track for a Nov 10th, 2018 release. We are 3 inches from the finish line! <br>Essayons!<br>Jason Moon</p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/54208082018-09-08T18:25:00-05:002021-08-26T10:08:41-05:00Women at War: Warrior Songs Vol. 2<p>5 years of collecting testimony and 2 years of dedicated work. It's almost finished. CD releases 11/10/2018. More information coming soon. </p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/52471472018-05-23T01:02:59-05:002018-05-23T01:02:59-05:00Warrior Songs wins the 2018 WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) award for Folk Music<p>Warrior Songs is honored to receive the 2018 WAMI (Wisconsin Area Music Industry) award for Folk Music. Warrior Songs is a 501.c.3 nonprofit that helps veterans heal from the wounds of war by turning their stories and trauma into songs. We accept this award on behalf of all the great Wisconsin musicians that contributed to this project. If i missed you or your not tagged, let me know in the comments and i'll fix it. Sincerely - Jason Moon </p>
<p>From “Women at War: Warrior Songs Vol. 2” (Release date 11/10/2018) <br>Sonja St John <br>Surround In Sound Studio <br>Kevin Welsh <br>Jonathon Leubner <br>Tom Haines <br>Lindsay Jensen Edgeworth <br>Beth Kille <br>Lisa Johnson <br>Anna Wang <br>Erica Berman <br>Sexy Ester <br>Jason Moon <br>Shawndell Marks <br>Kelsey Miles <br>Teddy Davenport </p>
<p>From “If You Have to Ask… Warrior Songs Vol. 1” (11/2016) <br>Nic Tassone <br>Attic Studio <br>Courtney Reynolds <br>Kyle Rightley <br>Landon Arkens <br>Adam Cargin <br>Brian Knapp <br>Dojo Studio <br>Erin Krebs <br>Jeff Johnston <br>Monterey Trail <br>Paul Wisneski <br>Kevin A Bauer <br>Mark Gauthier <br>Barry Krueger <br>Marc Golde <br>Rock Garden Studio <br>Jesse Frewerd <br>Marc Villa <br>Sheila Shigley <br>Kris Sheehan <br>Bob Manor <br>Powers Recording <br>Theo Merriweather <br>Mati Ardis <br>Samantha Lieven <br>Michelle Klotz <br>Bonnie Scholz <br>Melissa Doud <br>The Mambo Surfers <br>Ron Jones <br>Saji Villoth <br>Darrell Williams <br>Moonshine <br>Jonny “Shuffle” Hakala <br>K.D. Davis <br>Hank Aldrich <br>Bryan Oliver <br>Offbeat Press <br>James Wachtendonk James </p>
<p>These are just the Wisconsin musicians who've contributed to the music Warrior Songs creates. There are dozens and dozens more national musicians. Thank you all for this amazing honor. We accept this award for all the artists who contribute! </p>
<p>https://www.gofundme.com/wsvol2</p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/50023212018-01-01T21:10:50-06:002018-04-18T09:48:11-05:002017 Creative Arts Healing Retreat Report<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>Report on Warrior Songs Creative Arts Healing Retreat: </strong></span></p>
<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>December 6th – 10th, 2017 at Siena Center in Racine, Wisconsin</strong> <br><br><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="hSy6wTvmttE" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/hSy6wTvmttE/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hSy6wTvmttE?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></span></p>
<p><strong>Group Demographics – Who was served?</strong> </p>
<p>15 veterans participated in the December 2017 retreat. 7 men and 8 women from all from the Midwest. They represented the Army, Air Force, and Marines and they’ve served in Vietnam, The Gulf War, Iraq, Afghanistan and various other locations around the world. Ages ranged from 34 – 67, and combined, they provided a total of 102 years of military service. Collectively, they had served a total of 20 combat deployments. There were 5 facilitators, 2 of whom were combat veterans and one was the spouse of a combat veteran. </p>
<p><strong>Warrior Songs Retreat Model – How were the veterans served</strong>? </p>
<p>The Warrior Songs model is committed to removing all barriers, with the intention of assisting veterans who attend retreats to do so with ease, and with no financial cost involved. The retreat was completely free to the veterans who attended and each veteran was given a travel stipend to assist with travel expenses. The Racine retreat took place Dec. 6 – 10, 2017 at the Siena Center. Comfortable private rooms with private bathrooms were available to all attendees and meals were nutritious and hearty. Veterans were welcomed upon arrival Wednesday afternoon and quickly introduced to other attendees. The first evening included a brief overview and art activity to facilitate introductions and the building of a safe and trusting container. Nearly every veteran attendee spoke of their personal isolation, describing how they needed to push beyond that in order to show up for the retreat. Several reported arriving desperate for connection. </p>
<p>The first 2 full days of the retreat were spent creating art in response to guided activities specifically designed to help participants enter the depths of their trauma and to express resulting feelings through their creations. Topics covered included: initiation into the military, the physical and emotional weight carried during and after deployment, PTSD and how it effects one’s life, and how to integrate the experience and trauma and move forward. Each participant had ample opportunity to share and process their story. Staff was always available to veterans who became triggered, and needed one on one processing time. </p>
<p>On the 3rd day, the group transitioned to activities which focused on moving forward, using strengths and tools available to them as they continue the healing journey. The final exercise involved each person setting post retreat personal goals using the insights and discoveries necessary in leading a more connected and integrated life. Several staff members who are trained in meditation and relaxation work presented informative sessions throughout the retreat. These included a simple description of how PTSD causes actual physical changes in the brain, and helpful, practical ways to decrease anxiety and hypervigilance using different breathing and relaxation techniques. Participants reported this as an important piece of the retreat. </p>
<p><strong>Saturday afternoon public event – Trauma Transformed Through Art: A Veteran Art Show </strong></p>
