Operation Encore: Soldiers, Stories, and Songs (Operation Encore)
Explore every episode of Operation Encore: Soldiers, Stories, and Songs
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21 Mar 2022 | Episode #25: Navy Aviation Ordnanceman Adam Gaffney | 00:44:59 | |
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. | |||
| 18 May 2022 | Episode #26: Navy Surface Warfare Officer Morgan Warneke (aka Fogg Warner) | 00:44:08 | |
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”. “Porch Boogie” “Malady” “Hookers and Blow” | |||
| 08 Oct 2022 | Episode #27: Country Rocker and Marine JB Brown | 00:54:56 | |
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: You 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/music | |||
| 29 Nov 2022 | Episode #28: Recon Marine and Scout Sniper Brandon Mills | 00:50:09 | |
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. | |||
| 14 Feb 2023 | Episode #29: Army Combat Engineer Schaefer Mueller | 01:01:50 | |
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! | |||
| 19 Apr 2023 | Episode #30: Navy and Marine Corp Veteran Mike Ponder | 00:48:36 | |
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". | |||
| 29 Jun 2023 | Episode #31: Army Veteran Stephen Wayne | 00:59:34 | |
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”. | |||
| 15 Oct 2023 | Episode #32: Army Green Beret Derek Stoner | 00:48:07 | |
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. | |||
| 02 Nov 2023 | Episode #33: Army Pilot and Military Spouse Kate and Secily Anderson (Winter Grain) | 00:56:34 | |
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: | |||
| 07 Mar 2024 | Episode #34: Mike “Doc Straw” Swart | 00:39:23 | |
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: | |||
| 05 Sep 2024 | Episode #35: Jeff Daugherty | 00:47:35 | |
In this episode of “Soldiers, Songs and Stories” Guy and Adam chat with Jeff Daugherty, an Operation Encore artist (class of 2023), military spouse, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who is fluent in mandolin, guitar and banjo. Jeff was born in Richlands, NC and is currently living outside of Nashville with Syndey, his wife of 16 years. Sydney is an active duty Air Force Missile Operations Officer currently working on her PhD at Vanderbilt. Together, Jeff and Sydney have “enjoyed” 6 PCS relocations. Jeff is an “active professional musician”, recently coming off a spot at the highly prestigious Newport Folk Festival and several weeks touring Germany, Ireland and England. When Jeff is not performing solo, he plays with the Colorado-based Red Mountain Boys bluegrass band and has shared stages with such luminaries as Sam Bush, Billy Strings and the Infamous Stringdusters. Welcome Jeff! Dear John Right Track Booth Shot Abraham You can follow Jeff on any of your favorite streaming platforms or at https://jeffdmusic.com | |||
| 31 Aug 2019 | Operation Encore Episode #1 - Army Sniper Andrew Wiscombe | 00:39:25 | |
Operation Encore is a non-profit veteran service organization that helps veteran artists get noticed in the music industry while advocating for veterans through the powerful medium of original music. | |||
| 20 Oct 2019 | Operation Encore Episode #2 - Army Paratrooper Steve D. Wilson | 00:40:06 | |
Steve D. Wilson is an award-winning singer-songwriter and a veteran of both the Army and the Air Force. The son of a retired Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, he served for 16 years as an Army paratrooper and a B-52 Electronic Warfare instructor. Steve has created a unique style with a driving beat and authentic lyrics developed from his experiences in life and the military. His music is an autobiographical road map of Steve's lifelong drive to play music, but also subtly touches on the way war affects veterans. Listen to Steve's personal story and raw acoustic versions "Juliet", "Cold Steel Rain", and his newest creation "Long Division". | |||
| 17 Nov 2019 | Operation Encore #3: Military Spouse Rachel Harvey Hill | 00:42:25 | |
Military spouse and Kentucky native Rachel Harvey Hill sits down with Adam Rossi and Guy Jaquier and discusses life as a military spouse. During the chat, she shares her introduction to military life with her future husband, the impacts and fears of 911, getting through deployments as a spouse and the impacts of military life on her kids. Along the way, she shares advice for other military spouses, sings authentic songs inspired by her experiences and speaks about her many projects, including "Acoustic Hymns", her EP "Straight Toward Love" and her upcoming album for kids. | |||
| 20 Dec 2019 | Episode #4: The Real Doug Lane -- Kingsville, Courage, and Country | 00:45:56 | |
A rising country artist and 3rd-generation veteran out of Provo, Utah, The Real Doug Lane describes the origin of "The Real" part of his name, the trials of growing up under challenging circumstances and the lessons learned from a family of veterans. During the interview, Doug explains the story behind the song "Faces" and the impacts of his grandfather's struggle with Alzheimer's, his struggles with transitioning from the military, and the time he was first considered "The Old Guy". | |||
| 10 Jan 2020 | Episode #5: Combat Medic Stephen Covell -- Monumental Impacts...Songs that Stay with You | 00:48:39 | |
