FROM A DISABLED VETERAN TO A PROFESSIONAL GUITARIST!

In this video, I tell you all my story of how I have gone from being just a disabled veteran, to now living my dream job!
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[@RudyAyoub]

what a beast dude

[@hathaway.1166]

Rudy!

[@xanderraymondcharles]

Thanks buddy

[@TheHouseOfMasks]

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!

[@Mighty_Mandibles]

Y’all in a band together would be pretty neat

[@brodstern534]

Yes

[@DystopianApocalypse]

Oh shit what up AJ

[@michaelnugent9758]

Did not expect to see you here! I hate AJ Good

[@crawdaddycruff9876]

Was it during training?

[@samkupper]

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.

[@crawdaddycruff9876]

Was it during training?

[@Rocktalk101]

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.

[@pocketsand1775]

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

[@Xiana424]

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

[@miata_matt4279]

Hell yeah Ray. USMC infantry vet here, and guitarist, and "disabled". Proud of you, and love the uploads and positivity

[@lilian896]

@@zakklee2556 ❤️‍🔥💙🌺🎸🌟🎸🌺💙❤️‍🔥

[@cheezy8492]

Hey, you may have hit the ground hard, but you got up harder and now you're an animal on the guitar and on KZbin. Chin up man, you'll get what you deserve soon.

[@CoenBijpost]

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! ❤️

[@Hillgaard84]

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 🙏 🇱🇷🇩🇰

[@fuckmylife4403]

dude i love the denmark army long life to the frogcorps

[@JacksonPlant]

Thank you for your service as American disabled vet it is appreciated!

[@chrisking6695]

@@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.

[@jacksonrich6398]

Love ya’ Ray! Stay Metal!!!🤘 -USMC E-4 1999-2003 🇺🇸

[@MrTreylor]

Your positivity is infectious. Stay metal!

[@OdinAllFather77]

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!!!!! 🤘🏻🇲🇽🤘🏻🇲🇽🤘🏻🇲🇽🤘🏻

[@daniejw]

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!

[@lewisderfuss7537]

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.

[@RedDed228]

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.

[@brandynosborn3374]

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! :)

[@metalfreak4791]

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!! .

[@guigui_plays_guitar]

no way you could possibly dislike this dude, what an amazing channel 🤟

[@Afurthyclays]

His positive attitude is infectious!

[@jactrich]

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.

[@dave_oh_dude]

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...

[@qwasz123123]

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.

[@dwalks637]

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.🤘

[@jasonlindholm5938]

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.

[@Breaker197]

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.

[@Rockefeller1]

Thank you for sharing your story, Ray! Nothing's better than doing what you love as a job! 🤘

[@Whittystyle]

I was in the same boat. Served for 7 years. Got hurt doing dumb Army shit. Got out. Now I am living out a better life. Thanks for your service. I feel the same about the DV thing. Most of us don't like the recognition it brings. Not worthy. Well, we all gave some I. Guess. Keep rocking bro. Love your videos.

[@gtodad7311]

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.

[@Nickivonte]

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!!!

[@seagullpoet]

I’m always amazed at thrill seekers - motorcycle racers - surfers - skiers - Chronic pain - that’s a tough tough thing. You got great stamina.

[@legaloutlaw777]

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/

[@benjaminries6346]

Hell yeah man. I was a Marine infantry rifleman, always a guitar player. You’re the real deal \m/ \m/

[@JacksonPlant]

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.

[@circlesofficialmusic]

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!

[@Canadianwheelchairguitar]

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.

[@rodreyes8436]

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.

[@xanderraymondcharles]

Thank you so much

[@rodreyes8436]

@@xanderraymondcharles Thank you too!!!

[@harshtruth9148]

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.

[@foodiemadness]

Keep Rockin Ray, God Bless

[@murderbymedia]

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.🤘🏻

[@andreasfromnorway5577]

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 🤟😎

[@MrJingles021]

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.

[@draleigh8881]

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.🤘

[@thisguy2973]

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.

[@taylorlilly9409]

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

[@mpm5150eruption]

11 year blue cord here. It’s nice to see a fellow DV that made it. Keep up the good work.

