Music touches the soul, calms a frenzied spirit, and provides an outlet in times of great stress. That’s why four Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans have teamed up to honor their fellow soldiers – retired and active duty – through the use of luscious harmonies and memorable melodies designed to tell the story of the never-ending fight for freedom.
This recently organized musical group, known as 4TROOPS, just completed their first album, to be released on April 20. Proceeds from its sale will benefit several military-related organizations including the USO, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund.
The members of the group include vet and avid musician Meredith Melcher, who served as a platoon leader in Iraq; Ron Henry, who was a transport leader, also in Iraq; David Clemo, who saw front line action in Afghanistan; and Daniel Jens, who also saw combat in Iraq. The ensemble sings mostly pop and country but describe their debut album as “a collection of patriotic and uplifting songs designed to entertain and spread their positive message to all serving troops, veterans, and American citizens who are inspired by them everyday.”
Melcher, the lone female in 4TROOPS, noted in an interview with CNN that the military has lots of programs that are focused on the entertainment of troops currently engaged in active duty. “It’s a good outlet for troops that are creative,” she notes. Daniel Jens agrees, noting in a USA Today article that his best memories of his war time service were the times he grabbed his guitar and sang, watching “the war melt off [his friend’s] faces” as they joined in the music making.
During times of war, soldiers face a plethora of challenges that cause severe anxiety, and listening to and participating in musical activities is a good way for them to escape the stresses of fighting in a dangerous combat zone, experts say. Each day, these soldiers put their lives on the line, facing numerous hazards including bullets, bombs, and some unexpected dangers, such as exposure to toxic materials like asbestos.
Asbestos is widely used in the Middle East and is often a component in damaged and deteriorated buildings, so it isn’t unusual for soldiers to be exposed to the mineral during active duty, often inhaling dangerous dust that can become lodged in the chest area. Years later, Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans may eventually develop asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer.
Asbestos was a problem for soldiers in World War II as well, when those who toiled in the nation’s shipyards used asbestos-containing products in the construction of war vessels. Decades later, many were diagnosed with mesothelioma, a disease that remains latent in the body for up to 50 years, appearing when it has reached an advanced stage and is difficult to treat.