<p>An underlying, but ongoing goal during the retreat was the group working toward a Saturday afternoon community presentation where veterans shared their stories through their art in a public forum. This event had a positive and healing impact on the veterans. It provided a focused “mission”, and allowed them to work both individually, as well as to support one another as a team. Participants spoke about how powerful it felt for them to overcome their fear of publicly expressing the truths they had kept suppressed for so many years. Others expressed elation at finally being heard after feeling silenced, invisible, misunderstood and abandoned by families and communities. Several mentioned how healing it felt to get the stories out and to leave them there, no longer needing to carry the burden of the memories. The facilitators were joined by 3 volunteer support staff who assisted during the art show. </p>
<p><strong>Community – </strong></p>
<p>Our community showed great investment in, and support of, the war healing effort - both financially and by physically showing up to volunteer. Roughly 80 individuals from across the country made monetary contributions. Warrior Songs also received a generous grant from the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs, as well as financial support from: Falmouth Congregational Church UCC (Falmouth, ME) Desert Veterans of Wisconsin, The Bos Meadery (Madison, WI), and Christ the King Lutheran Church (Delafield, WI). Additional material support and in-kind donations came from: Goat Farm Photos, Ready Eddy's flavorful fast sandwiches, and Quilts of Thanks. </p>
<p>Trauma Transformed through Art: A Veteran Art Show was held at the Siena Center. It was attended by approximately 50 people including fellow veterans and many who work with veterans in various outreach capacities. Attendees viewed veteran art displays before and after a live presentation which was emceed by Jason Moon, founder and director of Warrior Songs. During the show veterans shared poems, prose, reflections, art pieces, and a song which was written by the group during the retreat. The audience was visibly moved by the courage and honesty of the veteran participants. </p>
<p><strong>Outcome and Follow Up – </strong></p>
<p>Post retreat feedback has been extremely positive. Veterans report feeling reconnected with their own hearts, their loved ones and with one another. There is always concern among staff that after the retreat the vets will return to old patterns of shutting down and closing the world out as </p>
<p>a means of self-protection and survival, which only perpetuates the isolation of PTSD. To help remedy this, a private Facebook group was created so the participants could stay in touch with each other and share their success and growth. </p>
<p><strong>Here is some feedback given by the veterans:</strong> <br><strong>About the art exercises over the weekend?</strong> It brought back memories - I think I had pushed down and away those memories for so long, it felt good to get that out - I still have my guard up, but I think I’m opening up more and starting to heal - It made me think that when you put it out on paper, we really did carry a load, brought back lots of memories - It made me see the feelings of others - I thought it was a good way for me to express my emotions which is hard for me to do. </p>
<p><strong>What do you want to do moving forward?</strong> I want to start letting people in, more personal intimacy - I want to focus on letting those emotions out, and feeling more a part of something, being not so uncomfortable around people - I want to focus on being open and staying connected with people - I want to focus on getting better, realizing that I am not to blame for everyone’s mistakes - I learned I do have a little voice; I just have to learn how to use it! I’m also trying to believe that I am not alone. </p>
<p><strong>Did you participate in the art show?</strong> Yes, I pushed myself to do more than I was comfortable with and feel wonderful about it - Yes, I did. I shared a poem I wrote and my album. It was very empowering - Being an artist is as important as being an engineer. </p>
<p><strong>How can we improve the retreat moving forward?</strong> Add an art or painting shop - More art projects - More structured art and a little more direction. </p>
<p><strong>What did you get from this retreat? </strong> Confidence, acceptance, love from staff – Friendship - I wouldn’t change anything - Having so many people around that I felt unconditional acceptance from. It made it easy to share - I think the most helpful aspect was the veterans, being around other people with similar stories - Co-ed helps me demonize the opposite sex less. </p>
<p><strong>Testimonials </strong><br>This was an amazing retreat that I was fortunate to attend. WOW! I couldn't have imagined the new tools I would get and the healing that would take place. An awesome organization that helped me feel so welcomed and loved. They have given me a gift to take with me and share with others. Can’t thank Jason Moon and his expert, loving staff enough! - Clara Acker (Army)</p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/49047332017-10-24T14:55:22-05:002019-01-02T09:10:58-06:00Song off of "If You Have to Ask... Warrior Songs Volume 1" nominated for NAMA<p>“Bullet Dress” off of “If You Have to Ask… Warrior Songs Vol. 1” was nominated for 2017 Single/Song of the Year at the Native American Music Awards. The song began as a poem by combat army veteran Melissa Doud. Melissa’s poem about a jingle dress she created out of spent bullet casings collected during her 20 years in the Army was turned into a song by Marco Frucht and Saji Villoth. It was recorded at SurroundinSound Studios in Wauwatosa Wisconsin with Melissa Doud singing and Saji’s band The Mambo Surfers providing the music. When we learned that the song had been nominated for a NAMA Warrior Songs held a special fundraiser and raised $1,500 to help send Melissa and members of the Mambo Surfers to the award show in Niagara Falls, New York on October 14th. The award ultimately went to WWE star Mickie James for her song “Shooting Blanks”. Mickie James was also inducted into the Native American Music Awards hall of fame. Everyone was honored to have “Bullet Dress” nominated alongside so many other talented artists. Thank you to everyone who donated to both the creation of Warrior Songs Vol. 1 and too sending Melissa and the band to the 2017 NAMA’s! <a contents="View more pictures here&nbsp;" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://warriorsongs.org/galleries/521410/2017-10-14-native-american-music-awards" target="_blank">View more pictures here </a><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/2b61052b781706fc6abc373a25d2582b5d18e43e/medium/four-medallions-final.jpg?1508874402" class="size_m justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/f8cc9089d76ee431f6cdcf65e853d693b265e543/medium/nahko-ms-final.jpg?1508874540" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>
