A true inspiration, friend, and someone I am glad I bumped into on this crazy unexplainable platform. You deserve all the best, and more. Love you dude!
As a fellow disabled veteran you have nothing to be ashamed of. You served your country and did your job and got hurt doing that job. Non of us disabled veterans like having to tell anyone that we are disabled and then having to explain what happened to us no matter how we ended up getting hurt. My response most of the time is I don't like talking about it and I leave it at that because I actually don't like talking about it.
Hey my dude, as a fellow disabled veteran, it's really inspiring to hear your story. Thank you for all the videos. They definitely go a long way into making my day better
RELENTLESS & RESILIENT! im the Daughter of two Soldiers and have had to witness my family and ex partner deal with life past the military, injuries, ptsd and facing life after wars. Its heartbreaking to have to watch those you love try to figure their way back into being a Civilian sometimes completely distroyed and lost. I commend your strength and drive to keep living and facing your reality and fighting to make your way through it with you head up... F*cking Relentless, F*cking Resilient, F*cking Inspiring, F*cking Gangster. Thank you for your servic Im a new, but huge fan of what you're doing. Sometimes being completely destroyed is what it takes for us to find who we really are and what we're capable of...even when we think we have nothing left, we have so much left; we have the beginning of our next chapter. Blessed be
Hey, you may have hit the ground hard, but you got up harder and now you're an animal on the guitar and on RUclips. Chin up man, you'll get what you deserve soon.
Hey man. I'm a fellow veteran from Denmark. Got my injuries in Afghanistan in 2008. Guitar and music got me threw some tough times as well. Respect from me to you. Love the channel and keep it going 🙏 🇱🇷🇩🇰
@@JacksonPlant Your stupid polticians got him into this mess in the first place. Bush to he specific. He made yo the weapons of mass destruction nonsense that turned into a 20 year war in the Middle East for nothing. Wasted tax dollars and lives.
It’s often not visible from the outside, dude. I’m disabled by a chronic disease to my pancreas. Started in my teens, got through college, worked as a programmer for years while in constant chronic pain and having constant diarrhoea 5 to 6 times a day. Finally around my 30th birthday I broke down, spent months in the hospital multiple times a year for the next 5 years. And still to this day. But never did I ever look like I was anything but a healthy, young professional, building a career and a family. Now I’m fully disabled. Spend more than half my days lying down, on fentanyl and oxycodone to even be able to do anything at all. And still people look at me like I’m lying when I tell them. But reality is reality. We’re just people dealt a bad hand. I’m just glad music is here to help us get through all of it. Keep on keeping on! ❤️
Brother, I'm also Disabled Veteran and on June 11, 2008 I also injured myself from the back of a LMTV. I was at Ft. Polk and during Combat Training, we kept doing Full Battle Rattle Dismounts. I disrupted my entire right knee, fracture knee cap in half, fractured my ankle. I also tore my Left knee ACL and Meniscus. I've had several surgeries. Thank you for your Service and I hope I get to meet you May 19, 2022 Austin Texas.I bought concert tickets just to go see Concrete Dream!! May God Bless you and band mates Brother!! .
I am retired Navy and am 100% ft disabled. And I understand what you are talking about I fell at sea while carrying about 50 lbs landing on my shoulder and back. Destroyed my shoulder and ruptured 3 disks and fractured spine.I had 5 surgeries on shoulder, back surgery. But I agree I’m no hero but was able to fight thru and retired. I am a guitarist also and would love to be pro but too many problems with meds. Keep it up, thank you for your service oh you are a hero! We did something only 10% of people do. Keep it up! Blessings.
The only way of letting things go is talking about it. I know you don’t but we can help if you need it buddy. Keep up the good work. Abrazo Mexicano!!!!! 🤘🏻🇲🇽🤘🏻🇲🇽🤘🏻🇲🇽🤘🏻
Man, fuck that label. What you are is a metalhead, guitarist, and just a cool dude. Your identity isn't what you've done in the past, but what you continue to do. Respect my man.
Thanks for sharing. I too am a disabled veteran. I served as a MP and MWD handler from 97-05. I blew out my back and suffer from chronic pain. Like you I find the positive out of being disabled. I get to stay home and raise my youngest son without missing things due to work. Keep up the good fight brotha.
Ray, I commend you for your honest and open voice. I too am a DV. However, I waited over 10 years to do anything about it. I dealt with mental issues from combat deployment and I guess was too proud to do anything about it. I felt that there were people worse off than me because I was able to live a regular life (on the outside). Your physical limitations severely played a toll on your everyday life. You deserve every bit of compensation for what your signed up for (like the rest of us). Bravo!
I totally get your perspective on everything. Stage 4 brain cancer survivor here. I played and sang live until my last live show on January 25th 2008. I passed out at work 6 days after my 28th birthday on February 5th 2008, cancer free since December 31st 2008. Didn't touch a guitar again for almost 12 years. I know have an eye patch over my left eye, my legs sort of work but I'm in a wheelchair ( I can stand with something to hold onto or walk with a chest high walker). My speech is a little unclear & I can't sing. I exercise for about an hour every morning & I live on disability. I'm now 41, my wife works full time. I don't like to call myself disabled. Surviving cancer wasn't bad for me, it was bad for everyone else. Now I have to & enjoy exercising 5 days a week. For the rest of those days I play guitar after I do what's needed around the house.
