FIELD BRIEFINGS & TOP STORIES

Acclaimed documentary photographer and project leader Joshua Brewer, PMP will be on-site throughout the tribute capturing portraiture and recording the personal stories of veterans who have received the "gift of healing" through Guitars For Vets. Joshua is documenting these powerful journeys of brotherhood, resilience, and musical restoration for lasting nostalgia, community inspiration, and historical archive.

Raised in a musical family in McMinnville, Tennessee, Megan has been singing since she could talk. After serving as a Military Police officer at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, honoring fellow veterans through music became her life's calling. For this tribute, Megan is bringing a heartfelt acoustic sound that blends the bluesy grit of Janis Joplin and Memphis Minnie with the timeless country soul of Patsy Cline, weaving together bluegrass, folk, rock, and country.

Hailing from Ypsilanti, Michigan, Regina Pargo has loved music since singing in church choir at age seven. In the U.S. Army, her drill sergeant daily ordered "Pargo, hit it!"—calling on her powerful voice to lead road march cadences from the back of a 60-soldier platoon all the way to the front. Finding healing and grounding in music after her service, Regina graduated from the Recording Institute of Detroit, taught herself piano, and built a home recording studio. Through the Dearborn Vet Center Guitars for Vets program, she picked up the acoustic guitar and now writes, arranges, and performs original blues and gospel music of hope, faith, and recovery.

A 20+ year veteran of the United States Air Force (2001–2024), Bobby Jones retired honorably as a Master Sergeant (MSgt) having served as First Sergeant, C-130 E/H Flight Engineer, and IT specialist. Following his military career, Bobby became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer and founded LIVE Fitness and Everyday Cleaning to empower individuals through intentional training and faith. His musical journey began in 2007, developing into a deep passion for Christian worship, gospel, and jazz theory. For Bobby, guitar is a sacred space that quiets anxiety, restores peace, and connects him with God.

A veteran of the United States Air Force (2013–2019) who served as a Cryptologic Linguist (1N3, separating as a Staff Sergeant / SSgt E-5), Mark Graebner is an accomplished writer, musician, and community advocate based in Berea, Kentucky—often found busking and performing under the name "Isaiah Wake." While in uniform, Mark balanced intensive language study and tutoring fellow airmen with endurance athletics—running the Air Force Half Marathon in 2015, completing the grueling 2016 Bataan Memorial Death March ruck at White Sands, and co-founding the Ft. Meade Murderball team. After USAF service, he used his GI Bill benefits to earn a Master of Forestry at Northern Arizona University before relocating in 2021 to his wife's home state of Kentucky. Mark credits Guitars For Vets with giving him an empowering home to refocus on music, healing, and community connection.

A veteran of the United States Navy (1984–1992), Jeff Cole is a full-time acoustic singer-songwriter hailing from Rockford, Illinois. Channeling a classic John Lennon acoustic rock style and drawing inspiration from his lifelong hometown friendship with rock legends Cheap Trick, Jeff brings raw passion, heartfelt melody, and seasoned showmanship to the stage. After studying at Rock Valley College and managing complex nationwide hotel wireless internet systems, Jeff dedicated himself full-time to music in 2023. Through Guitars For Vets, he uses his Yamaha acoustic to connect with fellow service members, proving the enduring power of melody and brotherhood.

Bringing a lifetime of rhythm, resilience, and raw discipline to the stage, Ryan Franz is a versatile multi-instrumentalist whose distinct musical voice was forged through the unflinching brotherhood of a U.S. Marine Corps Infantry 0331 Machine Gunner. Celebrating over 12 years of continuous recovery, Ryan views music as the ultimate sanctuary for healing, connection, and fellowship. Backed by a BA in Sound Engineering from The Evergreen State College, a Master’s in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University, and currently pursuing his Master’s at the world-renowned Berklee College of Music, Ryan blends elite conservatory musicianship with heavy-hitting stagecraft. Having spent 20 years behind the scenes supporting global arena and stadium tours—including an eight-year tenure as guitar technician for punk legends The Misfits and crew credits on massive global productions like Beyoncé’s On the Run tour—Ryan now takes a triumphant, joyful step directly into the spotlight at Queenslake on guitar, bass, and percussion.

A decorated 15-year veteran of the U.S. Army Special Forces, Brian Maginn served as an 18D Special Forces Medical Sergeant (Green Beret Medic) with the elite 19th Special Forces Group (Airborne), dedicated to saving lives under the most austere conditions. Hailing from Bluffton, South Carolina, Brian recently answered a lifelong calling after his military career: picking up instruments and creating music. Through the transformative mentorship of Guitars For Vets, playing rapidly became a profound sanctuary for mental resilience, peace, and healing. Embracing his craft wholeheartedly, Brian now plays three instruments and brings an authentic, high-energy blend of rock, folk, and classic country to the Queenslake stage.