It only took four meetings, but they were special. These fellas would ask questions, I’d answer, and together, piece by piece, we built something extraordinary.

They write songs for veterans... and, incredibly, they don’t charge vets a dime. All they ask is for a little time and a few conversations so they can craft a song that’s personally and powerfully yours. 

Now, I wouldn’t even have known about this group if it hadn’t been for Martin Parsons. Martin gave them my name and introduced me to these talented songwriters. And it should come as no surprise that a few of these fellas were veterans, too.

As I began to tell the story of my time in the 11th Cav, out of nowhere, one of those songwriters hollered, “Blackhorse!”

Turns out he was a LERP. That’s short for Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol. We had LERPs with us in the 11th Cav. And now, we were writing a song together. It was an instant connection.

These songwriting soldiers would ask me specific questions about my time in the service. And then they’d lean in and listen. Truly listen.

One asked, “Where exactly are you from, Francis?” And I gave him my usual response:

“Deep Southern Illinois—right there at the confluence, where two great rivers marry up. That’s the Mississippi and the Ohio.”

One of the guys smiled and said, “I like that.” 

Now, these songwriters hailed from all over our fine country. One fella, from way up in Alaska, asked if any of my relatives ever served. I proudly told him that my father fought at the Battle of the Bulge. And wouldn’t you know, this Alaskan’s dad served there, too. Small world, isn’t it?

Then came questions about what we did out in the boonies of Vietnam. I said, “Well, we were always on patrol in our A-Cavs. We weren’t ground-and-pounders.” One of the fellas nodded, saying, “That outfit was sharp—top-notch warriors. Never knew a finer armored group than the 11th Cav.” 

You better believe that warmed my heart.

I described the sights, sounds, and smells – all those vivid moments forever etched in my memory. 

Then, one of the songwriters softly said, “They rode to the sounds of the guns, the 11th Cav.”

That was poetry to my ears.

It wasn’t long before one of the fellas picked up his guitar and began piecing together some lyrics. Just a rough cut, mind you... but it stirred something powerful in me. It was beautiful, deeply emotional, and so very real. 

Soon, we’ll be heading down to produce the song in Nashville. I can’t wait to hear the final version. And when it’s finished, I’d love nothing more than to share it with you right here.

Be well. Stay well. Thanks for readin’. 

Francis Pass

P.S. I failed to mention that one of those musicians used to play for a singer by the name of Johnny Cash? Ever heard of him?