<p> </p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/48855562017-10-10T14:43:16-05:002019-03-04T12:50:51-06:002017 Wisconsin outreach report<p style="text-align: center;"><span class="font_large"><strong>2017 Wisconsin Outreach Report <br>09/25/2017 through 10/02/2017 </strong></span></p>
<p>09/25/2017 – Today was a day of travel. I landed in Milwaukee after a very bumpy plane ride from Phoenix. Rented a car and made a quick stop in St. Francis to visit my friends John & Susan Nicholson to borrow an amplifier. Afterwards was a four hour drive across the state to Menomonie, WI where I had a brief chat with my first host Jennifer R Coyne of Arbor Place, Inc. Jennifer is an AODA counselor and the founder of the Music Heals program at Arbor Place Inc. I arrived late in the evening and after making plans for my performance the next day, I went to sleep. </p>
<p><strong>Activity for this day - Miles by air: 1460 - Miles by car: 296 </strong></p>
<p>9/26/2017 – I spent the day getting ready for my show at Arbor Place, which is a non-profit AODA center with both inpatient and outpatient facilities. My contact Jennifer Coyne had just happened to reach out to me several months ago when a veteran who was in treatment wasn’t doing so well. I sent some CDs and a note for the veteran, reminding him he wasn’t alone on this journey. When I told Jen I would be in Wisconsin for this trip, she arranged to have me perform at Arbor Place and hosted me during my stay. After lunch at The Acoustic Café, I headed to Arbor Place. The center is really modern and very comfortable. They clearly understand that the setting of recovery is an important part of the solution. They had many musical instruments for the residents/clients via the Music Heals program, which made me smile. Music heals, that’s a fact! I have the privilege of witnessing its power every day. </p>
<p>The show went well with around 30 people in attendance. I met a veteran who had delivered mail during the same time I was in Iraq. We talked about how his service was often misunderstood by civilians. He drove from Kuwait to LSA Anaconda/Balad every day. Balad was affectionately known as “Mortaritaville.” I flew home via Balad and endured mortar attacks all night and VBIED attacks on the front gate while we were there. When he told people he delivered mail they didn’t understand. Never underestimate a veterans experience because of their job! I met another veteran who had done some time with my old unit 724th. He had also served with the 951st and knew many of my old friends from Charlie Co 724. We mourned the loss of our brother Sgt. Adams. The show went well with the exception of my phone dying. I drove to Neenah at night with just a map. Made it to the hotel around 1am and went to sleep. </p>
<p><strong>Activity this Day - Miles by car: 212 - Civilians educated: 25 - Veterans inspired: 5 - CD’s given away: 40 </strong></p>
<p>09/27/2017 – I woke up early as I was now traveling without my cellphone. No GPS and no contact list. While this is how I did everything prior to 2006, it was still nerve racking. I made it to Winnebago Mental Health Institute where my contact Renee Henke had arranged some events for me. In the morning I presented “7 Things You Never Say to a Veteran” to around 25 staff in training at the facility. One of the veterans in attendance said that the presentation was the most accurate articulation of PTSD he had ever heard. Another agreed. These instances of confirmation from other combat veterans who have shared the experience confirm to me that I am not telling my story, so much as I am telling our story. </p>
<p>After lunch I walked across the facility to the prison. It is never fun entering a lock-down prison facility, even if it is mental health. It’s always a little hard for me with all the security guards on alert which tends to trigger my PTSD. I performed in the auditorium for incarcerated inmates and support staff. Originally it was just going to be the 5 veterans that were housed there, but they decided to open the show up to all the male inmates. I watched as they came in, looking hard and tough. I thought to myself, I’m going to make these guys laugh and smile. It wasn’t easy, but by around 30 minutes I had them all. Laughing about what got them there and solidifying their resolve to never end up their again. I met another veteran who’d served in units connected to my old unit. </p>
<p>I struggled with substance abuse from PTSD for years after I got home. I avoided being in their shoes by sheer luck alone. I recalled to them the many close calls I’ve had. I left a CD for each veteran with the veteran liaison so they could have it when they were released. Afterwards I headed to Oshkosh to try to get my phone repaired. No luck, it was completely dead. I studied my maps and headed for Wisconsin Dells. I checked in and ran to my room to try to make a phone call for an interview only to find it was canceled at the last minute. I relaxed and went to sleep. </p>
<p><strong>Activity this Day - Miles by car: 103 - Civilians educated: 35 - Veterans inspired: 5 - CD’s given away: 45 </strong></p>
<p>09/28/2017 – Today was a free day. I rehearsed my presentation and visited my son Dylan who is attending college in Platteville. I only count miles that are part of my outreach so there is nothing to report for this day. My son has 3 tattoos which are new since I last saw him. </p>
<p><strong>Activity this Day – Free Day </strong></p>
<p>09/29/2017 – What a day. I started the day with another presentation of “7 Things You Never Say to a Veteran”, this time at the 21st Annual Crisis Intervention conference. There were around 75 crisis intervention professionals in attendance. The presentation went well and there were several veterans in the audience. Some of the professionals had seen me at other conferences. The day wasn’t even close to over so I jumped into my rental car and headed to Madison. I performed a show unrelated to Warrior Songs at the memory ward of the Oak Park Place retirement community. I followed that performance with another at the retirement community proper. I checked into a hotel after giving up on coordinating lodging due to the lack of having a phone. </p>
