PTSD and the Multi Cultural Expression of War Related Music

Music can be a source of healing.

U.S. Army 101st Airborne near Balad, Iraq. Salem-News.com photo by Tim King

(SALEM, Ore.) - I wish I could explain the emotion that surges through my world when I put pieces like this together. Our YouTube page never stops receiving comments and friend invites, and tonight not one but two songs were sent to me by performers who are writing about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, PTSD.

So I thought that was interesting, and it took a small amount of time to discover that there are many songs coming out that address this very serious problem affecting so many families in recent years.

I suggest being prepared, because each song is an emotional journey in and of itself. The best part is that this is a multi cultural expression, and since there are no cultures spared from PTSD, nobody is left behind.

The first piece is one that was sent to me tonight by Jon Seppanen, whose YouTube address is: Seppanen

In his wordss, "I am currently in the Miami residential PTSD program. It's amazing the things your own mind will do to protect you while everything else around is being destroyed."

He says this sums up the last 5 years of his life after serving in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Iraq as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne. I think it is a fantastic, deep approach and interpretation of this subject.

Don Matthews also sent a video our way via YouTube. You will learn by visiting his YouTube page, donmathewsmusicpage that this song, "Going Back To Iraq" was written by this unsigned BMI licensed Nashville recording artist country singer songwriter to honor all of our soldiers that have been redeployed again and again and those left behind to await the return of our brave men and women that serve us so proudly. Going Back To Iraq is part of Don's tribute set to honor Emergency Response and Military Personnel.

This song by Artist "Big Neal" is from the CD "Soldier Music" 4th25. It is aptly titled "PTSD" and approaches the subject from an urban street point of view, which accounts for so many people serving in this war. One person leaving a comment on Neal's Web page wrote, "I lost my husband in 2005 in Iraq, and your music has helped me get through some very painful days!!!!"

Another comment really sums it up, "Makes me sleep well knowing guys like these are truly putting their lives on the line for us everyday. Thank you. Big Neal for President."

Cliff Luckey performs this next song about PTSD. His YouTube page is: CliffLuckey7.

He says, "The PTSD song is dedicated to all the brave and courageous soldiers and their families who have made huge personal sacrifices protecting this great nation of ours and who have been overwhelmed by the medical disorder known as PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Cliff Luckey - Army Vet and the son of a Vietnam Vet." This is a really nice piece, crossover of sorts in terms of style; I really like it.

Cliff will send you a copy of the song if you email him at this address: stratsterguy@yahoo.com

This is an amazing tribute to PTSD by the beautiful and talented singer Evanescence. "My PTSD Poem to Fallen by Evanescence" is a strong emotional tribute performed in her unique exquisite style. There is one way to know if top level performers like this have heart; she passes the test by simply offering this song to the world.

We have been working for the last couple of years on the production of a documentary on PTSD. The level of awareness is increasing, but there are many hurdles. Our Dr. Phil Leveque has been living with PTSD since WWII and he is always available to answer questions. We advocate for Veterans suffering from Post Traumatic Stress and believe there is a long way to go in this nation in terms of education.

Still, something like the development of PTSD related music is important to note, and it is positive. People do care.

Regarding our PTSD documentary, you can learn more by visiting: Documentary on PTSD Needs Help to Reach Completion (VIDEO)Tim King Salem-News.com, or simply by watching the video below:

=========================================

Tim King is a former U.S. Marine with twenty years of experience on the west coast as a television news producer, photojournalist, reporter and assignment editor. In addition to his role as a war correspondent, this Los Angeles native serves as Salem-News.com's Executive News Editor. Tim spent the winter of 2006/07 covering the war in Afghanistan, and he was in Iraq over the summer of 2008, reporting from the war while embedded with both the U.S. Army and the Marines.

Tim holds numerous awards for reporting, photography, writing and editing, including the Oregon AP Award for Spot News Photographer of the Year (2004), first place Electronic Media Award in Spot News, Las Vegas, (1998), Oregon AP Cooperation Award (1991); and several others including the 2005 Red Cross Good Neighborhood Award for reporting. Serving the community in very real terms, Salem-News.com is the nation's only truly independent high traffic news Website. You can send Tim an email at this address: newsroom@salem-news.com