A former combat medic who served two tours in Iraq during the "surge", Stephen Covell is a gifted, authentic storyteller with an incredible voice that carries lyrics with vivid imagery that stays with you long after the song ends, begging you to hit "repeat". During episode #5 of the OE podcast, Adam Rossi and Guy Jaquier introduce the audience to Stephen, a hyperactive kid who picked up a guitar at 18 and frustrated his music teachers by learning everything quickly by ear. i send her flowers and chocolates in the hopes that she’ll notice and send her attention my way death she flirts back gives me that smile that I wanted she takes my hands and holds them because hers are always so cold maybe i’m oh yes i am a fool i go steady with death go driving around after my shift down to the shore where it’s quite we’re trying to just be alone death snuggles up wraps herself around my neck she lets go, I catch my breath and we stare up at the sky underneath the stars we both feel small she says let’s go home I say, that’s a good call i fight with death she breaks a glass on the counter she storms out through the shower slamming the door as so goes stops returning my calls i got a note pinned to my door said baby I’m gone and I’m sorry maybe the timing was wrong i can’t lie and still dream about her I do one day she’ll come back girls like that always do when smell the shirt that she left in my bedroom the sweet sour smoke of her perfume i know that I should but I can’t throw it out i won’t lie, I still dream about her I do one day she’ll be back girls like that always choose ------------ | |||
| 01 Feb 2020 | Episode #6 - Navy Meterologist Logan Vath - From Nebraska to Norfolk, A Songwriters Story | 00:46:19 | |
Former Navy meteorologist and singer-songwriter Logan Vath tells about his experiences in the Navy and life as a singer-songwriter. During the podcast, Logan shares tells about his love for his hometown of Scott's Bluff Nebraska, drinking beer in a field (he never participated), his 159 day journey aboard the USS Nassau (he was robbed of a record), avoiding Bob Dylan (he eventually relented), his brief encounter with law enforcement (a misunderstanding) and the origins of The Fraternization Song. He plays several of his favorite songs, including I Once Was, | |||
| 22 Feb 2020 | Episode #7 - Special Guest Tom Luce: Four-Tracks, Fame & Family - A Musician's Arc | 00:49:17 | |
In this special episode, Operation Encore advisory board member Tom Luce describes his incredible musical career and how he went from painting houses to touring across the nation in sold-out venues. Tom describes the challenges of his early career, how he felt peace in the silent moments driving across the country, how he moved from the success of one song to a vibrant career, and how through it all, he focused on his love for melodies, lyrics, and arranging music. During the podcast, you'll hear about the time his equipment van was stolen before a show (he racked up $10K at Guitar Center), how he almost missed opening for Toad the Wet Sprocket and how one introduction can change a life. Along the way, listen to Tom perform "A Good Day", "Buy a Dog" , and a new original song exclusive to this podcast. | |||
| 21 Mar 2020 | Episode #8 - Marine Radio Field Operator Zack Sliver - A Scoundrel's tale of Overcoming Adversity | 00:56:52 | |
Former Marine and Dayton native Zack Sliver is one of the most authentic people you'll ever meet. A son of a pastor, his life has been an exercise in mental toughness and service to others as he's grown from "Angry Young and Poor" to "A Place to Call [HIs] Own". Zack leads Guy Jaquier and Adam Rossi through an incredible set of experiences in his young life -- from serving the homeless as a young teenager, to his first assignment in Japan, his first-hand tragic experience losing his best friend during the Quantico, VA shooting and a near repeat experience in Dayton, OH. Along the way, he describes his constant love of his hometown of Dayton, how he once got kicked out of a church band and how he once took an Uber instead of an ambulance when he had a decompressed skull because "Marines don't take ambulances". | |||
| 04 Apr 2020 | Episode #9 - Navy Seahawk Helicopter Pilot Jerry Maniscalco | 00:47:06 | |
Meet Jerry Maniscalco -- Annapolis graduate, former SH-60B Helicopter Pilot, University of Michigan business school graduate and Operation Encore singer-songwriter with the Dave Matthews sound. During the podcast, Jerry describes how he received his callsign "Toothless", his escapades in the North Atlantic, Central America and the Middle East. Along the way, he plays acoustic versions of "Riverside", a song that takes him back to Jacksonville, FL, "Wishing Eye", a song about the complexity of conflict, and "We Are", a song that reflects the best of humanity, which is especially relevant during the struggle with the Corona virus pandemic. | |||
| 26 Apr 2020 | Episodes #10; Air Battle Manager Theresa Bowman - Uke-Not Stop Us With Covid-19 | 00:34:56 | |
During an appropriately social distanced Podcast, former Air Force Air Battle Manager Theresa Bowman describes life as a business owner during the current pandemic and she always tries to build-others up during times of crisis. A prolific Ukulele player and one half of a a dual-service marriage, Theresa describes some of her early adventures as a fan of the (*Cough*) Australian entertainment industry, how she came to fall in love with her magic husband, how she first heard about Operation Encore, and the mindset it took to transition from three tours in the Middle East to a cafe owner in Seattle. Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org) | |||