Hey Xander, I pray that you & your family are all doing well this morning. I wanted to thank you for your story. Your guitar 🎸 playing is absolutely sick & imo I believe that it's a blessing for you & to all of us who get to hear it. I Praise the Lord Jesus that you're doing well. I completely understand chronic pain. I was hit by a car walking across the street back in 2016. And the pain was bad & I could still walk even though I was hunched over. A lot of my pain was in my back. But I was healed from that pain. And the during lockdown my left hip started to bother me. And then it got to the point where I couldn't walk without excruciating pain. So fast forward to 2021 & I started to use a cane to help me walk. And then I started going to an orthopedic doctor/ surgeon. And he started me on cortisone shots & I get 2 shots. I've been getting them for about 2 years now & my orthopedic doctor said that he won't do surgery on me bcuz #1 I'm too young I'm 46 years old & #2 I weigh too much. I used to be 400lbs. But I've lost 200lbs Praise the Lord Jesus. Oh dude my bad when I lost all the weight was when the pain in my left hip started. I've always thought that when you lose weight it helps you & your muscles & bones bcuz the amount of pressure that you put on your body is lessend when there's less weight.....but idk! I'm so sorry that you got hurt so bad & I can't believe that you walked around like that for a year!! You're like me, my husband kept telling me to go to the doctor & get checked out. But i kept saying "No I'm fine!" Ummmm..no i was an absolute mess!! And even though I get the shots I've still got loads of pain. And I think that it's getting worse. I found you from the Riff shorts. Dude like I said your guitar playing is so sick. Do you feel pain when you're playing? And did you get migraines with the pain in your neck? Thank you for sharing your story Xander. I'm praying for you & your family. Have a Blessed & Beautiful day in Jesus name I pray, Amen! P.S. have you heard of a an awesome band called Reformed? They're bonkers I think you might like em! They've got videos here on the yt. P. S. S the Lord Jesus does things for a reason & that's why I said that I truly believe that your injury became a blessing to you. And that your guitar is a blessing as well!!
I never served in the military, but I do know what that defeated feeling can be like. My place of work was held up when I was 19 and I had a gun held to my head on the ground, face down. It happened to so fast that I didn’t think about it after the initial shock. 6 months later at a new job, instarted suffering from panic attacks, tunnel vision, and palpitations. Turns out I was experiencing PTSD from the incident that’s forever changed my life. It took a long time to break the torment cycle and years of anxiety to learn how to properly deal with it and air out my frustrations about that situation, and I’m now at a point where I’m really happy. Being a guitar player is a direct extension to me and it’s ultimately my voice. I’m not sure how I’d be without it.
Perfect timing today! Just about to start busting out some house chores. The Boogz is sleeping. Looks like its time to chill with Brotha Ray! Excited to hear this Story! :)
Hope your doing well man. I turned 31 this year and was injured at 25 as well in a very similar situation that left me with a broken back and a destroyed right shoulder both needing fairly major surgery and am now classified as “disabled”. Just wanted to say hope your doing well and you’ve given me inspiration today not to let my injuries and the legacy of them effect me too much and to keep it going.
Ray, I know you are being humble, but in my opinion, you men and women who serve are all absolutely bad asses. Even if you don’t feel like you were, you were. I never knew this story. Is this the first that you’ve shared it?? Sorry all those injuries happened. It puts a whole new perspective on that smile you have when you are playing in your videos! Your attitude of making the most of what you have been through is probably a big piece of how you get to play guitar for a living. Props man, props.
Lots of respect for you. I was an artillery officer in the Canadian military. I was injured in a training exercise, I'm not considered disabled but it ended my career.
Whatever dude, anybody with the stones to join the army (any Military) is a hero in my book, Glad you have such a positive outlook, wouldn't expect anything less from you.
Bro you are inspirational. You've shown how metal you are. And have shown your metal of getting through the military, your accident, your surgeries, and the rehab and building back your body. You live up to your name STAY METAL RAY. MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT BROTHER.
No reason to be embarrassed or ashamed man.....I got multiple deployments and I got my rating from a PAO clerk running over my foot with a HMMWV while parking on the line in the motor pool without a ground guide.....shit happens and you still did your part.
Bro the fact that all that happened and you just went on for a year is insane. But I know you're not a hero but to someone who wanted to join the military but wasn't sound enough to like you are inspirational. You did your job got hurt and still keep moving forward.
First off that shirt rules! Second, thanks for taking time to share your story with us. Anything. Big or small can be an inspiration to anyone, and though your humbleness will make you say or think otherwise this is very inspiring! So fun to watch your dreams come true friend!!!
You put yourself in harms way for your country. Regardless of how you were injured you are and always will be a heroic disabled veteran. Thank you for your service.🤘🏻
Damn dude, sounds rough. Didn't realize your injuries were that extensive. Looks like you work/worked really hard to get your physical capabilities back...good stuff...
