Jason served in Afghanistan in 2006-07 attached to C Co 1-32 INF, 3BCT, 10TH MTN
DIV; in 2009 attached to B CO 1-32 INF, 3BCT, 10TH MTN DIV; and in 11 Attached to B CO 1-32 INF, 3BCT, 10TH MTN DIV. Daily life while deployed included making breakfast, cleaning up, going on missions, or helping build around the Combat Outpost, and standing whatever guard duty was needed.
Jason took his job in food service very seriously, because what he did was important for every Soldier he served with. Jason says, "The soldiers I served were mainly infantry. To me that meant they signed up to be on the front line and deserved a great meal every meal. I used to get to know all of them, and then each deployment I found it easier to distance myself."
Jason's experience serving Soldiers food is not one we often consider or know much about. For Jason, and others in food service, getting to know the men and women who eat their meals can be difficult. Any meal could be a Soldier's last. Jason struggled when the men he saw every day would leave for a mission, and some would not return.
During his time in Afghanistan, Jason learned the value of brotherhood and says, "It was hard transitioning home. People tend to worry about things that don’t really matter. When you’re on a small COP you form a brotherhood like nothing else. You watch each other’s back. Here in the states everyone is out for themselves."
In Nashville, Jason wrote with professionals Mark Irwin, Joe Bachman, and Chris Ferrara. He says, "I listen to the song every day. It makes me think of the good friends I have lost, but also the good times we had together. I think it kind of helps my family and friends see the love I have for my brothers."