| 13 May 2020 | Episode #11 - Air Force Pilot Keith Broecker -- "Two Weeks", Tent Cities and TERA - A Pilot's Story | 00:49:14 | |
Meet Keith Broecker, a former Air Force pilot who used his guitar and quick wit to convince a cadre of instructor pilots he was worth keeping around....leading to an aviation career that spans Learjets, Tankers, Spy planes, and your next United flight (eventually). During the podcast, Keith opens up about how the Air Force culture deals with death, how the "dreaded" assignment to Grand Forks North Dakota was actually pretty awesome and how 17 deployments and hundreds of combat hours led him to create songs that resonate with anyone who's been away from family for extended periods. A "product of the 80's", Keith plays "Two Weeks", a song about a parent's feeling when a child joins the military, "Slipping Bonds", a tribute to Air Force pilots who have made the ultimate sacrifice, and "Late November" from the first OE album. A humble talent with a commanding voice that can be heard in San Francisco cul de sacs during the Coronavirus, Keith is everyone's next best friend. | |||
| 07 Jun 2020 | Episode #12 - Special Deployed Edition with OE Co-Founder Rob Raymond and Dylan Westmoreland | 00:39:44 | |
During this special deployed edition of Operation Encore, Co-founder (and active-duty Colonel) Rob Raymond talks with Adam Rossi from an undisclosed location in the Middle East. During the podcast, Rob describes the origins of Operation Encore and how veteran musicians gravitate toward one another, especially during deployments. His current deployment is no different. Rob introduces the audience to Dylan Westmoreland, a Red Dirt country artist who is on the verge of releasing a four-song EP. Dylan describes his service in the military as a security forces “Defender” and plays three songs from his upcoming EP. You can learn more about Dylan and watch for his new EP on his social media sites below. https://www.facebook.com/dylanwestmorelandmusic/ Instagram: @dylanwestmorelandmusic Twitter: @westmusic | |||
| 12 Jul 2020 | Episode #13 - Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman Shannon Book - Back from the Brink | 00:55:15 | |
During this episode of Soldiers, Stories, and Songs, Fleet Marine Force Hospital Corpsman and rocker Shannon Book describes his journey from Hazel Green, Ky to the battlefields of Fallujah, the aftermath that left him on the verge of taking his life, and the own personal story of recovery from PTSD. During the session with Guy and Adam, Shannon highlights three songs that he performs unplugged. "American Made", a song about the privileges of American life that some take for granted, "Dear Mom", a song written for Gold Star families, and "You Are Not Alone", a song that encourages those suffering from PTSD and depression to seek help. | |||
| 17 Oct 2020 | Episode #14 - Marine Heavy Vehicle Operator Dani Figueroa - Rewind and Valor | 00:41:38 | |
During this episode of Soldiers, Stories, and Songs, Dani Figueroa describes how 9/11 altered her life and led her from pursuing a professional soccer career to becoming a Heavy Vehicle Operator and a veteran of both Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. A former member of both the Army Reserves and the Marine Corps, Dani describes returning home with significant combat injuries and PTSD and how music sustained her over the following years. Recently united with her new best friend and companion Valor through the This Able Veteran program, Dani previews three songs from her upcoming EP while talking openly and honestly about her life's journey and her plans for the future. | |||
| 24 Nov 2020 | Episode #15 - Operation Encore Co-Founder Erik Brine - The Story Behind the Stories | 00:54:35 | |
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: | |||
| 20 Jan 2021 | Episode #16 - OE Artist Brian Boland: Half Redneck, Half Surfer, All American | 00:47:03 | |
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: | |||
| 19 Feb 2021 | Episode #17- Army Veteran Tyree Woods - Don't Curse the Darkness, Light a Candle | 00:46:55 | |
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": | |||
| 11 Mar 2021 | Episode #18 - The Lloyd Smith Project | 00:50:09 | |
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: | |||
| 29 Apr 2021 | Episode #19 - Missile Maintainer Angel Santiago - A Journey Back To Music | 00:39:20 | |
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. | |||
| 29 May 2021 | Episode #20 - Army Combat Medic John Evans - A Story of Recovery | 00:50:26 | |
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: | |||
| 27 Jun 2021 | Episode #21 - Marine Combat Engineer Steve Harwood | 00:39:50 | |
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: | |||
| 12 Sep 2021 | Episode #22 - Marine Landing Support Specialist and "Lioness" Barbara Sim | 00:36:10 | |
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: | |||
| 12 Dec 2021 | Episode 23: Army Special Operations Soldier Bob Deprato | 00:48:59 | |
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. | |||
| 01 Jan 2022 | Episode #24: Army Veteran Scotty Hasting | 00:41:51 | |
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. | |||