“When I was on Active Duty, I used to play the guitar with some of my buddies, but then it changed a little. Instead of playing with my buddies, somehow I ended up playing for my buddies, and they were making requests and asking me to learn their favorite songs. I don't know what they would say, but as for me, the music was such a blessing out in the desert. It could have been a miserable day, but once I started playing the guitar and some of them started singing along, it almost felt like I was back home at the lake with some friends, just relaxing by a campfire. It was therapeutic.â€
Chad Van Rys is currently prominently featured in "Born Again American" video launched by Norman Lear and Declare Yourself. Declare Yourself is a non-profit dedicated to encouraging people to serve their country, including military service.