<p>I barely had time to change my strings before heading down to the Bos Meadery for a fun night of music. I knew doing four shows in one day would be exhausting, so I invited friends to join me on stage. My brother Noah Petts, open mic host Molly Mitchell, Feast of Crispian friend Raymond Hubbard, musician Matt Perrin, and old, old friend Bob Findlay joined me for some songs. It was good to see Colleen Bos and company again. Bos Meadery had been my musical home in Madison. My show was the first time I’d play in their new location in the same building. The tip jars went to Warrior Songs that night. It was good to see longtime Warrior Songs friends John & Cheryl Adams and board members Elizabeth Benn and Lisa Johnson. The night faded into a foggy dream with beers at the Wisconsinite with Raymond and Molly. Later that night, at 3am, the smoke detector at my hotel went off and they didn’t have any replacement 9 volt batteries. I packed up and walked to the nearest hotel. In the morning, I jockeyed for cabs with all the badger homecoming folks and remember that I always have a 9volt in my pre-amp on my guitar. </p>
<p><strong>Activity this Day - Miles by car: 56 - Civilians educated: 70 - Veterans inspired: 10 - CD’s given away: 100 </strong></p>
<p>09/30/2017 – I woke up and drove to Neenah where I met with an old musical partner Sonja St. John. Sonja’s brother Jon was killed in Iraq in 2008. Our first track off of Warrior Songs Vol. 2 was about her losing her brother. “Star in the Dark”, had been featured on the Associated Press wire and ran in countless papers and newsfeeds Memorial Day weekend 2017. Sonja had arranged a house concert a couple houses down the road from hers. We rehearsed and caught up during the day. In the evening we performed my final show of the trip. Special thanks to Marijke van Roojen for hosting the event. It was a magical show. House concerts are very intimate with the audience being very close to the performers. Somewhere after “Hold On” and before “Star in The Dark”, tissues became a necessity. The generosity of the people in attendance pushed this trip from red to black. Afterwards we went to Cranky Pats for the pizza buffet. </p>
<p><strong>Activity this Day - Miles by car: 99 - Civilians educated: 30 - CD’s given away: 30 </strong></p>
<p>10/01/2017 – Today was all about resting and attending a family wedding. Jeff and Monique, the daughter of my cousin Shannon James, celebrated their new life together at the Milwaukee Veterans Museum. It wasn’t a Warrior Songs day, but I will share that my cousin Shannon lost her son JJ Collins in Afghanistan October 2013. “The Things You’ll Never Be” is the song created from Shannon’s testimony with songwriter and combat veteran Joanne Powell. “Women at War: Warrior Songs Vol. 2” will release November of 2018. After enjoying the beautiful wedding and the wonderful Wisconsin weather I walked back to my hotel and fell asleep. </p>
<p><strong>Activity this Day - Miles by car: 100 </strong></p>
<p>10/02/2017 - Today was a travel day. I checked out of the hotel and went to John & Susan’s to return the amps. John & Susan Nicholson of Frogwater have performed with me since 2011. You hear them on stringed and bowed instruments on “Trying to Find My Way Home” and “Love & Life”. It was here, passing some time and visiting with good friends that I heard that Tom Petty had died. We got out the instruments and jammed some of our favorite Petty songs. I got on the plane and wound up in a middle seat. Southwest when you don’t have a phone I guess. Sarah and Penny picked me up at the airport in Phoenix and we drove home. I fell into my bed and didn’t want to get back out. </p>
<p><strong>Activity this Day - Miles by Air: 1460 – Miles by Car: 22 </strong></p>
<p><strong>Outreach Summary: <br>Miles by air: 2920 <br>Miles by car: 888 <br>Total miles: 3808 </strong></p>
<p><strong>Civilians educated: 160 <br>Veterans inspired: 20 <br>CD’s disturbed: 215 <br>WS shows performed: 6 </strong></p>
<p><strong>Money spent: $1059.42 <br>Money raised: $1051.00 <br>Trip profit/loss: -$8.42 </strong></p>
<p>Special thanks to: 21st Annual Crisis Intervention Conference, Annalise Doyle, Arbor Place, Inc, The Bos Meadery, Faith Fanger, Jennifer R Coyne, John & Susan Nicholson, Julie Minor, Kari Schultz, Lisa Johnson, Mary M Vande Slunt, Music Heals, Nathaniel Carroll, Renee L Henke, Sarah & Penny Moon, Sonja St. John, Tamra J Oman, Tom Bollom, Wayne Sorenson, and Winnebego Mental Health Institute</p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/47232182017-05-26T08:22:49-05:002018-07-13T08:39:06-05:00Warrior Songs in the news!<p>Our "story to song" program got national attention this Memorial Day weekend. <a contents="Read the full story here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.nydailynews.com/newswires/entertainment/sister-gifts-send-messages-fallen-soldier-article-1.3197328" target="_blank">Read the full story here</a>. <a contents="Watch the video here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.crossroadstoday.com/clip/13362728/a-sister-uses-her-gifts-to-send-messages-to-fallen-soldier" target="_blank">Watch the video here</a>. You can listen and <a contents="download the song here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="track" href="/track/1247195/star-in-the-dark">download the song here</a>.</p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/47219942017-05-25T12:13:18-05:002018-05-16T09:17:24-05:00Warrior Songs is hosting a creative arts retreat for veterans with PTSD<p><span class="font_large">Warrior Songs is hosting a four-day creative arts healing retreat at The Siena Center in Racine, Wisconsin from Wednesday December 6th through Sunday December 10th. This retreat is completely free to veterans. We even have a travel stipend of $25 to help cover the cost of their travel. The retreat is open to any veteran from any time period who suffers from PTSD or MST and has a sincere desire to heal. We have spots open for 15 veterans. No creative arts experience is needed to participate. <a contents="Interested veterans should apply here at the link here" data-link-label="2017 Creative Arts Healing Retreat" data-link-type="page" href="/2017-creative-arts-healing-retreat" target="_blank">Interested veterans should apply here at the link here</a>. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><a contents="You can donate to the retreat at this link" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.gofundme.com/WS2017Retreat" target="_blank">You can donate to the retreat at this link</a> </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">To learn more about our process please continue reading </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The retreat is structured on the work of my good friend, Dr. Ed Tick. In his book “War and The Soul”, Dr. Tick outlined the warriors journey and points to how good our country is at sending our veterans off to war, and how we often fail at welcoming them home. He points to a need for civilians to bear some of the responsibility of the actions of the veterans, who went to war and served in their name. It’s an oversimplification of Dr. Tick’s work, but put simply, in order for veterans to fully heal from the psychological and emotional wounds of war, veterans need to be able to communicate the truth of their experience and civilians need to hear it. This is the final step of bringing our veterans home. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Over the 4-day retreat, veterans use the creative arts to share their stories of their journey. We start with boot camp and move all the way to deployment and finally to returning as a different person as the one who left and the new battle they face with the enemy in their mind (PTSD). Each phase is explored through a different art modality, sometimes writing, and other times painting, we even create a song from the group experience. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Healing from PTSD requires processing the experience and the trauma, but recounting an experience in a detailed linier account will often aggravate a veterans PTSD. They are triggered by the memory and so they try to repress the memories. They isolate, they avoid, they self-medicate…they do everything they can to not remember. PTSD makes it very difficult for veterans to talk about their experience. However, there are other ways to get to the trauma that don’t require a linier detailed account. We do this through the creative arts, where you can paint a feeling, or the part of the story you are ready to tell. Also, when they show the art, they can communicate their truth without having to be the subject of the conversation. Instead of the listener looking at the veteran eye to eye, which can be disempowering and very uncomfortable, both the civilian and the veterans can look at the artwork, adding a layer of protection to the veteran. The creative arts allow the veteran to explore what they are ready to talk about in a way that isn’t as triggering as traditional talk therapy. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Integrated into the program are educational pieces about how PTSD effects the brain, and symptom management methods such as relaxation or breathing techniques. The retreat culminates with an art show and presentation where the community can come, see, and hear the work the veterans have created. Allowing civilians to hear the truth of our warriors and completing the often-missing final piece of the warrior’s journey. It may sound simple, but I’ve witnessed miraculous healing from these retreats. Veterans write us afterwards to tell us how much this changed their lives. Here are a few of those letters veterans wrote to us and asked us to share. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I left Warrior Songs with such a peace that when I returned home and saw my sister, and my shrink. I didn’t even have to say, “I did such and such” because I was glowing like Moses when he came down from the mountain after visiting with God. They saw the difference in me before I even opened my mouth. Kimberly L. Heartsong, Lt Colonel (Retired) – Desert Storm, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">As a Vietnam vet, what these retreats provide is so instrumental in not only our individual healing, but by providing a venue for, camaraderie with more recent war veterans , fills a need for not only us individually, but will reap benefits for generations to come. That our communities would donate monies for me, someone they will never meet, to an experience such as Warrior Songs, touches me deeply. In a demonstrative fashion, your donors generosity, coupled with the empathy of your facilitators exposes a worth; and nurtures us resulting in expressions that to have witnessed such, even as one of the walking wounded myself, is so private, so personal, so precious; I'm returned to my family, my community, filled with compassion and appreciation for what we warriors carry. Rick- Vietnam Veteran </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">I can't say enough in praise for the Warrior's Song workshop/retreat I attended this past month. It's been over 40 years since my return from the conflict in Vietnam, for the first time I've felt acceptance among my peers. I feel that my isolation, failed relationships and sketchy career have been vindicated in the truth telling of our stories, my experiences have been validated. Now I am free to speak my truth because of you all, able to accept my place as "elder", no longer a pariah. Through art, through poetry, song and writing, Warrior's Song has made it possible to speak the unspeakable. Ray – Vietnam Veteran </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">The Warrior Songs Retreat helped me tell a story that until recently only a precious few people inside my tightest circles were privy to--that I had spent a decade trying to bury and forget. Until that point, I had never picked up a paintbrush, and was blown away by what I was able to create, without even trying and having no training whatsoever. Something inside me had changed, for the good, forever. When I returned home from the retreat, my wife immediately recognized that my eyes were clearer, I had more bounce in my step, and a massive burden had been lifted from my shoulders. I discovered that in painting I had the perfect way to put memories down on canvas, in order to get the bad feelings out of my soul – Jesse Iraq Veteran </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Thank you and please remember </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">PTSD is not a weakness and we don’t leave our wounded behind. Thank you for listening. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Jason Moon </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">Founder & Executive Director of Warrior Songs </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">www.warriorsongs.org </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large">info@warriorsongs.org</span></p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/47138502017-05-18T12:57:04-05:002017-05-18T12:57:04-05:00First recording session for Warrior Songs Vol 2.<p><span class="font_large">We had a great recording session at Surround in Sound Studio in Wauwatosa, WI on 5/13/2017. We recorded the first track off of our upcoming "Women at War: Warrior Songs Vol 2." due out November 2018. The song, "Star in the Dark", was written by Kevin Welsh in collaboration with Sonja St. John. Sonja St John's brother, John St. John, was killed in action in Iraq on 27 January 2007. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_large"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/be07697d06fdcc593935972f37cf2b84c6a5bb71/medium/img-2371.jpg?1495129664" class="size_m justify_left border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/4ec337f7409e69e771880d4c4b9cddf9754e80e1/medium/img-2379.jpg?1495129672" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></span></p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/47052582017-05-11T14:44:43-05:002017-05-11T14:44:43-05:002017 California Outreach Report<p>Wanted to thank you for your donation which made my February trip California possible. Here is a report of the trip. </p>
