We have the pleasure of meeting Keri Anne Wilcox and hearing about her mission, Valor Ranch Texas. Keri is a gold star wife, and shares the joy of running this mission with her partner, Josh. They have such a great vibe, and the energy shows in the way they share the story of helping others. While the mission is geared toward women who have served, they are open to all. Women seem to be left behind a little differently, and the Ranch is there to help support and get them back on their feet. Big things coming up include increasing they healing garden and then adding more tiny cottages!!! This will open up more opportunities, but will also allow them to care for more elderly veterans, as they tend to be forgotten sometimes.
Our music for this show comes from a new name to us: Michael Allen. Not much puts a moment of silence in our show, but Michael has done just that. His last song on the show has our panel caught in their thoughts and looking at the message of the pain that is endured when you lose a battle buddy, or anyone close, to suicide. He’s new to the music scene, but you’d never guess it listening to his music. He’s in the Army currently with 5th Special Forces group. MSG Allen is knocking on the door of retirement after serving for 17 years. He and his wife are expecting their first child very soon. He’s been doing music since high school, but really only picked up the guitar again after he quit drinking and needed to stay present about 2 years ago. The first song is War Machine. This song details the journey from civilian to soldier, serving in combat and returning home to deal with depression and PTSD. The second song is called Slow Down. This one is a reflection on a low point in life. Michael realized that if he just would take a step back and slow down then he would be alright. This song captures some of the setbacks that a lot of veterans go through when they get out of combat or service. The last song of the night is called The Fatal Affair. This one is a kind of sad song. He quit drinking and all of the things that were buried under the alcohol started to resurface. He googled “is thinking about taking your own life normal” and his wife found the Google search and it led to conversations that needed to be had. He also recently lost a friend to suicide, Chad Buckley. This song was written recently and it is haunting in the most beautiful way. It is raw and it is emotional and definitely has a Shock & Awe factor. This is just a song that has to be heard.
#inspiration
#wep3
#letsgrow
Things we are working on:
Wreaths Across America – https://www.facebook.com/share/129xDbNmPTJ/?mibextid=WC7FNe
WeP3 RADIO — WE are the leading music station featuring music created, written, produced and sung by those who have served their country and communities!!! https://live365.com/station/WeP3-RADIO-a51414
If you would like to watch the live version, you can find it here on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/live/VTUuOZam9cs?si=2cViyHofYbF6xQ2h
Next Week's Guests: 20 April 2025
Aaron Hale
Scott Taylor