Damn it, Ray. My boyfriend has been following your channel for years, and as a girl in a wheelchair, I've been wishy-washy about your channel until this post. I've been listening to your channel for a while, learning and taking in stuff, as any devoted girl might do, but THIS video... alright man, I'm a fan. Love from Baltimore.
bein exactly in your same situation i totally understand how you feel. it's also an extremely hard thing to deal with, being perfectly normal in other peoples's eyes while at the same time feeling chronic pain, makes you feel like you kinda have to suck it up or justify yourself for how you feel
First & foremost, thank you for your service to our country. Secondly, the fact that you went through what you did & are such a great guitarist is absolutely amazing!!! Thirdly, just because you’re a disabled veteran it doesn’t make you who you are. You’re much more than that. Keep doing what you do & don’t allow your past to define who you are today. We all have our history. I’m a believer that our present & our future defines who we are, not our past. Thank you for sharing your story. 🤘🏻✌🏻 be well brother!
In can relate man, I'm a disabled vet myself. Not proud of it and wish I didn't have to have that awkward stigma. But it helps me survive and afford my rent and do what I want to do. Thanks for your transparency.
Dude, you have been through a big ordeal with all your physical illments. That makes it even more impressive to see your positivity despite it all! You are a lighthouse of positivity in a chaotic world, touching alot of people with your sincere being. Keep at it man, greetings from Norway 🤟😎
your an inspiration man and i just want to say there's no such thing as luck. everything happened exactly how it was supposed to. and guess what? there's more to come man! thanks for your service and keep making the right choices homie.🤘
Not everyone likes to hear thank you for your service, so I'll say this, you stepped up for your country and your took pride in your role in the military and for that thanks my man. I'm glad you found a positive construct with what life threw you. I myself am a very late starter to guitar in life, you've definitely been part of some of the channels that inspired me to pick up and play. Keep making that sweet content my man!
I saw you were about to say " disability pension," but held back. I know the feeling. I'm a medically retired police officer on "total permanent disability pension". I can type that but can't say it aloud. I am embarrassed by it.....not sure why yet. Yet to move..still in a state of limbo. Using music to get through it. Your story and will made me sign up as a patreon a while back. Thanks man.🤘
I am also a disabled 13B trying to get my shit together. This is a badass video. I feel the exact same the worst best thing to ever happen to me was getting hurt.
Big respect to you sir for keeping yourself going and always keeping the head up. Dealing with a few issues of my own and to be honest it's guitar that keeps me going. Loved the channel and glad I found it way back when
The guts it'd take to go and take a chance on that career and by virtue of wanting to help/protect, you are a hero within right dood! Keep on keeping on and doing what you're doing :D Big love from the UK man
Hi I'm Eric Hanson and I'm a disable Vet as will. Nine years I served. I'm 45 and 4 years ago I picked up the guitar. I'm not great but I love playing and if you wanna see me jam u can on MOX NIX 76. I play with 65 year old man and a 16 year old young man. Anyhow I hust wanna to say thanks for sharing your story Brother.
I hear you man, I was LAPD for a long time. I got hurt a couple times as well. Keep going, what other choice do we have? It’s been 40 years ago now, and I am still going strong. Good job
Many people don't understand how hard you fall from 8'+ . I was an HVAC mechanic, and was working on a building, about to climb down from the roof on the ladder at the side of the building. The ladder anchors were loose and broke out of the wall, I fell 18' straight down to my feet, with my arms catching the cage around the ladder on the way down. I hit the ground and broke both ankles, fractured a foot, messed up a knee, and tore muscles in my arms and shoulders when they caught the cage, which will never heal fully. That was my last day on the job 7 years ago. I received 2 weeks pay, and no compensation, as I ran out of money fighting it in court. The property company ended up having to pay a small fine. Nice
That’s fantastic, man, I’m super impressed and proud of how far you’ve come on your journey.. I honestly had no idea that you were a veteran but major kudos for doing that, that’s definitely impressive
I know you said you aren’t a hero but, brother you are to me! You served your country and served for us all. Then kept going even being injured as you were. I want to say thank you for your service and you are a HERO!!!
Your a very inspiring man! I've been disabled since birth, and guitars have always gotten me through hard times. I'm so glad you have found your calling after everything you've been through. Keep rocking Ray and keep being the positive man you are🤘🎸🙏
Damn dude! Watch that first step. It’s a doozy! Don’t mean to make light of it. But I know about major injuries and having to learn a whole new way of doing everyday things differently than before. But hey, we’re still here and doing what we love. Life’s too short to feel sorry for ourselves. Keep going forward! And thank you thank you thank you for your service!
That year that u dealt with the pain was the worst thing u did….it heeled without being fixed which I’m sure made the real recovery that much harder. I’m glad you are ok now man and like I’ve said in the past, thank u for your sacrifice to this great country that is sooo under appreciated today. If u ever need another career u let me know brother, I’m right over the Walt Whitman and I’ll gladly get u a union book.
I'm not disabled in any way but I have to take an ungodly amount of medication for chronic pain. Can't even begin to fathom what this must have been/ is like for you. Wish you all the best brother. \m/
Thank you for your service and thank you for creating this channel. You have inspired me to take control of my physical and mental well being. Even tho I've only been at it for 3 months, this is best I have ever felt in my entire 38 years. Stay Metal.
It’s my dream to have what you have. I bet a lot of people dream of that too. How amazing to work from home, and do what you love. That’s the ultimate dream isn’t it. To provide for your family, be with them more, and not be depressed 13 hours a day doing a job you don’t love. Maybe someday I’ll have what you have, it’s inspiring to me and gives me hope. It’s so hard to find the time, and energy to make videos like you do. So I give you immense credit. Keep it up buddy.
