"Grab My Pack" - Stevan Thompson

In December, 2013, Marine veteran Stevan Thompson took a trip to Nashville, TN, through the CreatiVets program.  While there, he met with songwriters Dave Pittenger and Bob Regan to create a piece through which he could share his story.

Stevan served in Iraq from February 12^th to September 15^th of 2004, and again from July 4^th to December 9^th of 2005.  Stevan was injured during his second deployment, and had to be transported back to the states.

 

Interview with Stevan:

1. What did you expect to gain from your trip to Nashville? Did your experience meet your expectations?

“What I expected from the trip was to be able to help others going through a tough time. To express the deep connection that we share as veterans. To show that they are not alone and their brothers and sisters are there to help them. The trip met and exceeded my expectations and hope others have the same reaction as I did.”

2. How was your interaction with the writers (Dave Pittenger and Bob Regan)? How did you work with them to develop your story into a song?

“My interaction with the writers was amazing. They took what I was trying to express and with the help of Richard (CreatiVets, Executive Director), they were able to put it in terms that could be expressed to anyone.”

 We also had the opportunity to talk with Stevan’s wife, who says she is thankful her husband was able to take the Nashville trip.  Mrs. Thompson says, “It was a positive experience for my husband. He came back from Nashville with a happy attitude and would not stop talking about his trip for almost a week. His song is going to be awesome.”  She also says Stevan feels very strongly about helping others before himself, which is expressed through the lyrics of his song “Grab My Pack”.  For those of you who don’t know, the title of Stevan’s song refers to the way in which Marines help one another during a struggle.

 Stevan says he supports the CreatiVets program and hopes to see it become a major role in helping veterans relieve stress.  As mentioned before, Stevan often thinks of others before himself.  What would make him most happy would be to see other veterans benefit from the program in the same way he has.

See Stevan’s song below (Sung by Dave Pittenger)