The Song

I am a former Air Force Flight Surgeon.  I was, and am, tremendously proud to be counted among the ranks of those who have answered the call to serve our country. It may sound trite, but I genuinely believe those who wear the uniform live their lives by certain higher standards, including service before self, doing hard things, and always, always, always taking care of your people.

I wrote and recorded this song several years ago. It was a small project, recorded in a small local studio. It is not “professional”, and does not necessarily have a "contemporary" sound.  It was simply an expression of what it meant to me to wear the uniform… to be an American. It represents my experience and the many stories shared by others who served. With all I see currently happening in and around our country, I have decided to share it publicly in the hopes it might encourage and inspire maybe one or two who hear it, simple and imperfect though it may be. I still believe America is the very best hope for those who want to live under a banner of freedom. I know first-hand there are extraordinary men and women, at home and abroad, who share that same belief and are willing to fight the battles that particular freedom requires.

So….
For those now fighting on foreign soils,
For those who have returned from the front to fight private battles you never imagined would come…..
For those here at home fighting to preserve all that America is and all it can be…

This is my gift, humbly offered. Keep the faith, fight the fight, and above all….STAND!

--- Xena


.…so that when the day of evil comes, you will be able to stand your ground, and having done everything, to stand.
Ephesians 6:13

VERSE 1

I prayed this day wouldn’t come, but it’s here.

So far away from home and all that I hold dear.

The only comfort here is my friends.

We never know who’s going home, or when it’s going to end.

But when they sound the call to battle, you can know

I won’t run from the conflict. I’m going to be the first to go.

CHORUS

I’m gonna stand, I’m gonna rise,

Gonna run to the battle, no matter how hard the fight.

No retreat, leave no one behind. 

Gonna march on through the fire, carry on through the night.

And no matter where they send me, or what may come against me

For my God, for my freedom, and this land

I’m gonna stand.

VERSE 2

I wonder if they’ll ever know my name.

Will they know my sacrifice? Will they know how much I gave?

All that matters now is the job to be done.

There’s a cause I must defend, and there’s a freedom to be won.

But, I know that God is watching over my life.

I know He’s going on before me.  I know I fight for what’s right. 

My sincere thanks to the following amazing musicians who graciously added their talent to this little project:

Acoustic & Electric Guitar, Production: Robin "The Wizard of Voz" Vosbury

Bass Guitar: Robert "Big O" Mathews

Drums: Mike "Mikey" Owens