Two Thumbs up young man. Thank you for your service… USA 🇺🇸 Also, thanks to your recent video on the EVH iconic, you convinced me the haters out there don’t do it justice…I have the 80w ivory head arriving tomorrow(August 20,2022) via UPS from musicians friends and the 412 ivory matching cabinet just arrived today via FedEx that I ordered from Zzounds to go into my collection of 16 amps including my EVH 5150-3 EL34 with matching 212 cabinet.
I would never think of you as disabled, even after hearing your story. Thank you for your service and all of your content. Keep rocking out and showing us all the kick ass toys!
Understand not wearing the "disabled vet" as a badge. Had a brother try to give me a disabled vet sticker for my car.. Sorry not a badge of honor for me lol AWESOME and thank you for sharing brother🤘🏼🇺🇸
It’s so nice to see you living your dream dude. I subscribed like back in March 2020 I think and this has been one of my favorite RUclips channels since and I don’t even play guitar
Had two hip surgeries while I was in, I understand the frustration of not being even able to do simple things. My best friend who is practically my brother had to help me get dressed and put on and take off my shoes for a while. I don’t like saying “disabled” either cuz like I know so many people have it bad. Like I don’t feel I have it bad. I just found your channel, I’m currently out and doing IMO some cool things with my band as well. Thankful for your videos man.
You are a veteran & a hero. Be extremely proud of that! You gave something that is hard for most to sacrifice, which is your life to protect mine, & this great country. I'm glad you are here to talk about it, & I feel bad that you were injured. NEVER be ashamed about that. It could have just as easily been a IED or something. Thank you & rock on bro!!!!!!!
Hey brother, I'm a disabled vet also. What you're feeling is normal. Being disabled at a young age is horrible on the psyche. I avoid telling people my story because I wasn't shot or blown up so I feel like my disability isn't as valid. Either way, I've taken up guitar and an trying to use it as therapy. So far so good. I'd love to be stage worthy one day but at 45 years old, time is against me.
Thanks for sharing your story my friend.. turned a shitty situation and hard times into a positive passionate creative force.. keep on keeping on... Also nice Deftones shirt ..
You voluntarily enlisted, completed basic and then got deployed. You served this county as many other couldn’t or wouldn’t. You are a disable veteran and thank you for your service. Stay metal!
Fellow arty! 13f here, but same boat bro, blown up 3 times in kandahar, received no medical attention in theater and found out 7 years later that I've been operating on two poorly healed hip fractures, no use for surgery now, just a sweet limp
Ray, thanks for your service and for sharing your story . The injury and healing process sucks, but clearly you are strong hearted. Mad respect! I truly enjoy your videos and too see the pure joy on your face when you play. I suffered a severe injury to my right thumb and wrist and went thru reconstructive surgery and therapy. I stopped playing guitar for almost 20 years because of the nerve damage. Anyway I started playing again about 6 months ago and feel whole again. Thanks for the inspiration. And sorry the comment is so long. Lol
Thanks for sharing your story. It is truly inspirational and can help to other people that are going through different struggles in life. I wish you can get as good as possible and stay healthy. I send you my support. You have a great channel, and come across as very honest person and a great guy. Keep on rocking!
Yo dude i love that you have such a heart felt and good attitude. Thanks for making this video you seem like a really great human being.Its amazing what the love for music can do.
what a beast dude
Rudy!
Thanks buddy
A true inspiration, friend, and someone I am glad I bumped into on this crazy unexplainable platform. You deserve all the best, and more. Love you dude!
Y’all in a band together would be pretty neat
Yes
Oh shit what up AJ
Did not expect to see you here! I hate AJ Good
Was it during training?
I myself am a disabled Army vet, I want to thank you for your story, it helps me to realize my injuries should not limit me.
Was it during training?
As a fellow disabled veteran you have nothing to be ashamed of. You served your country and did your job and got hurt doing that job. Non of us disabled veterans like having to tell anyone that we are disabled and then having to explain what happened to us no matter how we ended up getting hurt. My response most of the time is I don't like talking about it and I leave it at that because I actually don't like talking about it.
Hey my dude, as a fellow disabled veteran, it's really inspiring to hear your story. Thank you for all the videos. They definitely go a long way into making my day better
RELENTLESS & RESILIENT!
im the Daughter of two Soldiers and have had to witness my family and ex partner deal with life past the military, injuries, ptsd and facing life after wars. Its heartbreaking to have to watch those you love try to figure their way back into being a Civilian sometimes completely distroyed and lost.
I commend your strength and drive to keep living and facing your reality and fighting to make your way through it with you head up... F*cking Relentless, F*cking Resilient, F*cking Inspiring, F*cking Gangster.
Thank you for your servic Im a new, but huge fan of what you're doing.
Sometimes being completely destroyed is what it takes for us to find who we really are and what we're capable of...even when we think we have nothing left, we have so much left; we have the beginning of our next chapter. Blessed be
Hey, you may have hit the ground hard, but you got up harder and now you're an animal on the guitar and on RUclips. Chin up man, you'll get what you deserve soon.