<p>Warrior Songs outreach trip report (2/6/2016 to 2/13/2016) </p>
<p>2/6/2016 – I arrived in San Diego Late in the evening; a voice came over the loudspeaker as I waited for my bags. “You might want to dig your jackets out of your bags before you go outside. It’s a very cold 62 degrees out there”. I laughed so hard water came out my nose. I got to the hotel and went to bed. </p>
<p>2/7/2016 – I spent the day enjoying the sunshine and walking around Old Town San Diego. Around 2pm, I headed to my room to rehearse. Marilyn Cornell, my point of contact (POC) from the San Diego Veterans Village (SDVV) picked me up and I had dinner there. SDVV is a place where homeless veterans recovering from substance abuse can come to heal. They are allowed to stay for up to 2 years while attending classes to recover and improve their lives. I had been there back in 2012 and was amazed by the improvements made to the facilities. I performed that evening for about 60 veterans. The show went well and I gave a copy of both “Trying to Find My Way Home” and “If You Have to Ask… Warrior Songs Vol. 1” to each of them. One of the highlights of the performance was when I told the group, “If you are ever feeling like giving up, like nobody cares about you. Remember that 13 people you’ve never met paid for my plane ticket so I could fly from Wisconsin to San Diego to perform for you tonight.” There were tears. </p>
<p>2/8/2017 – I went back to SSDV for an afternoon songwriting workshop with a music class. For 90 minutes, myself and eight other veterans worked on writing a song about what it is like to be a homeless veteran heroin addict living on the streets. One of the veterans already had chords to a song so we used them. I was amazed at the candor they had as they described trying to find a place to get high and go to sleep, the feeling of all the pain going away, and the searing reality that sets in when you wake up a realize where you are. They told me how they took care of basic needs like showering and using the bathroom. They also spoke of how there was a point in their lives when they knew where they were headed but felt unable to stop it. They spoke of what SDVV brought to them. I recorded the session and am working on finishing the song and release it on Warrior Songs Vol. 3 (2020). That evening I got a ride from my next POC Lisa Raggio to the San Diego conference center where I played for a Firefighter Cancer Awareness benefit. After that, we drove 2 hours north to Pasadena, CA where I met with my host family Trã and Maggie Cooper-Harris. They graciously allowed me to stay with them free of charge for the Los Angeles leg of my journey. It was this free lodging in L.A. that allowed me budget spending two days in San Diego. </p>
<p>2/9/2017 – Usually when I do these trips, I am not able to really take any time for myself, as I have to play multiple events to fundraise to pay for the trip. Because of the generous donors, I was able to spend Thursday with my host Trã. I interviewed Trã for our upcoming “Women at War: Warrior Song Vol. 2” Due out November 2018. After that, we went to Unbreakable Performance Center in Hollywood, CA for a workout with an organization called Merging Vets and Players (MVP). I got a great work out and got to meet Nate Boyer (former Green Beret and NFL player), Randy "The Natural" Couture (Actor & 5 time UFC Champion), and about 40 veterans all of which got a copy of either “Trying” or “WS Vol 1”. It was an intense workout, which reminded me I need to get back into shape. </p>
<p>2/10/2017 – I spent the day recovering from my work out. Climbing the stairs hurt and reminded me that I need to do more lower bodywork. I traveled to Wellness Works in Glendale California. I have played at Wellness works twice before and was glad to return. The afternoon was spent leading a songwriting workshop with their veteran’s writer group. The normal writing workshop leader LeiL.A.ni Squire gave me carte blanche to create. Poets & Writers' Readings & Workshops program sponsored the event. I had the veterans tell me who they were before they left, what like was life during their worst PTSD times, and who they are now that they’ve begun healing. We worked for about an hour and a half and then I had one hour before my evening show. I used that time to quickly write a song from the work we had done in the writers group. I performed that evening at Wellness Works for about 20 people. California was getting some much-needed rain after a 5-year drought, but sadly, the rain kept the crowd away. The highlight was having the veterans from the writing workshop read the work they had created. I closed with the song I had written from their work. I hope to release this song on Warrior Songs Vol. 3 (2020). </p>
<p>2/11/2017 – Trã and I went down to The Los Angeles Theater Center for the awards show. In typical military fashion, we showed up 15 minutes early and everyone else showed up 15 minutes late. I met and talked with many people. Some were very “Hollywood” and others were very down to earth. There were many celebrities there who I did not recognize. I met a lot of band members from famous people’s bands who were in town for Grammys. I meet Lindsay Wagner who had been a hero of Trã’s as a child. I gave away all the CD’s and business cards I had with me. We found one other veteran in the crowd. I was honored to receive the global peace song award. I had hoped to talk about my project, but they didn’t allow us to speak when we went up to receive our awards. After I got the award, some of the more “Hollywood” type people who hadn’t been interested in talking to me moments before suddenly were my best friend. After the award show, I took Trã out for BBQ to thank her and Maggie for hosting me in L.A. </p>
<p>2/12/2017 - I met with Gail Soffer of the Mindful Warrior Project and we went to Los Angeles National Cemetery for the 25th annual Abraham Lincoln memorial event. I had been scheduled to play for an hour but got cut to one song. I performed “Trying to Find My Way Home” for a crowd of about 60 people many of whom were veterans. An old friend from High School stopped down. There was also a person who had seen me perform in California back in 2012 who was there. Afterwards Gail and I ate lunch and headed to my final show. I presented “7 Things You Never Say to a Veteran” at Brentwood Presbyterian Church to a small crowd. The Grammys kept many people home. Wendy Barranco stopped down to hear the presentation. Wendy and I were both featured in the documentary “On the Bridge”. We had never actually met before so we went out to dinner. We had a great discussion and she agreed to be interviewed for our upcoming “Woman at War: Warrior Songs Vol. 2” cd. I got home late and packed my stuff for the flight home. </p>
