In this episode of "Soldiers, Stories, and Songs", Guy [Jaquier] and Adam [Rossi] catch up with Operation Encore artist Mike Ponder, a veteran of both the Navy and Marine Corps. Mike was introduced to music at an early age: He started touring at age three and was playing drums at age 6 on stage with his parents and their band "JL and the Country Squires".
Mike deployed in support of the Gulf War in 1991, Kosovo in 1999, and Iraq in 2002. He was medically retired from the Navy in 2008 due to complications from a gunshot wound after 20 years of service.
Mike currently tours with his band "The Steel Rail Express" and is the founder and CEO of SRE Jams, a full service music e-commerce store. He also operates a program for servicemen and women , teaching music and offering free guitars for graduates.
During this episode, Mike highlights three of his original songs:
"When the Stars Align"
"Better Days"
"Hard Road"
You can find more information about Mike and his music on the Operation Encore website or by searching for "Mike Ponder Music" on your favorite social media or streaming platform.
Support the show (http://www.operationencore.org)
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