Love ya’ Ray! Stay Metal!!!🤘
-USMC
E-4
1999-2003 🇺🇸
Hey man. I'm a fellow veteran from Denmark. Got my injuries in Afghanistan in 2008. Guitar and music got me threw some tough times as well. Respect from me to you. Love the channel and keep it going 🙏 🇱🇷🇩🇰
dude i love the denmark army long life to the frogcorps
Thank you for your service as American disabled vet it is appreciated!
@@JacksonPlant Your stupid polticians got him into this mess in the first place. Bush to he specific. He made yo the weapons of mass destruction nonsense that turned into a 20 year war in the Middle East for nothing. Wasted tax dollars and lives.
Hell yeah Ray. USMC infantry vet here, and guitarist, and "disabled". Proud of you, and love the uploads and positivity
@@zakklee2556 ❤️🔥💙🌺🎸🌟🎸🌺💙❤️🔥
It’s often not visible from the outside, dude. I’m disabled by a chronic disease to my pancreas. Started in my teens, got through college, worked as a programmer for years while in constant chronic pain and having constant diarrhoea 5 to 6 times a day. Finally around my 30th birthday I broke down, spent months in the hospital multiple times a year for the next 5 years. And still to this day. But never did I ever look like I was anything but a healthy, young professional, building a career and a family. Now I’m fully disabled. Spend more than half my days lying down, on fentanyl and oxycodone to even be able to do anything at all. And still people look at me like I’m lying when I tell them. But reality is reality. We’re just people dealt a bad hand. I’m just glad music is here to help us get through all of it. Keep on keeping on! ❤️
Your positivity is infectious. Stay metal!
Brother, I'm also Disabled Veteran and on June 11, 2008 I also injured myself from the back of a LMTV. I was at Ft. Polk and during Combat Training, we kept doing Full Battle Rattle Dismounts. I disrupted my entire right knee, fracture knee cap in half, fractured my ankle. I also tore my Left knee ACL and Meniscus. I've had several surgeries. Thank you for your Service and I hope I get to meet you May 19, 2022 Austin Texas.I bought concert tickets just to go see Concrete Dream!! May God Bless you and band mates Brother!!
.
Hell yeah man. I was a Marine infantry rifleman, always a guitar player. You’re the real deal \m/ \m/
No need to try and downplay your injuries. You were hurt as a result of being their willing to serve your country. You are a hero and have my respect.
I am retired Navy and am 100% ft disabled. And I understand what you are talking about I fell at sea while carrying about 50 lbs landing on my shoulder and back. Destroyed my shoulder and ruptured 3 disks and fractured spine.I had 5 surgeries on shoulder, back surgery. But I agree I’m no hero but was able to fight thru and retired. I am a guitarist also and would love to be pro but too many problems with meds. Keep it up, thank you for your service oh you are a hero! We did something only 10% of people do. Keep it up! Blessings.
The only way of letting things go is talking about it.
I know you don’t but we can help if you need it buddy.
Keep up the good work.
Abrazo Mexicano!!!!!
🤘🏻🇲🇽🤘🏻🇲🇽🤘🏻🇲🇽🤘🏻
no way you could possibly dislike this dude, what an amazing channel 🤟
His positive attitude is infectious!
Man, fuck that label. What you are is a metalhead, guitarist, and just a cool dude. Your identity isn't what you've done in the past, but what you continue to do. Respect my man.
Thanks for sharing. I too am a disabled veteran. I served as a MP and MWD handler from 97-05. I blew out my back and suffer from chronic pain. Like you I find the positive out of being disabled. I get to stay home and raise my youngest son without missing things due to work. Keep up the good fight brotha.
Ray, I commend you for your honest and open voice. I too am a DV. However, I waited over 10 years to do anything about it. I dealt with mental issues from combat deployment and I guess was too proud to do anything about it. I felt that there were people worse off than me because I was able to live a regular life (on the outside).
Your physical limitations severely played a toll on your everyday life. You deserve every bit of compensation for what your signed up for (like the rest of us).
Bravo!
I totally get your perspective on everything. Stage 4 brain cancer survivor here. I played and sang live until my last live show on January 25th 2008. I passed out at work 6 days after my 28th birthday on February 5th 2008, cancer free since December 31st 2008. Didn't touch a guitar again for almost 12 years. I know have an eye patch over my left eye, my legs sort of work but I'm in a wheelchair ( I can stand with something to hold onto or walk with a chest high walker). My speech is a little unclear & I can't sing. I exercise for about an hour every morning & I live on disability. I'm now 41, my wife works full time. I don't like to call myself disabled. Surviving cancer wasn't bad for me, it was bad for everyone else. Now I have to & enjoy exercising 5 days a week. For the rest of those days I play guitar after I do what's needed around the house.