<p>2/13/2017 – On an expensive Uber ride to the airport I talked with an immigrant who was a United States Army veteran. Him and his brother had immigrated to the US and served in the Military. His brother wasn’t doing well so I gave him my last copy of “Trying to Find My Way Home” to give to his brother. He was driving Uber but wanted to be a director, which is so very “Los Angeles”. I boarded the plane and tried to rest. I was glad to be going home after a very successful outreach! </p>
<p>Fast Fact </p>
<p>Miles driven: 554 <br>Miles flown: 1849 </p>
<p>CD’s given away <br>Trying to Find My Way Home: 155 <br>Warrior Songs Vol 1: 180 </p>
<p>Veterans met: 116 <br>Shows performed: 6 <br>Songwriter workshops: 2 <br>Interviews for story to song: 4 </p>
<p>Read a nice blog piece about my visit by Leilani Squire, who leads the Wellness Works Veteran Writers Group http://returningsoldiersspeak.org/blog/what-do-you-sing-witness/ </p>
<p>See pictures of my trip here https://www.warriorsongs.org/media</p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/46394912017-03-21T14:58:38-05:002017-03-21T14:58:38-05:00Warrior Songs @ Prevent Suicide Wisconsin<p>Warrior Songs founder Jason Moon will present his "7 Things You Never Say to a Veteran" presentation. Jason will also be a member on the "suicide attempt survivor panel." The conference has been approved for 6.25 continuing education hours by the NASW Wisconsin Chapter. Cost is $75.00 visit this link for more information. http://www.preventsuicidewi.org/conference. </p>
<p>Warrior Songs @ Prevent Suicide Wisconsin </p>
<p>Tue, Apr 18 @ 7:30 AM — 4:30 PM </p>
<p>Kalahari Resort & Convention Center, Wisconsin Dells, 1305 Kalahari Dr, , Wisconsin Dells, WI 53965</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/9f3f9bff4eb3c7e52b14e26fde641b35b70e8141/original/2017-conference-agenda-rev3.jpg?1490126224" class="size_orig justify_right border_" /></p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/46173642017-03-05T13:00:34-06:002017-03-05T13:00:34-06:00Warrior Songs Founder nominated for Wisconsin Songwriter of the YearWarrior Songs would like to congratulate it's found Jason Moon for being nominated for a Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) award for Singer/Songwriter of the Year for 2017. Jason won this honor in 2016 as well as the 105.5 Fm Project M songwriting competition and a Global Peace Songs Award. Jason is just one of the many amazing songwriters who writes for Warrior Songs' story to song project. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/0358402f75db6976bdcf87ba5a74a13999d279e8/original/nomineebanner.jpg?1488740420" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/45484622017-01-12T22:58:18-06:002021-11-29T12:49:49-06:00Warrior Songs in the news<p>Jason Moon, founder of Warrior Songs, was featured in The Wisconsin Gazette. <a contents="Read the article here." data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://wisconsingazette.com/2017/01/12/jason-moons-music-helps-fellow-veterans-to-heal/">Read the article here.</a> </p>
<p> </p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/45359642017-01-03T19:36:44-06:002017-01-03T19:38:09-06:00Warrior Songs receives grant from Wisconsin Dept of Veteran Affairs<br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/b33420a17a41f9cbee6d79ae10ba740cbf1d37c3/medium/2017-wdva-grant-ceremony-1.jpg?1483493747" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /><p><span class="font_large">We are excited to announce that Warrior Songs has been selected to receive a grant from The Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs. This grant will go to fund our 2017 Warrior Songs Creative Arts Healing Retreat in Racine Wisconsin. This 4 day retreat will help 15 veterans suffering from PTSD.We've still got a lot of fundraising to do, but this grant is a great big step in the right direction.</span></p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/45025602016-12-08T14:51:12-06:002021-09-02T10:05:28-05:00If You Have ton Ask... is getting great press<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/c5061d540e8d6a1960f3fee9d661bbe04b0c12fd/small/if-you-have-to-ask-medium.jpg?1480461958" class="size_s justify_left border_" />"If You Have to Ask... Warrior Songs Vol 1" continues to get some great press. Over 600 copies distributed since it's Nov 5th, 2016 release. We will begin working on "Warrior Songs Vol 2: Women at War" very shortly. For now, <a contents="enjoy this article " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://isthmus.com/music/jason-moon-warrior-songs-veterans/" target="_blank">enjoy this article </a>. <a contents="Purchase a copy here" data-link-label="Store" data-link-type="page" href="/store" target="_blank">Purchase a copy here</a>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/44463322016-10-31T19:54:49-05:002017-01-18T09:53:04-06:00If You Have To Ask... ReviewIf You Have to Ask... Warrior Songs Vol 1. got a nice review in Local Sounds Magazine. <a contents="Read it here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://magazine.localsounds.org/2016/10/30/various-artists-if-you-have-to-ask-warrior-songs-vol-1/" target="_blank">Read it here</a>.
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/c9e507ae5d5e1352f6cb760203000f9c94bee569/original/if-you-have-to-ask-630x210.jpg?1477353359" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/44351982016-10-24T18:56:57-05:002017-01-18T09:53:04-06:00Warrior Songs Vol 1 Release party!<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/c9e507ae5d5e1352f6cb760203000f9c94bee569/original/if-you-have-to-ask-630x210.jpg?1477353359" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p>Warrior Songs Vol 1 Release party! </p>
<p>Warrior Songs Releases CD to Help Veterans Heal </p>
<p>Madison, WI – Warrior Songs, a 501(c)(3) charity, will be releasing its first compilation CD on November 5th in time for Veterans Day. Entitled Warrior Songs Vol. 1, the fourteen song CD tells veterans’ true stories of war, struggle, and redemption. Jason Moon, a U.S. veteran of the Iraq war and the 2016 Wisconsin Area Music Industry (WAMI) Singer/Songwriter of the Year, spearheaded the project. Moon’s solo CDs have already helped veterans around the country embrace healing and turn away from suicide. Warrior Songs Vol. 1 continues this work, transmuting soldiers’ pain into life-affirming art. </p>
