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John Preston Trades Rifle for Guitar


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johnpreston.jpgAfter an honorable discharge in September, Marine Corporal John C. Preston walked back into civilian life forever changed by eight months of active duty in Iraq. But rather than battle scars, it was Preston's lifelong passion for songwriting and singing that brought about the change: Preston went into the Marines four years ago with his patriotism and his favorite guitar. He came out with the same patriotism, that same old guitar, a new Web site (http://www.JohnPreston.us) - and a two-year, two-album recording contract with San Diego indie record label Real 2 Reel Records.

The offer from Real 2 Reel came after Preston and buddy Lance Cpl. Nick Hoffmann recorded a video of "Good, Good America," a song Preston wrote after hearing the phrase chanted over and over by a group of Iraqi girls as his unit opened a new school. The video, made with borrowed cameras and depicting images of the war in Iraq interspersed with Preston performing the song acoustically, became an overnight hit among the troops. A friend put up the web site, complete with the original video, and word of "Good, Good America" quickly began to spread, first through the soldiers' friends and families, and then throughout the media.

Preston had a hit on his hands, but "Good, Good America" was just one of 120 songs the 22-year-old has written. He wanted to get his songs heard, but more importantly, he wanted to get his message - that the news isn't all bad and our troops are doing good things for communities throughout Iraq - heard on a broad scale. The success of "Good, Good America" was a start, but Preston knew most Americans had no idea that many military units were there to rebuild Iraq's hospitals, schools, playgrounds, and hopes.

Read entire story here.

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Before anyone thinks that I chose a bad pic I'll point out that it's straight off the guy's site. It doesn't get much better. This is his schtick.

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