The holidays are a tough time for the thousands of military families with a deployed loved one. A celebration that’s meant to be special can feel hollow when a parent or spouse isn’t there to spend it with.

Eight years ago, a Marine walked over and handed me a paper cup of coffee. I can still recall its hot, strong, bitterly beautiful taste and aroma in that cold California desert morning before a unit of soldiers and Marines commenced training.

When you join the Army, you get to put down your top three “dream stations” for their consideration. Most of the time, your first duty station won’t be on that list. However, as you advance through your Army career, you might have more of a say in where you get located.

Music from the soldier’s point of view is an outlet for us to connect and cope with the destructive aspects of war.