Contact Information:
Nashville, TN 37212-1746
About Us:
Grammy and Dove Award-nominated Nashville songwriter, Bob Regan, had the inspiration for Operation Song® in the 2000s while performing on Armed Forces Entertainment Tours at military bases in the Middle-East. On those tours, Regan met many service members with very compelling stories and thought that pairing them with songwriters — natural storytellers — might create some very compelling music. He was also made aware of the large number of service-related injuries, issues, and illnesses related to the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that some service members were having challenging transitions back to “normal” life. The idea was that transforming their story into a song might help them process seemingly random and chaotic events and emotions of their service and give them some order, perspective and validation.
In 2012, the program started with weekly sessions at the Alvin C. York, VA Medical Center in Murfreesboro, TN under the supervision of a music therapist. Groups of as many as eight veterans would tell stories about their military service and professional songwriters would transform them into song. The format gradually evolved from writing group songs to focusing on the individual veterans or service members and their experiences.
Operation Song® soon began sponsoring weekend retreats in Georgia, Wisconsin, New York, Texas, Washington State, North Carolina, and Florida. To date, Operation Song® has written over 2000 songs with veterans of WWII to those currently serving. Our reach has extended nationwide with onsite retreats, charitable events, and on-line virtual retreats.
There has never been, nor will there ever be, a charge to any veteran or family
Our Mission
To Empower Veterans, Active Duty Military, And Their Families To Tell Their Stories Through The Process Of Songwriting.
Our Vision
The Vision of Operation Song is to honor & serve every veteran, military personnel, and their families through the power of songwriting, and to inspire every American with their stories.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’m a veteran (or military family member). How do I tell my story?
For enrollment in the program, please fill out the form in the “Write With Us” section on the “Get Involved” page or contact us at contact@operationsong.org.
I’m a songwriter. How do I get involved?
To serve as a songwriter in our program, please contact us at contact@operationsong.org.
Do I have to know anything about songwriting/music to go through the program?
No musical ability is required — only willingness to talk to a songwriter!
Do I have to tell a war story?
No, you can share whatever you’d like in your writing session. We’ve had participants use this opportunity to write about love, lessons learned, moving to a city, buying their first home… even marriage proposals! This is YOUR STORY.
How much does it cost to go through the program?
As a 501(c)(3) organization, our program is entirely funded by donations. Operation Song®’s services are offered to the military community and their families at no cost. There has never been, nor will ever be, a charge to any veteran or family member for our services. It is our honor to serve those who have served.
What happens to my song when it’s over? Can I share it?
Upon completion of the songwriting session, your songwriter will create a demo of your song and provide it to you. After receiving your song, you’re welcome to share it with whomever you’d like! Your song may be used on our app or in marketing materials to help further awareness of our program.