Hey Xander, I pray that you & your family are all doing well this morning. I wanted to thank you for your story. Your guitar 🎸 playing is absolutely sick & imo I believe that it's a blessing for you & to all of us who get to hear it. I Praise the Lord Jesus that you're doing well. I completely understand chronic pain. I was hit by a car walking across the street back in 2016. And the pain was bad & I could still walk even though I was hunched over. A lot of my pain was in my back. But I was healed from that pain. And the during lockdown my left hip started to bother me. And then it got to the point where I couldn't walk without excruciating pain. So fast forward to 2021 & I started to use a cane to help me walk. And then I started going to an orthopedic doctor/ surgeon. And he started me on cortisone shots & I get 2 shots. I've been getting them for about 2 years now & my orthopedic doctor said that he won't do surgery on me bcuz #1 I'm too young I'm 46 years old & #2 I weigh too much. I used to be 400lbs. But I've lost 200lbs Praise the Lord Jesus. Oh dude my bad when I lost all the weight was when the pain in my left hip started. I've always thought that when you lose weight it helps you & your muscles & bones bcuz the amount of pressure that you put on your body is lessend when there's less weight.....but idk! I'm so sorry that you got hurt so bad & I can't believe that you walked around like that for a year!! You're like me, my husband kept telling me to go to the doctor & get checked out. But i kept saying "No I'm fine!" Ummmm..no i was an absolute mess!! And even though I get the shots I've still got loads of pain. And I think that it's getting worse. I found you from the Riff shorts. Dude like I said your guitar playing is so sick. Do you feel pain when you're playing? And did you get migraines with the pain in your neck? Thank you for sharing your story Xander. I'm praying for you & your family. Have a Blessed & Beautiful day in Jesus name I pray, Amen! P.S. have you heard of a an awesome band called Reformed? They're bonkers I think you might like em! They've got videos here on the yt. P. S. S the Lord Jesus does things for a reason & that's why I said that I truly believe that your injury became a blessing to you. And that your guitar is a blessing as well!!
I never served in the military, but I do know what that defeated feeling can be like. My place of work was held up when I was 19 and I had a gun held to my head on the ground, face down. It happened to so fast that I didn’t think about it after the initial shock. 6 months later at a new job, instarted suffering from panic attacks, tunnel vision, and palpitations. Turns out I was experiencing PTSD from the incident that’s forever changed my life.
It took a long time to break the torment cycle and years of anxiety to learn how to properly deal with it and air out my frustrations about that situation, and I’m now at a point where I’m really happy.
Being a guitar player is a direct extension to me and it’s ultimately my voice. I’m not sure how I’d be without it.
Perfect timing today! Just about to start busting out some house chores. The Boogz is sleeping. Looks like its time to chill with Brotha Ray! Excited to hear this Story! :)
I’m always amazed at thrill seekers - motorcycle racers - surfers - skiers -
Chronic pain - that’s a tough tough thing. You got great stamina.
Hope your doing well man. I turned 31 this year and was injured at 25 as well in a very similar situation that left me with a broken back and a destroyed right shoulder both needing fairly major surgery and am now classified as “disabled”. Just wanted to say hope your doing well and you’ve given me inspiration today not to let my injuries and the legacy of them effect me too much and to keep it going.
It says a lot about your character turning a bad situation into something positive...fight the good fight my brother!!!!
Ray, I know you are being humble, but in my opinion, you men and women who serve are all absolutely bad asses. Even if you don’t feel like you were, you were.
I never knew this story. Is this the first that you’ve shared it?? Sorry all those injuries happened. It puts a whole new perspective on that smile you have when you are playing in your videos!
Your attitude of making the most of what you have been through is probably a big piece of how you get to play guitar for a living.
Props man, props.
Thank you so much
@@xanderraymondcharles Thank you too!!!
11 year blue cord here. It’s nice to see a fellow DV that made it. Keep up the good work.
Lots of respect for you. I was an artillery officer in the Canadian military. I was injured in a training exercise, I'm not considered disabled but it ended my career.
Whatever dude, anybody with the stones to join the army (any Military) is a hero in my book, Glad you have such a positive outlook, wouldn't expect anything less from you.
Bro you are inspirational. You've shown how metal you are. And have shown your metal of getting through the military, your accident, your surgeries, and the rehab and building back your body. You live up to your name STAY METAL RAY. MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT BROTHER.
Thank you for your service brother. I am a veteran of The Canadian Forces myself.
No reason to be embarrassed or ashamed man.....I got multiple deployments and I got my rating from a PAO clerk running over my foot with a HMMWV while parking on the line in the motor pool without a ground guide.....shit happens and you still did your part.
Thank you for sharing your story, Ray! Nothing's better than doing what you love as a job! 🤘
Bro the fact that all that happened and you just went on for a year is insane. But I know you're not a hero but to someone who wanted to join the military but wasn't sound enough to like you are inspirational. You did your job got hurt and still keep moving forward.
First off that shirt rules! Second, thanks for taking time to share your story with us. Anything. Big or small can be an inspiration to anyone, and though your humbleness will make you say or think otherwise this is very inspiring! So fun to watch your dreams come true friend!!!
You put yourself in harms way for your country. Regardless of how you were injured you are and always will be a heroic disabled veteran. Thank you for your service.🤘🏻
Damn dude, sounds rough. Didn't realize your injuries were that extensive. Looks like you work/worked really hard to get your physical capabilities back...good stuff...
I like you even more, now! 🤣
From a fellow veteran, keep on kicking ass! 🤘
Damn it, Ray. My boyfriend has been following your channel for years, and as a girl in a wheelchair, I've been wishy-washy about your channel until this post. I've been listening to your channel for a while, learning and taking in stuff, as any devoted girl might do, but THIS video... alright man, I'm a fan. Love from Baltimore.
