2026 FIELD BRIEFINGS ARCHIVE

Acclaimed documentary photographer and project leader Joshua Brewer, PMP joined us 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—documenting these powerful journeys of brotherhood, resilience, and musical restoration for lasting 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. Megan brings a heartfelt acoustic sound to Queenslake 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.

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 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.