In this episode of the Operation Encore podcast, Marine Landing Support Specialist Barbara  Sim gives a fascinating, open and honest description of her time in her marines and her  singer-songwriting journey.  An upcoming country artist with a soaring voice, Barbara describes her time as part of the "Lioness Group" in Iraq, searching for dangerous contraband and explosives among the population  (Preview: finding a grenade was "no big deal"). She also describes the feeling of loss and survivors guilt associated with combat loss and describes the stories behind three of her  most memorable songs: "Silent Anthem"     "Running From Goodbye" and"Freedom Isn&apos;t Free"If you want to learn more about Barbara, you can find her on the Operation Encore website and on her social media sites below.  Send her a message and let her know that her music speaks to you.  You can also find and book Barbara at local venues in the Greenville, SC area.Facebook (@barbarasimmusic)Instatram (@barbarasimmusic)Spotify (Barbara Sim)Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Operation Encore: Soldiers, Stories, and Songs

Episode #22 - Marine Landing Support Specialist and "Lioness" Barbara Sim

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

Episode #21 - Marine Combat Engineer Steve Harwood

Army Combat Medic John Evans has a lot of stories to tell.  Born in Houston, TX and raised in upstate New York, John idolized his WW2-veteran grandfather and decided to enter the Army immediately following 911.  After hearing a slightly inaccurate portrayal of the "Health-Care Specialist" field from his local recruiter, John signed up and was trained as a combat-medic, then deployed multiple times in support of operation Iraqi Freedom.  During the podcast, he tells Guy and Adam about one of the worst days in his life, when a suicide bomber detonated a vest-borne improvised explosive device in a crowd of civilians.  This life-changing event changed his perspective and focused his life-efforts on supporting the humanity and fragility of every human being.  Following his service, John describes his struggles with his transition out of the military, how he became sober (since July 2, 2007!) and how his life-journey led him full circle to help those struggling with addiction.  During the podcast,  John also describes the major influences to his music and performs three songs that capture the essence of his Americana style:"The Arrow of Time""The Creek Don&apos;t Rise" and"Turn Me Back Into Stardust"If you enjoy John&apos;s music, look for his upcoming 3-song EP release on the OE website and social media channels soon!Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episode #20 - Army Combat Medic John Evans - A Story of Recovery

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&apos;t sit in a closet, but like him, is "always plugged in, ready to go."   During the podcast,  Angel performs three of his newest songs -- two that are exclusive to the podcast, and one that was recorded at Adam Rossi Studios and is available at your favorite streaming service. Ayer Insinto AnimalEnloquecer You can find out more about Angel on Operation Encore website, or through his handle on Instagram and Facebook:  @nolo.oficialSupport the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episode #19 - Missile Maintainer Angel Santiago - A Journey Back To Music

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&apos;ll ever meet. He&apos;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&apos;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&apos;ll hear about his not-so-secret techniques for creating long-lasting pieces of art (HINT:  Carbon-fiber is a key ingredient) and the story behind his infamous "bullet" guitar. Along the way,  OE artists Andrew Wiscombe and Steve D. Wilson join Lloyd for performances of three of his impactful songs: "Big North Wind" (Steve D. Wilson)"Two Bad Men from Bodie" (Andrew Wiscombe - Upcoming Release)"Grandfather&apos;s Tool Chest" (Lloyd Smith)Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episode #18 - The Lloyd Smith Project

You can&apos;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":Cannibal Jones: A song about an urban Robin HoodMonday : A song about a life-changing event in Afghanistan in 2012Tangled: A song about living life in the momentIf you enjoy Tyree&apos;s music, you can find him in the Steamboat Springs, CO area.Become part of the Buffalo Commons "Herd" at BuffaloCommansBand.comSupport the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episode #17- Army Veteran Tyree Woods - Don't Curse the Darkness, Light a Candle

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&apos;s coasts, Brian has written three military fictional books and released two albums, "RTB" (Return to Base) and "Oceans".   During the podcast, Brian sings three songs in his unique "Red Dirt Country" style:Searchin&apos;: A song about survivor&apos;s guiltStripes : A song about the tension between family and dutyOceans: A song about friendship and living in the momentCheck out Brian&apos;s Novels on Amazon:https://www.amazon.com/Brian-Boland/e/B01LXK14M9/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1Search for "Oceans" and "RTB" and more of Brian&apos;s music in your favorite music app.Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episode #16 - OE Artist Brian Boland: Half Redneck, Half Surfer, All American

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&apos;s been involved in multiple military affairs (legislative, public, and international) and describes his struggle with a rare eye condition which almost ended his military career. Instead, it taught him how to overcome adversary and gave him a path to three advanced degrees, two professional certifications, a White House Presidential Management Fellowship, and recently, the opportunity to serve in elected office. During the interview, Erik highlights three songs from Operation Encore artists that had a profound impact on him:  Sandhills to Sandals by Stephen CovellAnother Trip Around the Sun by Rachel Harvey HillWe Are - Jerry ManiscalcoSupport the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episode #15 - Operation Encore Co-Founder Erik Brine - The Story Behind the Stories

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&apos;s journey and her plans for the future.Learn more about This Able Veteran:Thisableveteran.orghttps://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=1_xbOg5n1UkSupport the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

Episode #14 - Marine Heavy Vehicle Operator Dani Figueroa - Rewind and Valor

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

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

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

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

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

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

During an appropriately social distanced Podcast, former Air Force Air Battle Manager Theresa Bowman describes life as a business owner during the current pandemic and she always tries to build-others up during times of crisis.  A prolific Ukulele player and one half of a a dual-service marriage, Theresa describes some of her early adventures as a fan of the (*Cough*) Australian entertainment industry, how she came to fall in love with her magic husband, how she first heard about Operation Encore, and the mindset it took to transition from three tours in the Middle East to a cafe owner in Seattle.   Along the way, Theresa performs three of her favorite original songs, "Lullaby", "You Said", and "We Weren&apos;t Mean To".   If you like Theresa&apos;s music, check out her Social Media sites below, and if you have the means, please support local musicians everywhere!https://filitaliana.com/https://www.youtube.com/user/Filitalianahttps://www.facebook.com/FilitalianaPg/Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

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

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

Episode #9 - Navy Seahawk Helicopter Pilot Jerry Maniscalco

Former Marine and Dayton native Zack Sliver is one of the most authentic people you&apos;ll ever meet. A son of a pastor, his life has been an exercise in mental toughness and service to others as he&apos;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&apos;t take ambulances". Through it all, Zack has maintained music as a constant part of his life.  Now on the verge of his big break, he describes the inspiration and meaning behind three songs from his band&apos;s new EP: The title track, "A Place to Call My Own", plus "Things That You Said", and "Scoundrel".  Always authentic and always serving, Zack is a guy you&apos;ll enjoy learning more about.If you enjoy Zack&apos;s music be sure to follow his band Yuppie on Instagram and Facebook where you can encourage him to make more.https://www.facebook.com/TheYuppieMusic/https://www.instagram.com/theyuppiemusic/@TheYuppieMusicSupport the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

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

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

hubhopper

Operation Encore: Soldiers, Stories, and Songs

hubhopper