When I was 17 years old, I enlisted in the United States Army. I served two tours in Vietnam, but some of the battles I fought didn't end when I came home. More than fifty years later, I still live with PTSD, depression, nightmares, and memories that sometimes refuse to let go. That's why this song means so much to me.

"I'll Stand the Watch With You" is about something we learned in the military: You never leave your brothers and sisters behind. And that promise shouldn't end when we take off the uniform.

I know what it's like to lie awake in the middle of the night, fighting battles nobody else can see. I know what it's like to tell someone you're doing fine when you're anything but fine. And I know how much it can mean when somebody simply sits beside you and says, "I've been there. I understand." This song is also for the husbands, wives, partners, families, doctors, nurses, counselors, and caregivers who stand beside us. They may never fully understand what we've experienced, but their compassion, patience, and willingness to listen can make all the difference.

Through Blue Wave Revival and The War Followed Me Home Initiative, I'm using my personal experiences and our music to reach veterans who may be struggling in silence. We're not interested in pointing fingers or assigning blame. We're interested in making sure that another veteran doesn't have to face the darkness alone.

If you're a veteran listening to this song tonight, I want you to know something. You haven't been forgotten. You don't have to pretend you're okay. And asking for help doesn't make you any less of a soldier. I can't promise to erase your memories or make every difficult night disappear. But I can promise to keep telling our stories, keep raising awareness, and keep using our music to remind you that somebody understands.

Because even after all these years, there's one promise I still believe in: "I've been there. And I'm still here too. Tonight, I'll stand the watch with you." 🇺🇸 Rick Gaspa Founder, Blue Wave Revival The War Followed Me Home Initiative TheWarFollowedMeHome.org THE MUSIC IS FREE. THE MESSAGE IS WHAT MATTERS.