7 minute read
‘It’s Real and Emotional’
A myriad of musicians worked on “I’m With You,” including from left, Danny Rader (acoustic), Nick Buda (drums), Jerry McPherson (electric), Jeff Coplan (bass/producer), Jaime Tate (studio owner/engineer) and Chris Ferrara (scratch vocalist). Brett Gillian, far right, represents CreatiVets. (Photo courtesy of CreatiVets)
CreatiVets empowers wounded veterans to heal through the arts
BY CHRISTINA FUOCO-KARASINSKI
Sound of Freedom Executive Editor
oel Shewmake has written songs for the likes of Brad Paisley, Montgomery Gentry, Gary Allan, Lonestar and Jerrod Niemann.
He calls being in a room with Purple Heart recipient Adam Mitchell an “honor.” The two penned the single “I’m With You,” as part of a monthly project helmed by Nashville-based nonprofit CreatiVets and Big Machine Label Group.
They release a new veteran-written track on the 20th of every month to pay tribute to the 20 veterans and active-duty members who die by suicide every day.
“I’m still flabbergasted that I would be allowed to get in a room and share in the stories and be a part of Adam’s process,” says Shewmake, also the featured artist on “I’m With You.” “I would like to keep being involved.”
Written by Purple Heart veteran Mitchell and his mentor Greg Pihs alongside Shewmake and fellow songwriter Brian Davis, the song is meant to serve as a form of therapy for the involved veterans.
For Mitchell, finding the program was fate. Since sustaining several injuries to the head and neck while serving overseas in 2005, he has struggled with communication, memory and balance, and continues to navigate the difficulties around post-traumatic stress.
LOCALS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
AT THE WIGWAM
The world-renowned Wigwam, right here in Litchfield Park, is home to three of the West Valley’s best dining destinations.
Locals, guests, and visitors alike flock to Litchfield’s for the acclaimed Chef-driven farm-to-table culinary experience. For more casual fare, drop by Red’s Bar & Grill, famed for the Valley’s best burgers and a rotating selection of local craft beers, or treat yourself to a hand-crafted cocktail at the Wigwam Bar overlooking the resort’s Tower Pool.
Whatever mood you’re in, The Wigwam is the perfect spot for your next dining adventure.
wigwamarizona.com | 877.881.9405
The Source For All Your RV Needs
THE #1 BRANDS IN AMERICA
RV DAMAGE?
• HUNDREDS OF NEW & PRE-OWNED RVʼS FOR SALE! • RVIA CERTIFIED TECHS • LOWEST PROPANE PRICES • 6,000sf PARTS SHOWROOM • COMPLETE RV DETAILING • RV CONSIGNMENT PROGRAM • PAINT & FIBERGLASS REPAIR • ROOF REPAIR/REPLACEMENT • WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT • INTERIOR RESTORATION
COMPLETE RV COLLISION REPAIR. WE WORK WITH EVERY INSURANCE CLAIM!
623-974-3000 | ORANGEWOODRV.COM | 114th Ave. & Bell Road
SONG FROM PAGE 33
“It’s real and emotional,” Mitchell says about “I’m With You.” “Writing is an easier way for me to express myself.”
Mitchell is new to music, although he does jot down lyrics to clear his mind. He has played the drums since 1993, and is learning the guitar.
Shewmake, however, is a longtime songwriter. He moved from Cookeville, Tennessee, to Nashville to pursue a career in music among the millions of others who desire the same thing. To become successful, Shewmake networked with other songwriters.
“If it hadn’t been for songwriting, I wouldn’t be able to manage my emotions,” he says. “I know I can put words on paper just to let some of the emotions out. It can be a terrible song. It’s just nice to get some of that stuff written down, even if you throw it away.
“If I couldn’t do that, it would have been a harder life.”
Throughout Shewmake’s career, he has had his fair share of rejection, but projects like this one with Mitchell make it all worthwhile.
“You get to see what music is supposed to be doing,” he says. “For 20 years, I’ve had my eyes focused on whatever goals. I wasn’t seeing the impact of what you’re doing. This really helps me a lot to see the impact of what we’re doing, and the people being moved by it.”
A twist of fate
Mitchell stumbled across CreatiVets while looking for a veteran-based music learning program. After a deep dive, the music fan found CreatiVets “extremely intriguing.”
“With my TBI (traumatic brain injury), music has helped me remember things easier and more vividly,” Mitchell says.
“When I was able to start the writing process of my song, I honestly had no idea what I wanted to write about. I started telling a little of my story and then was able to easily fixate on what I wanted the message to be. I wanted it to be based around my kids and let them know that no matter the obstacles in life, I will be there for them. I have always tried to see negative events more as lessons than being wrapped up by the event itself; thus making the line, ‘I’ve learned from the best on who not to be,’ my favorite.”
Founded in 2013, CreatiVets has helped more than 1,000 combat veterans — with more than 500 veterans participating in its songwriting programs. Mitchell admits he felt a little vulnerable because he exposed something so real to him. Since his experience with CreatiVets, he got over his fear of showing his true self.
“When people hear my song, I just hope they can relate to it and make it their own,” he says.
Mitchell served in the infantry in the Marine Corps from 2002 to 2006, mainly out of Washington and Twentynine Palms, California.
CreatiVets creativets.org
COYOTE
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
M-F 8:00am-6:00pm, Closed Sat & Sun Insist on Auto Service that is... Guaranteed Nationwide 12 Months or 12,000 Miles
Apply online for financial credit solutions.
COYOTE 13127 W. Glendale Ave. Next to Pizza Hut • SW Corner of Dysart & Glendale (623) 536-9974
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR
The Card For Your Car *6 MONTHS, NO INTEREST www.CoyoteTire.com See Store for Complete Details. M-F 7:30-6:00, Sat 7:30-2:00
FREE • Air Conditioning/Service Repair Shuttle • Batteries and Electrical System Service • Brake Service • Computerized Diagnostics • Radiators • Scheduled Maintenance • Factory Maintenance • Engine Service • CV and Drive Axles • Transmission Service • Suspension, Shocks & Struts • And Much More!
LUBE, OIL & FILTER $5999
+FREE TIRE ROTATION & BRAKE INSPECTION
Up To 5Qts Premium Oil, Oil Filter & Chassis Lube (If Applicable)
Most cars & light trucks. With coupon. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 03/03/22
BRAKE SERVICE $50OFF
PER AXLE
see dealer for details
Most cars and light trucks. With coupon Not valid with any other offers. Expires 03/03/22
DIAGNOSTIC SPECIAL
If Repairs Done on Same Day Diagnostic Charge Is Reduced 50%
Must present coupon at time of purchase. Not valid with any other offers. Expires 03/03/22
ALIGNMENT $20OFF
ON ANY ALIGNMENT
Most cars and light trucks. With coupon Not valid with any other offers. Expires Expires 03/03/22
SPECIAL OFFER 25% OFF
FOR NON-SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE SERVICE Maximum discount $50
• Clean comfortable rooms or studio suites • Refrigerator and microwave in all rooms • Free hot breakfast every morning • Complimentary high speed Internet access • Fitness Center • Pets Welcome • Meeting/Function space available
www.facebook.com/ Hampton InnSuitesPHXSurprise
N
303
US60/Grand Ave.Bell Rd. Litchfield Rd.
LUKE AFB Northern
101
101 US60/Grand Ave. 14783 W. Grand Avenue Surprise, AZ 8S374
Call Hampton Inn & Suites 623-537-9122
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School
