Writing with Operation Song

As a Veteran and wife of a Broadcaster (Michelle Lee), it seemed fitting for me to create a radio special that paid respect to all our Veterans-on-Veterans Day. I began searching for songs that were related to veteran or military theme. During my search, Facebook knew just when to throw posts/advertisements my way that dealt with military and veterans. It is truly amazing how Facebook always knows what is going on in your life. HaHa! This was one of those times that I was more grateful and not annoyed. I found a post from Operation Song and was intrigued. While on their website, operationsong.org, I fell in love with the music they created and their overall mission – to help military veterans and veteran families. I immediately contacted the appropriate people at Operation Song to acquire songs for my Veterans Day special. It was so awesome to include veteran songs written by veterans in my “Veteran to Veteran, I Thank You” show.

The process is quite simple, actually it is definitely one of the easiest things I have done. On the website, operationsong.org, there is a button that reads “Tell Your Story”. You click on it and that is where you will complete an intake form to help tell them a little bit about yourself. From there Operation Song will match you up with a professional songwriter. With having a trip to Nashville already planned, I was fortunate to meet in person at the Operation Song office on the historic Music Row. Don’t worry, they also have virtual sessions available for those that are unable to travel. So, you can meet and write from the comfort of your home. During the session you sit and have a conversation with the songwriter. They have such a way at putting you at ease and allow you to talk about any experience you wish to speak about. From that welcoming environment and discussion, the songwriters create a story that will leave you speechless – maybe even saying, “wow, I can’t believe you got that from my words”.

After a year, I was finally convinced to write my story. You see, I served during the time when the world was in a much better state, and I felt guilty for creating a song when much of my service was fun and enjoyable. As many do, I thought the program was only for those that experienced tragedy. I am here to tell you, it’s not – it’s for everyone! My song, story, turned out to be more of a generational story. It has given me a whole different way of looking at my service time. My song allowed me to share how strong and devoted my family is to God, Family and Country. Working with Kelli Johnson, Nashville
Songwriter, was amazing! Kelli had a way of making the room feel like we were just a couple of ladies catching up on old times, sharing both tears and laughter. I can definitely see how it is easier for someone to open up to a stranger – these songwriters are so open and non-judgmental!

Please check out my song titled “I’d Do It All Again” written by Kelli Johnson and myself on the Operation Song app in your app store. You can also listen to all the other songs written by our Country’s Veterans from World War I to the most recent conflicts. You can get more information about Operation Song, their retreats and ways of donating by visiting their website at Operationsong.org.