<p>“Twenty-two veterans commit suicide every day,” Moon remarks. “I’ve already received letters from thirty-two veterans telling me that my music saved their lives. With this new album, we’re going to reach even more.” <br>Album Contributors Include: </p>
<p>Jason Moon, combat veteran, President of Warrior Songs, and the 2016 WAMI Singer/Songwriter of the Year </p>
<p>Jerry Marotta, drummer of the Orleans (1976–77 & 1982), Peter Gabriel’s band (1977–86), Hall & Oates (1979–81), the Indigo Girls (1991–99), Stackridge (2011), Sevendys (2010–present) and The Tony Levin Band (1995 to present) </p>
<p>Todd Fahn, combat veteran and five-time purple heart recipient </p>
<p>Jesse Frewerd, combat veteran and regional gold medal winner of 2015 Veterans Administration creative arts festival </p>
<p>the Mambo Surfers winner of the 2000 Wisconsin Area Music Industry award for Ethnic/World Group of the Year. </p>
<p>Sheila Shigley, the 2016 Madison Area Music Award for Rock Song of the Year winner. And many, many more! </p>
<p>What: Warrior Songs CD Release Party </p>
<p>When: 8pm to midnight on November 5, 2016 </p>
<p>Where: Funk’s Pub, 5956 Executive Dr. #101, Fitchburg, WI, 53719 </p>
<p>U.S. veterans will receive the album for free while supplies last. Musically, its songs range from the upbeat country of “Things Will Never Be the Same” by Courtney Reynolds to the ethereal pop of “Why Are We Here” by Todd Fahn. The songs’ lyrics pack a punch. “Brothers,” a raw rock anthem by Kyle Rightley, follows a veteran who was forced to gun down a pair of teenage boys before they blew up a base in Iraq. In all, 42 veterans contributed testimony, 16 songwriters wrote tracks for the album, 46 musicians participated in recording sessions, and sound engineers at eight studios captured the magic. </p>
<p>“Many veterans fear that no one will understand what they’ve been through,” Moon commented. “When they hear this music, they’ll know they’re not alone.”</p>Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/44351972016-10-24T18:54:55-05:002018-05-10T03:25:29-05:00Save the Date: V4V Fundraiser August 13th<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/7b4b4836ece255623776be807fc7564df72cf4fc/large/veggies-for-vets-1c-630x210.jpg?1477352941" class="size_l justify_center border_" /> Join us for "A DAY AT POPS". A day of celebration and community in support of the "Veggies for Vets" initiative*.<br><span class="_4n-j fsl">A "Bands In The Barn" Jacob George Memorial Concert** Live Wisconsin Bluegrass, Americana & Folk-Rock<br><br>12n-12:45 Guitars 4 Vets Band<br>1:00-1:45 Greg Thornburg - <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.gregthornburg.com%2F&h=JAQFkbFIj&enc=AZN_nZFOPuiKyfM4tzNZG1pa20GopF3fpr1mv4GwGqr4_FCCdIDmOLBZUs7ClYF5okk&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>www.gregthornburg.com/</a><br>2:00-3:00 Jason Moon - <a href="http://www.jasonmoon.org/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://www.jasonmoon.org/</a><br>3:15-4:00 Tairis - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TairisBand/" rel="nofollow">https://www.facebook.com/<wbr></wbr>TairisBand/</a><br>4:20-5:20 American Feedbag - <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.americanfeedbag.com%2F&h=tAQFQ65lz&enc=AZNQfuGSanngsYrCtgDrH0pxXBUwKHJDhTrM8r4GmoDulJTpmVq9DIfR1fT67DfxUj4&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>www.americanfeedbag.com/</a><span class="text_exposed_show"><br>5:40-7pm The Gambol: <a href="http://thegambolmusic.com/" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://thegambolmusic.com/</a><br><br>AND LOTS MORE:<br>- Food & Drink<br>- Children's Activities & Garden<br>- Face Painting (all ages)<br>- Farm Tours<br>- Master Gardener Q&A Booth (UWEX)<br>- New Varieties Tomato & Pepper Tastings<br>- Fresh Farm Produce Stand <br><br>*Veggies for Vets is a local project that brings high quality, organic, locally grown produce to veterans and veteran families at no cost to them.<br>*Veggies for Vets is powered by veteran volunteers who fundraise and deliver the produce to fellow vets twenty weeks a year.<br>*Veggies for Vets is turning veterans on to the health benefits of eating organic, local and fresh.<br>*Veggies for Vets shares lighten the load for families on fixed incomes.<br>*Veggies for Vets - A Day at POPS - is hosted at Peacefully Organic Produce and CSA a local veteran-led community farm. The CSA shares come direct from the farm.<br>* Veggies for Vets is an initiative of Warrior Songs, a non-profit with a mission to heal veterans through music and visual arts with veteran volunteer.<br>**Jacob George <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.jacobdavidgeorge.org%2F&h=CAQEpnIFJ&enc=AZNFkKjRLyKJVZTRieQKIiz8lTTF9nzob1jOvSSSqt30Kar7miQlu7Jjfb9YfacLz4k&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">http://<wbr></wbr>www.jacobdavidgeorge.org/</a><br><br>You can help us fund Veggies for Vets by donating directly at: <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fgofundme.com%2Fv4v2016&h=_AQG6qYzd&enc=AZPW3i9gU_hRNZbjHdC_5L2kxYLp6ic5waSqj1TkQQIj-_ZuxTqxFBaUaVt9J8rOFpk&s=1" rel="nofollow nofollow" target="_blank">gofundme.com/v4v2016</a><br>Donations may also be mailed to: Warrior Songs PO Box 8805 Madison, WI 53708 (Please put ‘V4V’ in memo line)</span></span><br><br>Veggies For Vets (V4V) is a yearly event which raises funds to provide locally grown organic vegetables to in-need veterans and their families in the form of CSA produce shares. An initiative of Warrior Songs, Veggies For Vets is hosted at Peacefully Organic Produce and CSA (POPs), a veteran-led community farm located at 5101 County Highway M in Waunakee, WI.<br><br>Funds generated through the V4V event are used to purchase CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares that provide veteran families with a fresh produce box every week during a 20 week growing season. Shares are distributed through Lisa Vining of the Dane County Veterans Service Office.Warrior Songstag:warriorsongs.org,2005:Post/44351942016-10-24T18:47:20-05:002017-01-18T09:53:04-06:00Warrior Songs on Milwaukee CBS 58 News<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/227119/37e135d95999bf2191de33bdb70557bdb6bef96f/original/10472993-g-630x210.jpg?1477353622" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><br> Warrior Songs "Story to Song" was featured on Milwaukee CBS 58 News. <a href="http://www.cbs58.com/story/31883391/warrior-songs-local-veteran-helps-fellow-comrades-with-ptsd-heal-through-music">Watch it here</a>.Warrior Songs