A special concert took place Saturday night in Awendaw, South Carolina, where veterans teamed up with professional songwriters to turn their military experiences into original music. The event, part of the Operation Song program, provided an opportunity for veterans to collaborate with songwriters and express their stories through the universal language of music.
The Power of Music for Veterans
Operation Song is a program that pairs veterans with professional songwriters to help them articulate their experiences, struggles, and emotions. For many veterans, including Cody McGinnis, a veteran with 137 combat missions under his belt, the process was transformative. McGinnis, who is also a psychologist and author, described how difficult it can be to readjust to life after war, particularly when it comes to reconciling identity changes.
“Coming back from war is like a shift in life itself. There’s life before and after war, and all of a sudden you’re left wondering, ‘Who am I?’” McGinnis shared. He emphasized how working with a professional songwriter allowed him to express emotions he had long struggled to put into words.
“A lot of veterans have a hard time putting those emotions into words. Partnering with a professional songwriter was something I couldn’t pass up,” McGinnis added.
A Night of Music and Healing
The concert took place in the back barn at Bedaw Farms, where three veterans shared their stories through music they co-wrote with the songwriters. For songwriter Kelli Johnson, who has worked on numerous Operation Song projects, hearing the finished song can be an emotional and cathartic moment for the veterans.
“It’s always very emotional when they hear their song for the first time,” Johnson said. “There’s something powerful about hearing your story in a way you might never have imagined before.”
With over 50 songs written through Operation Song and more than 700 songs overall, Johnson noted that the songs created through this program hold a special place in her heart. “The Operation Song ones are always the special ones,” she said.
Music as a Gateway to Healing
Johnson believes music offers a unique way for veterans to open up, especially for those who might not be comfortable in traditional therapy settings. “Some veterans aren’t as open to traditional therapy, but music can break down barriers in a way that other forms of therapy can’t,” she explained.
For some veterans, the impact of the program has been life-changing. Johnson shared that a number of participants, some of whom have been in crisis, found hope and healing through the music. “We’ve had veterans who were suicidal, who were at their lowest point, and they say, ‘This song gave me hope.’ They listen to it over and over again,” Johnson said.
A Powerful Moment of Connection
For McGinnis, hearing his song performed live for the first time was a deeply emotional experience. “When I sat down and heard the song live, those emotions just came out. It hit me hard, but in the best way possible,” he said. “It was powerful.”
The concert not only showcased the talent of the veterans and songwriters but also highlighted the profound healing potential of music. Operation Song continues to provide a platform for veterans to find their voices and share their stories, offering a new avenue for connection and emotional healing.
