A Request for Assistance in a Worthy ProjectMembers of the Blackhorse Association, I’m reaching out to my fellow Troopers to share about a project I’m a part of called Anonymous Man. If you will indulge me, I’d like to share a little about the project and then ask you to consider submitting some feedback at my email address. Anonymous Man is an original song and devotional book designed to help veterans struggling with Post Traumatic Stress and suicidal ideation. The song was written by me, a Blackhorse Veteran, and Steve Siler, the director of the award-winning organization Music for the Soul. The words come from real-life experiences of myself and other veterans who struggle. The vocalist for the Anonymous Man song is Sgt. Ian Wagner. Ian who is a two-tour combat veteran and Purple Heart recipient. The Anonymous Man book will include devotions written by me, and I’d also like to present a variety of experiences from other veterans by including some personal stories their military-related experiences. Also, I’m seeking submissions of original veteran artwork or poems that are reflective of military service or their healing journey. This variety of perspectives will ensure that the devotional will resonate with every veteran. Currently, the devotional book is about two-thirds complete. Music for the Soul believes that people will not trust you with their hope unless you demonstrate that you understand their pain. The Anonymous Man song functions as that bridge to trust, validating the feelings of isolation and trauma experienced by veterans. The devotional will encourage them in their faith and offer hope for relief from their pain and healing for their wounded spirits. As Veterans, we have made a tremendous sacrifice for our country. Those who come back suffering from debilitating PTSD and suicidal ideation deserve a second chance at reclaiming a normal life. I personally believe that with God’s help, the combination of this powerful book and these recordings will be a lifeline for veterans who have felt alone and misunderstood – not only helping them on the pathway to mental and emotional healing but also finding a renewed sense of purpose. Music for the Soul intends for this song and devotional to be used by Chaplains and counselors, both within the military community and in the private sector, to help validate the lived experience of soldiers and help relieve pain caused by PTSD. Here’s what I’d like to ask of my fellow Troopers. Would you take a few moments and listen to the song and reply to my email with any feedback? Good or bad, I’d like to know your reaction to the song. I’m also attaching the lyrics if you’d like to read them as you listen. You can listen to the song on most online streaming services. To make it easy, you can listen for free by clicking on one of the following links: Anonymous Man Song on MFTS Website: https://www.musicforthesoul.org/resources/anonymous-man/ YouTube: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=kysLN4j6_A0&list=RDAMVMkysLN4j6_A0 Thanks for your time, and I look forward to hearing from some of you. If you would like to consider contributing a personal story, artwork, or poem for the book, let me know and I’ll reach out personally with details on how to submit. Allons, Eric Myers 2/11 ACR Veteran 817-905-5289 ANONYMOUS MAN Words & Music by Eric Myers & Steve Siler You might think you know me But I won’t let you in to keep you from the sting of what I’ve seen and where I’ve been The battlefields are haunting me behind these vacant eyes I’m a ghost of who I once was like countless other guys My wounds are invisible There are scars you cannot see When you ask me how I’m doing I push down the memories A faint hope still lingers Deep inside this hardened heart I’m in here but you don’t know who I am I’m the anonymous man My nightmares are a prison with pictures far too real If I’m gonna keep my sanity I can’t afford to feel Underneath the silence I’m crying out in pain and trying to find a reason just to live another day My wounds are invisible There are scars you cannot see When you ask me how I’m doing I push down the memories A faint hope still lingers Deep inside this hardened heart I’m in here but you don’t know what I am I’m the anonymous man Don’t give up on me ‘cause I’m in here somewhere Fighting for the life that I once knew My wounds are invisible There are scars you cannot see When you ask me how I’m doing I push down the memories A faint hope still lingers Deep inside this hardened heart I’m in here, please keep searchin’ if you can for the anonymous man The anonymous Man © 2020 Silerland Music (Administered by ClearBox Rights)/Myers Music Service ASCAP |