The Power of Music: Honoring Jerry Brain
As a military veteran, songwriter, and Project Manager for MusicWorks4Veterans, I’m privileged to meet and work with extraordinary individuals who inspire me every day. Among them is Jerry Brain, a Vietnam-era veteran whose journey with music has touched countless lives.
Jerry joined our MusicWorks4Veterans project several years ago and quickly became a vital part of our team. A talented poet, keyboardist, and fellow veteran, he not only embraced the heart of our mission but also began helping others through his music and storytelling.
Our music jam events aim to provide veterans and their families with a warm, welcoming reentry into social activities, and Jerry embodies this spirit perfectly. Through the songs we write and play together, he shares glimpses of his life and experiences, creating a bridge of understanding between veterans and the broader community. His honesty and creativity inspire his peers and deepen the community's appreciation for the veteran experience.
One of the highlights of my work with Jerry was collaborating on his song, “Everyone’s Insane,” which we co-wrote and proudly entered in the VA's 2019 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival. This song, inspired by Jerry’s powerful writings and experiences, is the second piece born from his poetic voice and unique perspective.
Working alongside Jerry has been a privilege and a joy. His dedication to music and storytelling reflects the healing and transformative power of the arts. Thank you, Jerry Brain, for sharing your journey and for inspiring all of us with your music and resilience.
John Leonard Selzler
Veteran/MW4V Founder
Listen to Jerry's songs
"Dear Katy, I hate you" (Track 2)
"Everyones Insane" (Track 5)
Jerry found healing and connection through our music programs, which became a significant part of his journey. Your donations to MusicWorks4Veterans help us create and sustain more opportunities for veterans and their families. Together, with your support, you can be an integral part of their success stories.
U.S. Army Veteran Jerry Brain: A Journey of Healing, Resilience, and the Transformative Power of Music
U.S. Army Veteran Jerry Brain’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and the healing power of music. Having served during the Vietnam conflict, Jerry carried the weight of his experiences for decades, leading a life of isolation. Rarely venturing beyond the end of his driveway unless absolutely necessary, he lived with the deep scars left by his service.
That began to change when Jerry joined MusicWorks4Veterans, a program dedicated to supporting veterans and their families through the therapeutic power of music. Working closely with the program’s founder, veteran, musician, and songwriter John Selzler, Jerry found a safe and supportive environment to explore music as a means of expression. Together, they collaborated on writing two songs and started a third, helping Jerry uncover and release emotions that had long been buried.
Through these creative sessions, Jerry discovered a way to process his thoughts and feelings, preparing him for an extraordinary milestone: a return trip to Vietnam. Music became a bridge, helping him reconcile his past while providing him with the strength to confront it. Participating in MusicWorks4Veterans' programs not only gave Jerry an outlet for his emotions but also encouraged him to reengage socially. The camaraderie and connection he found in a fun, welcoming environment helped him rediscover a part of himself he thought was lost.
Jerry’s journey culminated in a successful return to Vietnam, an experience that brought profound healing and closure. By confronting his past with the tools and confidence music had given him, Jerry emerged with a renewed sense of peace and purpose.
Today, Jerry shares his story to inspire others. He shows us how music can bridge the gap between the past and the present, offering hope to veterans and their families who may still be struggling. His testimony not only helps others better understand the challenges many veterans face but also highlights the incredible impact programs like MusicWorks4Veterans can have.
We extend our deepest gratitude to Jerry Brain for sharing his journey with us. You are a beacon of hope and an inspiration to veterans who may be searching for their own path to healing.
To hear more about Jerry’s story and his remarkable healing journey, watch this powerful video interview with Jerry and his daughter as they share their experiences and reflections on the transformative power of music. The video also features highlights of Jerry participating in one of our MusicWorks4Veterans community-based music jams at Lakewood Playhouse, where he continued to reconnect and socialize through the joy of music.