Operation Encore: Soldiers, Stories, and Songs

In this episode of Soldiers, Songs & Stories Guy Jaquier and Adam Rossi talk with Chuck Briseno about his journey from growing up in a small south Texas town, reared on a mix of Tejano, country and Red Dirt music, enlisting in the Army and later graduating from West Point. Chuck served from 2005-2018 in the 173rd Airborne with deployments to Afghanistan, fighting in the Konar and Korengal Valleys, made famous by the National Geographic documentary “Restreppo”.  He separated from the Army as an O3 and now fronts his non-stop touring band that plays some 200 gigs a year. Chuck is the epitome of the term “hard working musician”. In this episode, you will hear Chuck’s songs: “Live Oak Country” “Folded Flag” “She’s My Home” If you would like to follow Chuck and his tour schedule, you can check him out at Chuck Briseno.com And if you would like to support Operation Encore and this show, you can learn more and donate at: https://operationencore.org  https://operationencore.org/donate Support the show

In this episode of Soldiers, Stories and Songs, Adam Rossi and Rachel Hill flip the script on one of our usual podcast co-hosts and sit down with Operation Encore (OE) Executive Director and Board Member Guy Jaquier.  They discuss OE’s founding by a group of USAF Colonels, how OE works with its artists to help further their professional music careers and some of its initiatives in the works. During this episode, they also explore three of Guy’s songs, including: “Elko” “Ghost Town”, and “Bad Day For Dogs And Men” If you would like to support Operation Encore and this show, you can learn more and donate at: https://operationencore.org (https://operationencore.org/) (https://operationencore.org/) (https://operationencore.org/donate) Support the show

In this episode of Soldiers, Songs & Voices, Guy Jaquier and Adam Rossi spend time with Air National Guard Firefighter and Recruiter Jovon Newman.  Jovon was born in Philadelphia, PA and has served for 9 years (and counting) in the Delaware Air National Guard, currently as an E6 Tech Sargent stationed with the 166 Airlift Wing. Jovon’s musical style is a wonderful blend of country, pop, R&B, with a touch of North East Coast that has been bringing him recognition, awards and radio play. In 2022, Jovon’s debut single, "Certified," was awarded Best Country Americana Song of the Year at the Delaware Public Media Awards. His latest single, "Lovin You Back," has resonated with audiences from Pennsylvania to Delaware and beyond and was nominated for Best Country Song of the Year for 2023. In this episode, we will hear Jovon’s songs: “Certified” “Lovin’ You Back”, and “Never Felt This Way Before” If you enjoy listening to Jovon, you can follow him at: https://www.facebook.com/Jovon.Newman.Music/ And if you would like to support Operation Encore and this show, you can learn more and donate at: https://operationencore.org (https://operationencore.org/) (https://operationencore.org/donate) Support the show

In this episode of “Soldiers, Stories & Songs”, Guy (Jaquier) and Adam (Rossi) spend time with OE artist Sean Russell.  Sean was born in Los Angeles and served four years in the US Army as an infantryman.  He deployed to Kuwait in late 1994 as part of Operation Vigilant Warrior after the Iraqi Republican Guard started making moves on the country.  This massive 72 hour airlift and prepositioning of US forces is credited with deterring Saddam Hussein from trying to repeat the 1990 invasion of Kuwait. During the podcast, Sean talks about growing up in “Reagan’s America”, writing his first recorded song while stationed along the DMZ in Korea, almost crashing his car when he heard his first song on the radio and starting his alt-rock Fort Worth band called the “Cut Throat Finches”. In this episode you will hear three of Sean’s original songs; “Moon Beast” “Come Undone” “New Age” If you enjoy listening to Sean, you can follow him at: https://www.facebook.com/cutthroatfinches/  And if you would like to support Operation Encore and this show, you can learn more and donate at: https://operationencore.org (https://operationencore.org/donate) Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org/) Support the show

