AJC.com > Iraq coverage > Blog > Archives > 2005 > October > 07 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USMusic for hurtin’ times
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Forward Operating Base Michael, Iraq — It’s not unusual to find soldiers sitting around campfires or in their huts across Iraq, playing instruments and singing. It helps relieve stress.
Louie Favorite/AJC
SSgt. John Healton (left) and Spc. Colby Smith sing their duet. • Hear a clip from the song
Spc. Colby Smith, 23, of Athens, and Sgt. John Healton, 31, of Douglasville, often get together in a wooden shack here and perform.
Smith plays the acoustic guitar and sings along with Healton. Listen to these two medics sing part of a song they co-wrote. It’s about soldiers leaving their homes in the United States for Iraq. The song is entitled: “It Hurts so Hard.�
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By jennifer massa
October 7, 2005 03:38 PM | Link to this
I think it’s great that Sgt. Healton and Spc. Smith can still be creative with all that’s going on! I’m sure it must be very hard for these brave men to be away from their families and just as hard for their loved ones here. But it just goes to show you can’t keep a good man down!! We all pray for their safe return- VERY SOON.
By Melissa Young
October 7, 2005 07:00 PM | Link to this
Sgt. Healton and Spc. Smith…sounds great!!!! Maybe you should get Spc. Yawn to sing (he can sing ya know) with ya. Yeaaaa!!! for our Medics. Love and prayers to you all.
By spc hayes
October 7, 2005 11:55 PM | Link to this
ehy sgt healton and colby good music my friends back home heard it while i was checking up on what was going on over there as bad as this sounds i am ready to be back over there because here i now have had a taste of what the families go through worring about all of us. it was just a small taste for the short period of two weeks but it will be good to get back and see everyoine again.
By LInda Healton
October 8, 2005 08:43 AM | Link to this
John, You and Colby sound great.(maybe a hit song in the making) I am so proud of you.Not just the song, but for the man that you are. With everyday that passes, I know it is one day closer to being with you again.The kids and I are counting the days down and anxiously awaiting your return,We love and miss you. Yours forever- Linda,Lizz,Steven and Rebecca
By Scott McAfee
October 8, 2005 10:32 AM | Link to this
Leslie and Linda, your guys are sounding super. It’s only a three or four hour drive to Nashville from your homes. I’m really proud of those soldiers.
Shawn’s Dad
By Leslie Smith
October 9, 2005 07:38 PM | Link to this
Thank you, Scott! It is great to hear my sweetie’s voice and I could not be more proud of his spirit and endurance (that goes for John and the other guys too)! Colby, I miss you and love you!!
By Teresa Brown
October 10, 2005 06:21 PM | Link to this
Hey John this is Tony Teresa& Nicole we really enjoyed your song thouhgt it was cool hope you are home very soon.You are in our prayers aalways.God blees and take care.
By Randy Hallman
October 12, 2005 01:47 PM | Link to this
Jeremy, old son, I read a selection of your work from Iraq. If it is possible, you’re getting even better at this. Great stuff. Stay safe. Randy H
By Michelle Sharp
October 12, 2005 05:22 PM | Link to this
Hey Jeremy,
Just wanted to say hi and be careful over there. Wilder’s been asking for you. :) Michelle S.
By Rebecca
October 14, 2005 05:14 PM | Link to this
Hi John (br1juh)-I had no idea you could sing or songwrite. Impressive Tell Sgt.Colby nice job. We miss you everyday here at work and can’t wait for you to come back. I pray everyday that you come home safely. Take Care-Rebecca aka parjw :)