by SWS | Apr 16, 2023 | Reflections on Creativity
Two months into the Covid-19 pandemic, with in-person retreats and songwriting sessions on hold, the organization created a variety of online offerings to keep the SW:S community engaged and to share more of the songs and stories with the world. One effort, the...
by SWS | Apr 10, 2023 | Reflections on our Journey
“Music – it’s an Rx for the invisible wounds of the soul.”- Don Navor Retired Army LTC Donald Navor received three Bronze Stars V for valor and the Combat Infantryman’s Badge during his tour in Vietnam. He served as Infantry Platoon...
by SWS | Apr 3, 2023 | Reflections on our Journey
One of the hardest things our SW:S veterans feel about transitioning home from combat is the belief that civilians don’t really want to know what they’ve been through. They feel like they have no one to talk to at a time when connecting is critical for...
by SWS | Mar 27, 2023 | Reflections on Creativity
“Thanks again for reigniting a smoldering ember!!”- Rob Rogers, EOD Soldier Keeping creativity and connections thriving within our community has been a priority of SongwritingWith:Soldiers since day one. As the pandemic deepened, our effort only...
by SWS | Mar 20, 2023 | The Power of Connections
“SongwritingWith:Soldiers showed me how to be happy again… how much micro moments of connection matter and what they can lead to.”- Sgt. Josh Geartz, U.S. Army, Retired “Welcome everyone to SongwritingWith:Soldiers’ Creatively Strong...
by SWS | Mar 13, 2023 | Reflections on our Journey
A mother of five, US Army veteran Michelle Roberts had tried to end her life, more than once. We found this out through her song. We also learned that her five children were her “five reasons” to keep living. Everyone at the retreat could see the relief...
by SWS | Feb 22, 2023 | The Power of Connections
“When I returned home from the retreat, I founded Uniting US, an arts organization to help veterans and civilians connect to each other, create and exhibit their art.”- AnnMarie Halterman, U.S. Air Force, Retired “I was at the lowest point in my life...
by Mary Judd, Co-founder and Board Member | Apr 10, 2019 | Uncategorized
When you’re a Marine and your job deals with bomb disposal, death is always close at hand. For many spouses of EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) warriors, danger and uncertainty become permanent members of the household. The stress and worry can take a toll on a...
by Mary Judd, Co-founder and Board Member | Jun 2, 2018 | Uncategorized
The following post contains an interview transcript from AJ Merrifield in response to questions from Paula Phelps, Science Editor for Live Happy Magazine. You can read more and hear a podcast with SW:S Co-Founder Mary Judd and songwriter Jay Clementi here. Your...
by Mary Judd, Co-founder and Board Member | Feb 10, 2018 | Uncategorized
Look at this photo. A group of women gathered at a Painting with a Twist venue in January 2018. Study the photo then, click here where you will find SONGS written by each one of these women. Songs about combat, suicide, resilience, the pride of being a soldier and...
