(WDNews) — As Memorial Day shines a spotlight on military sacrifice, two new songs co-written by veterans offer a raw, emotional glimpse into life after service—thanks to a unique collaboration that includes Alabama native Will Kimbrough.
Kimbrough, known for his work with Jimmy Buffett, helped produce “At Ease,” a soulful reflection on the bonds forged among veterans and the grief they carry. It’s one of the first releases under a new initiative from SongwritingWith:Soldiers (SW:S), a nonprofit that pairs veterans with professional songwriters to turn their stories into music.
“Family to the end,” a lyric from “At Ease,” captures the heart of the project, which also includes “The Man You Used to Know,” a song penned by veteran Bruce Anderson, his wife Lesley, and producer Trent Willmon. The deeply personal ballad explores the struggle to reconnect with life and loved ones after combat.
Both songs emerged from SW:S retreats, where veterans open up through storytelling and songwriting. The new Johnson Family Fund program aims to share this music on major streaming platforms, building public awareness and offering healing through art.
The songs and behind-the-scenes videos are available on YouTube and songwritingwithsoldiers.org.
