The Story Behind The Song 22, written by, Texas Songwriter,
Dan Wesley White. - Publicist Anna Lou
In my opinion, lower numbers of volunteers forced the Military to operate as a massive marketing
machine, focusing more on recruitment, and letting the promise of health care, to past and present
service members, fall by the wayside. That, and the military culture of Suck-It-Up-And-Carry-On, fed into
the stigma against those suffering from mental health issues.
In recent years, military suicide rates are four times higher than deaths that occurred during military
operations. It has been said that 22 veterans commit suicide daily in the United States. By some
accounts, that number is wrong, it is higher, including past and present service members.
How did we get here, and how can we help?
I was born in 1972, and things were quite different at that time. Nixon was President, we were pulling
out of Vietnam, converting to an all-volunteer military force, officially ending the draft in 1973. The
carnage of war in Vietnam found its way into our living rooms on the nightly news. What we were
seeing on TV, didn’t match what the government was saying about the war, and many felt that our
involvement, in Vietnam, was unnecessary. American’s trust, in the government, and the military was at
an all-time low.
According to the November 1993 Combat Area Casualty File, one out of every ten Americans was a
casualty. Out of the 2.59 million soldiers that served, 58,169 were killed, and 304,000 were wounded.
These numbers have been adjusted over time, and as of today, there are 58,300 names listed on the
Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Soldiers, that made it home, returned to a very poor reception. Those that opposed war blamed
American troops for the tragic situation, in Vietnam, instead of the government that sent them there.
Those who supported it resented the veterans for losing the war. Those who served were often treated
as traitors instead of heroes and found it difficult to adjust to life back home.
Many Vietnam Veterans suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). They found it difficult to
sleep, were prone to anger and irritability, startled easily, acted recklessly, or abused drugs or alcohol as
a coping mechanism.
Many were diagnosed with various types of cancer, and other issues that were later linked to their
exposure to Agent Orange. Agent Orange was a blend of tactical herbicides, used by the military, to
remove the leaves, trees, and dense foliage that provided enemy cover. It was extremely deadly
because U.S. forces sprayed 20 times more than the manufacturer recommended in the environment.
After the war ended in 1975, the public still had disdain for the military. Many civilians, saw a military
career, as a bad decision. Several branches of the armed services weren’t meeting their recruitment
quota, in my opinion, causing the Military to become the marketing juggernaut, that it is today.
I grew up seeing military service adds, several times a day, during my favorite tv programs. Billboards,
pamphlets, and Military Magazines were placed in various locations all over town. They seemed to be
aimed toward the working class, the poor, and people of color. They were everywhere. Slogans like Be
All You Can Be were burned into my memory.
You will get to travel the world, we will train you, offer you sign on bonuses, help you pay for school,
and provide free medical care. This was all in exchange for a two-to-six-year commitment, to a branch
of the Armed Services, with the lesser publicized understanding that should this country go to war, you could be put in harm’s way. This soft but aggressive sales tactic caught many an 18-year-old, with its
promises.
Now with Desert Storm, Desert Shield, Desert Sabre, the war in Iraq, and Afghanistan, the US Military
health care system now faces a larger issue. Many veterans are still trying to navigate the complicated
VA Healthcare System, and many are still fighting to receive disability, for issues that developed due to
their time in the service.
From 2016-2020, approximately 460,000 active service members were
diagnosed with at least 1 mental health disorder. Approximately 85,000 were diagnosed with mental
health problems related to family problems, maltreatment, substance abuse, PTSD, and assault.
It’s time to face this problem in the open and do what we can to help. Organizations such as the North
Texas Wounded Warrior Golf Association is doing just that. Their focus is not on being wounded but
improving lives of fellow warriors through the game of golf.
Their board of directors and warrior
ambassadors have all experienced the benefits of warrior-focused golfing programs and are dedicated
to paying it forward.
Come join Texas Brew Radio December 9 th , at Horus Hall, in Ft Worth’s famous Stock Yards for the
Season 9 Texas State Songwriter Championship Finale.
It is an open genre competition, with a lineup of
great talent.
Check the website for the line-up and links to artists sound!
We are excited to have Army Veteran Dan Wesley White perform his song 22, as his story
is a special one.
To raise awareness, of the importance of Mental Health, and training your brain, we
have teamed up with The North Texas Warrior Golf Association.
A portion of the proceeds will be
donated to them.
We support their vision 100%. We thank you for your service and all you do to
rehabilitate the combat wounded veterans in the DFW Area.
We hope you have enjoyed The Story Behind The Song 22, written by, Texas Songwriter, Dan Wesley White.
- Publicist Anna Lou
We can't wait to tell you more about Dan Wesley White and his journey!
Meet Dan Wesley White, Texas Song Writer Behind The Song Titled 22.
Dan started trying to learn piano for church, and singing in the church choir, when he was ten years old.
He then moved on to learning to play the trumpet and tuba in grade school. During his high school years, he started playing base in the school jazz band, decided to try out for the Army Band Program, and he was accepted when he graduated high school.
After leaving the Military Dan returned to school to get a teaching degree, and now teaches music in South Texas. After playing covers of others songs most of his life, Dan decided to try his hand at writing his own last year. His inspiration comes from subjects he feels strongly about.and personal experiences.
As a disabled vet who has fought with the VA system and saw other vets mistreated, Dan felt he needed to write 22 to bring awareness to our men and women in uniform who have to fight daily battles to survive each day and not become a 22 statistic.
Dan’s hobbies include music writing and performing, playing video games, and building lego sets with his children.
Dan has several songs on Spotify and Apple Music, which showcase his musical talent. He blends Country with Tex-Mex, and Texas Swing, with Rock Influences.
Dan hopes his songwriting will become a legacy for his kids.
To learn more about Dan, check out danwesleywhite.com
Join us Dec 9 @ Horus Hall to witness the first time Dan has ever performed his own music LIVE!
