A few months ago, I received a phone call from a friend. My friend told me about his son who had just returned from his 2nd tour to Iraq. My friend knew that I had worked as a Crisis Counselor in the past and asked me if I could help his son or knew someone who could since he was having difficulty integrating back into the home and community. After that conversation, I really felt that I needed to do something to help returning troops. A few days later, I attended a morning event at the 4 Seasons Hotel here in Austin and had the honor to hear Tomas Young, a young war veteran sharing his story about his experiences. Tomas had brought along Brendan James, a singer-songwriter from New York who sang the song “Hero”. Both touched me in an way that intensified the need to make a difference. I had been inspired and I was lucky that Sarah was there as well and felt the same way. The rest is history….welcome to Music March for Heroes 2008!

What started this for me was seeing Tomas Young (subject of the documentary, Body of War) at the Four Seasons during SXSW. The thing that really moved me though was the realization that when it was over, I could get in my car and drive myself home, or anywhere for that matter, and he couldn’t. I realized that I had been taking this simple freedom (as well as many others) completely for granted. Up until this point, I had intentionally not paid attention to the war and avoided all news about it because it was so depressing and I felt like there was nothing I could do. But after being completely humbled by Tomas’ story and my own intentional ignorance, I felt like I just had to do something. I wasn’t sure what, but the ball had started rolling…”

I saw a soldier in fatigues walking through the El Paso airport and I was struck with this overwhelming sense of gratitude for his service to this country. I wanted to say thank you, but I didn’t and I regretted it. I can’t imagine what it must be like to come back form a war zone and not be acknowledged...for it just to be another day. I had to do something to make a difference to the lives of those men and women that are serving in the military.

Supporting free counseling that the Hope for Heroes project provides, will directly affect the lives of those living in our community.

Music March for Heroes is a great cause. As a musician I can contribute my talents to not only help support the troops, but also to encourage other musicians to do the same.

“Come Together Right Now—Get on the Bandwagon”