The latest episode of Soldier Songs and Voices on CHW Streaming Radio on Thursday night at 7 PM CST, features a powerful and moving conversation with Jules Vaquera, a Veteran whose life story embodies resilience, transformation, and the healing power of music.
Jules grew up in a small town in Oklahoma, a place that she describes as “nowheresville,” where the most exciting thing was its location on Route 66. But her journey took her far beyond the confines of Chelsea, Oklahoma, to the Air Force and eventually to a life in San Antonio, Texas.
Throughout the episode, Jules opens up about her childhood, her family dynamics, and the challenges she faced growing up. Her story is one of survival, making tough decisions, and finding her own path despite the many obstacles that stood in her way.
As we listen to Jules recount her experiences in the military, including her time at Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq, we can’t help but be moved by her honesty and vulnerability. She speaks candidly about the moral injury she suffered, the struggles with PTSD, and the long road to forgiveness – a road that she is still traveling.
But Jules’s story is not just about the hardships. It’s also about the incredible power of music to heal and transform. Through her involvement with Soldier Songs and Voices, Jules found a way to process her trauma, to find her voice, and to connect with others who share similar experiences. The program changed her life, and now she’s changing the lives of others through her activism and her music.
Jules’s activism extends beyond veteran issues. She is a passionate advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, and ending war. Her current project, a riot grrrl punk band called The Guillotine, is a testament to her commitment to fighting for a better world.
This episode is more than just an interview; it’s a journey through the life of a person who has faced darkness and found a way to light. Jules’s story is a reminder that no matter where we come from or what we’ve been through, there is always a chance for redemption and growth.
So, whether you’re a veteran, a music lover, or someone who believes in the power of change, this episode is for you. Tune in, be inspired, and remember that your voice matters, too.
Listen to the full episode of Soldier Songs and Voices featuring Jules Vaquera, and be prepared to be moved by her courage, her music, and her heart.
