Empowering Veterans Through Music: A Reflection on "Best of Times, Worst of Times"

We Amplify Voices
Nov 10
4 min read

Updated: Nov 19

In 2025, WAV had the incredible opportunity to partner with local veterans to write Best of Times, Worst of Times in an impactful workshop. Artists Theo Perry and Nick D'Andrea sat down with veterans Ajamu, Eddie, Russel, and John to listen to their stories and help write a song that expresses some of their most difficult emotions. The process was intended to spread a message of understanding and hope, not just to others who served, but also to those who have been affected by having loved ones in the military, especially from the Vietnam era.

Nick, our previous Executive Director, worked with the group over a few weeks to craft the song from their conversations together. Theo Perry then joined on vocals, followed by Jeff Alan on Bass, Aaron Bishara on drums, Ryan Hall on guitar, Hayden Huffman on Sax, and Alex Shields on Keyboard. Joey Gurwin and Oranjudio Recording Studio were booked for the recording day, with the group joining the artists to create the final version. Finally, Glenn Davis stepped in to mix and master the recording. This process was extremely rewarding to everyone involved, especially as the group interacted with the musicians to bring their project to life.

In honor of Veterans Day, we wanted to amplify their voices once again. Hear more about their experiences with both the best of times and the worst of times below. As one veteran put it:

As long as we can be in a position where we can help educate people about our experience, then maybe they'll look at us a little differently. Maybe the system will provide some kind of support that's better than what we have now.

-Ajamu

A group of five people stand in a line and smile at the camera with a poster that says WAV in the background

Sharing Their Stories with the Community

We thought the Marion Franklin Community Center's Veteran Resource Fair would be the perfect place to unveil this song. So, on July 1st, 2025, we got the group and artists back together to give a live performance and panel discussion to speak on the experience. Hearing the stories of the veterans and the project resonated deeply with the community and offered a voice to those who served and their families by fostering a sense of solidarity and healing.

Many attendees expressed how the song captured not only their emotions, but their experiences, too. Families of those in the military appreciated the space to bring awareness of the challenges they face and the opportunity to connect with younger generations about these difficult experiences. The impact of this project was felt beyond the event and continues to serve as a lasting tribute to veterans and their families, reminding everyone of the sacrifices made and the power of community support. Its message will continue to inspire, unite, and foster understanding and compassion for those who have served.

The song serves as a tribute to the resilience and sacrifice of service members, aiming to foster empathy and connection among listeners. Through this collaboration, the project highlights the therapeutic power of music and its ability to unite diverse voices.

Sharing Their Stories with the World

As the workshop concluded, we sat down with group members for interviews to help amplify their stories and hear how the WAV process helped them. They shared with us how they entered into service, what the return home was like, and how the creation of this song gave them the much-needed space to discuss some of what they went through. As U.S. Army and Air Force Veteran Ajamu shared,

"Some things come together because they were meant to, and I think they were meant to because there's a need for it in our communities. People can see that messages can be communicated through to people through music. I think we were blessed to have the kind of connection, the kind of relationship we're developing with WAV and everyone involved in the process."

Hear Ajamu's Story

The openness demonstrated in the songwriting and interview process exemplifies the power of music and art to heal and uplift. As described by Ajamu, the experience of veterans, especially in the Vietnam era, is vastly different from that of those who didn't serve. He hopes that the opportunity to share their stories through art will make them easier to understand. Listen to Ajamu's story, or hear his full interview here.

Hear John speak about his time in the Air Force and what this project meant to him.

Additionally, U.S. Air Force Veteran John

described to us how difficult it often is for service members to talk about their experiences in the war. Oftentimes, they only feel able to talk to their peers about their pain. Through our songwriting process, however, this group of veterans was able to open up about some of what happened in the war, allowing them to explain to others what they went through and how they might best be supported.

The stories shared by the veterans, both about their time in war and about the power of the WAV process, demonstrate how music can empower veterans and support those in our community, especially those who may need our support the most. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with these incredible community members who gave the ultimate sacrifice.