Keep Rockin Ray, God Bless
bein exactly in your same situation i totally understand how you feel. it's also an extremely hard thing to deal with, being perfectly normal in other peoples's eyes while at the same time feeling chronic pain, makes you feel like you kinda have to suck it up or justify yourself for how you feel
First & foremost, thank you for your service to our country. Secondly, the fact that you went through what you did & are such a great guitarist is absolutely amazing!!! Thirdly, just because you’re a disabled veteran it doesn’t make you who you are. You’re much more than that. Keep doing what you do & don’t allow your past to define who you are today. We all have our history. I’m a believer that our present & our future defines who we are, not our past. Thank you for sharing your story. 🤘🏻✌🏻 be well brother!
In can relate man, I'm a disabled vet myself. Not proud of it and wish I didn't have to have that awkward stigma. But it helps me survive and afford my rent and do what I want to do. Thanks for your transparency.
Need more like you MAN!!
Dude, you have been through a big ordeal with all your physical illments. That makes it even more impressive to see your positivity despite it all! You are a lighthouse of positivity in a chaotic world, touching alot of people with your sincere being. Keep at it man, greetings from Norway 🤟😎
your an inspiration man and i just want to say there's no such thing as luck. everything happened exactly how it was supposed to. and guess what? there's more to come man! thanks for your service and keep making the right choices homie.🤘
Not everyone likes to hear thank you for your service, so I'll say this, you stepped up for your country and your took pride in your role in the military and for that thanks my man. I'm glad you found a positive construct with what life threw you. I myself am a very late starter to guitar in life, you've definitely been part of some of the channels that inspired me to pick up and play. Keep making that sweet content my man!
New sub. 🤗
Thank You kindly for serving our Country.
My Dad was a Marine in Vietnam. He passed in 1996.
SEMPER FI 🪖🇺🇸🌴🐊😎
I saw you were about to say " disability pension," but held back. I know the feeling. I'm a medically retired police officer on "total permanent disability pension". I can type that but can't say it aloud. I am embarrassed by it.....not sure why yet. Yet to move..still in a state of limbo. Using music to get through it. Your story and will made me sign up as a patreon a while back. Thanks man.🤘
You’re the raddest, dude! Love watching these 🖤
Thanks for being my friend
@@xanderraymondcharles Right back at you brotha
Thank you for your service! Much respect from Downingtown PA!🤘You Rock Ray!
I am also a disabled 13B trying to get my shit together. This is a badass video. I feel the exact same the worst best thing to ever happen to me was getting hurt.
Big respect to you sir for keeping yourself going and always keeping the head up. Dealing with a few issues of my own and to be honest it's guitar that keeps me going. Loved the channel and glad I found it way back when
you are a true legend, please never stop making videos
The guts it'd take to go and take a chance on that career and by virtue of wanting to help/protect, you are a hero within right dood! Keep on keeping on and doing what you're doing :D
Big love from the UK man
Hi I'm Eric Hanson and I'm a disable Vet as will. Nine years I served. I'm 45 and 4 years ago I picked up the guitar. I'm not great but I love playing and if you wanna see me jam u can on MOX NIX 76. I play with 65 year old man and a 16 year old young man. Anyhow I hust wanna to say thanks for sharing your story Brother.
Hey Man dig your channel. I’m former Army and Guitar player myself, thanks for serving, Peace
Thank you for your service young man.
Thank you for your service & BZ on the channel!
I hear you man, I was LAPD for a long time. I got hurt a couple times as well. Keep going, what other choice do we have? It’s been 40 years ago now, and I am still going strong. Good job
Many people don't understand how hard you fall from 8'+ . I was an HVAC mechanic, and was working on a building, about to climb down from the roof on the ladder at the side of the building. The ladder anchors were loose and broke out of the wall, I fell 18' straight down to my feet, with my arms catching the cage around the ladder on the way down. I hit the ground and broke both ankles, fractured a foot, messed up a knee, and tore muscles in my arms and shoulders when they caught the cage, which will never heal fully. That was my last day on the job 7 years ago. I received 2 weeks pay, and no compensation, as I ran out of money fighting it in court. The property company ended up having to pay a small fine. Nice
That’s fantastic, man, I’m super impressed and proud of how far you’ve come on your journey.. I honestly had no idea that you were a veteran but major kudos for doing that, that’s definitely impressive
I know you said you aren’t a hero but, brother you are to me! You served your country and served for us all. Then kept going even being injured as you were. I want to say thank you for your service and you are a HERO!!!
Your a very inspiring man! I've been disabled since birth, and guitars have always gotten me through hard times. I'm so glad you have found your calling after everything you've been through. Keep rocking Ray and keep being the positive man you are🤘🎸🙏
Damn dude! Watch that first step. It’s a doozy! Don’t mean to make light of it. But I know about major injuries and having to learn a whole new way of doing everyday things differently than before. But hey, we’re still here and doing what we love. Life’s too short to feel sorry for ourselves. Keep going forward! And thank you thank you thank you for your service!
That year that u dealt with the pain was the worst thing u did….it heeled without being fixed which I’m sure made the real recovery that much harder. I’m glad you are ok now man and like I’ve said in the past, thank u for your sacrifice to this great country that is sooo under appreciated today. If u ever need another career u let me know brother, I’m right over the Walt Whitman and I’ll gladly get u a union book.
