Three California-based Marine veterans, John Preston, Shane Roberts and Justin Heisey, released a four-track album entitled "Your War is Over" on Veterans Day, Tuesday, Nov. 11.
According to Marine Corps Times, the album, which was inspired by the troubles soldiers face overseas and at home, aims to raise awareness about the difficulty of military transitions. The band, which operates under Preston's name, released the first single on Oct. 20. The song, entitled "This is War," also featured a music video that highlighted current issues faced by Marines.
Bound by a passion for music and service
Warrior reported that Preston and Heisey started playing music together in 2001. Inspired by the challenges facing the nation and his own family, Preston penned a song called "No Matter Where I Am," which he shared with his colleague and fellow musician. The two soldiers got the opportunity to record the tune, which was eventually played by local radio stations in Kentucky, Preston's home state. Hearing his music on the radio was emotional for the servicemember.
"This was only my second dream ever to have been accomplished. The first was being a Marine," he told Warrior.
In 2003, Preston and Roberts created a band named Hwy 42. The two played together until 2007, when Preston relocated to California and became a full-time firefighter. When he sustained an injury during work, however, he took it as a sign to return to his musical roots. He called upon his two friends and the three veterans were signed by Pacific Records.
Raising awareness through song
The album is intended to be a tribute to all veterans and let them know they are not alone in how they feel. Marine Corps Times reported that 30 percent of the proceeds from the album will go to the Boot Campaign, an organization dedicated to helping former soldiers find jobs, housing and stability in their life after service. The musicians were motivated to give to veteran services after their own difficult transition experiences, in addition to watching a number of their friends struggle to adapt to civilian life.
According to Warrior, the group witnessed some of their close friends experience post-traumatic stress disorder, drug addiction and even jail time as a result of feeling lost upon returning home. They hope this album, which draws from a variety of rock and country influences, will help veterans feel less alone and show civilians the true sacrifices servicemembers make.
"Our goal is to get people to see what's going on. We have 22 of us a day who commit suicide. Per day. We can't allow this. We need to help in any way we can," Preston told Warrior.