In this episode of “Soldiers, Stories & Songs”, Guy (Jaquier) and Adam (Rossi) spend time with OE artist and Army veteran Marc Ridge. Marc enlisted at age 18 and served four years in the 173rd Airborne Brigade, including a 12 month deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.   During the podcast, Marc shares his incredible journey. After being born in Lafayette, Indiana to a mother who was then 15 years old, Marc started playing guitar at age 12 and was writing songs and playing open mic events at age 14. By age 16, Marc was playing solo shows in bars and living on his own. Over the next few years, he met his wife and then an Army recruiter, and his life changed forever. In this episode you will three of Marc’s original songs; “Teenage Momma” “Airborne Man” “Ain’t a Rich Man” If you enjoy listening to an authentic troubadour, with a voice like Chris Stapleton and a passion for representing the common working man, you are going to love Marc’s music. You can learn more about him at: https://www.marcridge.com (https://www.marcridge.com) And if you would like to support Operation Encore and this show, you can learn more and donate at: https://operationencore.org (https://operationencore.org/donate) Support the show

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  Support the show

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: “Get On By” “For The Broken” “Situational Awareness” You can follow “Doc Straw and the Scarecrows” on any of your favorite streaming platforms or at: https://www.facebook.com/docstrawandthescarecrows/  Support the show

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: https://Wintergrain.com Support the show

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-Tony 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. Support the show

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”. During this episode, Stephen highlights three of his songs, including: “Sideways” “Start A Band” “Treason” You can follow Stephen and “Souls Worn Thin” on all the streaming platforms or via their website: https://soulswornthin.com (https://soulswornthin.com)  Support the show

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". Mike deployed in support of the Gulf War in 1991, Kosovo in 1999, and Iraq in 2002. He was medically retired from the Navy in 2008 due to complications from a gunshot wound after 20 years of service. Mike currently tours with his band "The Steel Rail Express" and is the founder and CEO of SRE Jams, a full service music e-commerce store. He also operates a program for servicemen and women , teaching music and offering free guitars for graduates. During this episode, Mike highlights three of his original songs: "When the Stars Align" "Better Days" "Hard Road" You can find more information about Mike and his music on the Operation Encore website or by searching for "Mike Ponder Music" on your favorite social media or streaming platform. Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)  Support the show

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! Throughout the episode, Schaefer highlights three of his original songs: “Blocked” “Happy” “One Last Rodeo” You can find more information about Schaefer and his music on the Operation Encore website or by searching for “Schaefer Mueller Music” on your favorite social media or streaming platform. Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)  Support the show

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. During the Podcast Brandon performs three of his original songs: “Understand My Love” “Front Lines” “My Hero Too” You can learn more about Brandon and follow him at: Brandonmillsmusic.com  Support the show

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: Church Pew  You're Gone - A Song for Cleve Way Back 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 Support the show

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”. Throughout the episode, they play Morgan’s new recordings of three of his original songs: “Porch Boogie” “Malady” “Hookers and Blow” You can find more information about Morgan’s and his music on the Operation Encore website or by searching for “Fogg Warner Music” on your favorite social media or streaming platform. Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org) Support the show

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 Ordancemen 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. Throughout the episode, they play Adam’s new recordings of his original songs: “My Dear Friend” “For Being Someone” “White Lines” You can find more information about Adam and his music on the Operation Encore website or by searching for “Adam Gaffney Music” on your favorite social media or streaming platform. Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)  Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

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. Throughout the episode, Scotty performs three of his original songs: "Truck it" "The Stories That They Tell" "Forever to Me' You can find more information about Scotty and his music on the Operation Encore website or by searching for "Scotty Hastings Music" on your favorite social media or streaming platform. Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

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. During the podcast, Bob plays and describes three of his original songs: "War Brewin' " "Fightin' Man" "Tennessee Mystery" To find out more about Bob, visit the Operation Encore website.  Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)

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'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)

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)