TY TY OLA for recommending this channel, love your playing and pure enthusiasm over metal and music and gear. Grab a pull and hang on dude..
My older brother is in the navy and 2 best friends (who are brothers) are in the army so im always praying that nothing bad happens to them
You are the nicest dude on youtube.
Glad you are here.
I'm not disabled in any way but I have to take an ungodly amount of medication for chronic pain. Can't even begin to fathom what this must have been/ is like for you. Wish you all the best brother. \m/
Thank you for your service and thank you for creating this channel. You have inspired me to take control of my physical and mental well being. Even tho I've only been at it for 3 months, this is best I have ever felt in my entire 38 years. Stay Metal.
It’s my dream to have what you have. I bet a lot of people dream of that too. How amazing to work from home, and do what you love. That’s the ultimate dream isn’t it. To provide for your family, be with them more, and not be depressed 13 hours a day doing a job you don’t love. Maybe someday I’ll have what you have, it’s inspiring to me and gives me hope.
It’s so hard to find the time, and energy to make videos like you do. So I give you immense credit. Keep it up buddy.
Two Thumbs up young man. Thank you for your service… USA 🇺🇸 Also, thanks to your recent video on the EVH iconic, you convinced me the haters out there don’t do it justice…I have the 80w ivory head arriving tomorrow(August 20,2022) via UPS from musicians friends and the 412 ivory matching cabinet just arrived today via FedEx that I ordered from Zzounds to go into my collection of 16 amps including my EVH 5150-3 EL34 with matching 212 cabinet.
I would never think of you as disabled, even after hearing your story. Thank you for your service and all of your content. Keep rocking out and showing us all the kick ass toys!
Understand not wearing the "disabled vet" as a badge. Had a brother try to give me a disabled vet sticker for my car.. Sorry not a badge of honor for me lol AWESOME and thank you for sharing brother🤘🏼🇺🇸
You fucking rule! Thank you for your service and stay metal!
Thank you for your services stay metal ray.
It’s so nice to see you living your dream dude. I subscribed like back in March 2020 I think and this has been one of my favorite RUclips channels since and I don’t even play guitar
Had two hip surgeries while I was in, I understand the frustration of not being even able to do simple things. My best friend who is practically my brother had to help me get dressed and put on and take off my shoes for a while. I don’t like saying “disabled” either cuz like I know so many people have it bad. Like I don’t feel I have it bad. I just found your channel, I’m currently out and doing IMO some cool things with my band as well. Thankful for your videos man.
You are a veteran & a hero. Be extremely proud of that! You gave something that is hard for most to sacrifice, which is your life to protect mine, & this great country. I'm glad you are here to talk about it, & I feel bad that you were injured. NEVER be ashamed about that. It could have just as easily been a IED or something. Thank you & rock on bro!!!!!!!
Thank you for your service brother. I’m a Navy veteran (disabled) and guitarist. Keep rocking and stay safe.
Hey brother, I'm a disabled vet also. What you're feeling is normal. Being disabled at a young age is horrible on the psyche. I avoid telling people my story because I wasn't shot or blown up so I feel like my disability isn't as valid. Either way, I've taken up guitar and an trying to use it as therapy. So far so good. I'd love to be stage worthy one day but at 45 years old, time is against me.
Such an awesome dude on RUclips. Thank you for your service.
Thank you so much 🙌🙌🙌
THANK YOU for your service ray. 🇺🇸
Hey Bro.... I don't always say this. As much as I probably should..
But
Thank You for Your Service.
And Stay Metal
Thank you for sharing. You have been through hell and back, and have come through on the otherside. Cheers
Metal head myself, I do vocals mainly but also play guitar Your story is an inspiration
Thanks for sharing your story my friend.. turned a shitty situation and hard times into a positive passionate creative force.. keep on keeping on...
Also nice Deftones shirt ..
Thanks for opening up. A true inspiration 🤘
You voluntarily enlisted, completed basic and then got deployed. You served this county as many other couldn’t or wouldn’t. You are a disable veteran and thank you for your service. Stay metal!
Thank you for sharing this. Your an inspiration to us all man! Keep enjoying life and being true to yourself. Keep rocking. Cheers.
Fellow arty! 13f here, but same boat bro, blown up 3 times in kandahar, received no medical attention in theater and found out 7 years later that I've been operating on two poorly healed hip fractures, no use for surgery now, just a sweet limp
Ray, thanks for your service and for sharing your story . The injury and healing process sucks, but clearly you are strong hearted. Mad respect! I truly enjoy your videos and too see the pure joy on your face when you play. I suffered a severe injury to my right thumb and wrist and went thru reconstructive surgery and therapy. I stopped playing guitar for almost 20 years because of the nerve damage. Anyway I started playing again about 6 months ago and feel whole again. Thanks for the inspiration. And sorry the comment is so long. Lol
Thanks for sharing your story. It is truly inspirational and can help to other people that are going through different struggles in life.
I wish you can get as good as possible and stay healthy. I send you my support.
You have a great channel, and come across as very honest person and a great guy. Keep on rocking!
Yo dude i love that you have such a heart felt and good attitude. Thanks for making this video you seem like a really great human being.Its amazing what the love for music can do.
Thank you for your service.
damn injuries suck! Glad you came out the other end! \m/