[@grinch96ek]

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!

[@bilisullivent6694]

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.

[@sugarassassin]

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.

[@scottiscott4948]

Thank you for your service brother. I am a veteran of The Canadian Forces myself.

[@marthablessedandsanctified]

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!!

[@bigt6889]

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

[@Tiag_90]

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

[@GreigSills]

Was great hearing your story Ray. It’s super motivating as I’m trying to grow my channel and if you can do it with all those obstacles then I’m sure I can make a go of it. Keep up the awesome work!

[@Cougar139tweak]

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.

[@eddiejr540]

It says a lot about your character turning a bad situation into something positive...fight the good fight my brother!!!!

[@Afurthyclays]

I like you even more, now! 🤣 From a fellow veteran, keep on kicking ass! 🤘

[@davidtaylor813]

Thank you for your service and your story! Stay metal Ray!

[@andrewpappas9311]

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

[@AnthonyLeuzziJr]

Major respect dude and great video as always! Definitely show’s people to never give up and make the best out of any situation! Keep it up 🤘

[@GenerationDown]

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.

[@thatguyreiji1045]

This was an awesome story man...Great to know you on such a personal level... Eventhough its just over a screen...Keep at it man...Much love💪🏾

[@yourmother7504]

I love your channel man, keep doing what u do

[@kauko8124]

Thanks for sharing! Really like your channel! Stay metal!

[@bradywolszczenski5292]

You inspire me every day ray, thank you !

[@kevinthompson810]

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.

[@zacherndon9521]

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.

[@ogillmind6500]

Thank you for sharing your story Ray, you are an inspiration to us all. Also thank you for your service, you are a hero in my eyes brotha. Stay Metal ✌

[@JohnnySideburnsX]

Great story! Stay up and stay metal.

[@jordy2x_]

Literally the video I was asking for. Thank you Ray. Keep it up.

[@sheriewart8100]

Thanks for sharing Ray, all the best and keep it going with the content

[@brownsfan7753]

Totally appreciate your service!! Love your channel!!

[@zackamodeo-thomson8010]

Your an inspiration bro. Stay metal love your content as a fellow guitar player and lover of music

[@Zumies546]

Thanks for sharing Ray, glad to hear you're doing well and making the most of the cards you were dealt. I'm excited to see where you take this channel.

[@edwardsmith9801]

I'm glad you're feeling better & glad I found your channel. You're very inspiring & always up beat. Thanks for all the great content man, you rock Ray.

[@greythoundsounds9445]

Appreciate the story and the honesty. Love the channel. Stay metal, brother

[@linadecaseleycarloss5838]

You are a true inspiration dude!!!

[@petebrown3715]

Thanks for sharing that story Ray. Really inspirational. Hang in there brother it can and will get better.

[@perrygoround]

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!

[@kenjishin7]

Hey Ray, liked your channel from the start, but these past videos are great, you opening up to the viewers along with the vlogs and the guitar hunting, keep it going dude.

[@matthewward5813]

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!!!

[@brivington2011]

I wondered what your story was. Thanks for sharing Ray. I'm glad you were able to recover as much as you have and I wish your awesome channel the best going forward!

[@tylercarman2010]

Been watching you for a while never knew you are a vet. Thank you so much for you service! Awesome that you found this avenue of expression!

[@justincronkhite209]

Been following for awhile..have definitely seen a progression on your playing and quality of videos..keep up the good work yo!!..you are a Inspiration

[@happy_92]

Thankyou for sharing with us.

[@spencerharding5919]

Thank you for your service, your inspiring and your channel is also as well. Love being a follower. Wish you the best my good sir.

[@WallyBoots]

Thank you for sharing your story. You are an inspiration.

[@jables1able]

Huge story! Also, I love the shirt!

[@michaelwarburton6173]

You're an inspiration Ray! Keep well man!

[@heavybrett-al4082]

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🤘🎸🙏

[@PlectrumPao]

Always been curious of your experience in service, but really glad to have your here in this platform sharing your content and metal grinding smile as always.

[@axeslinger]

Thank you for sharing this. Your an inspiration to us all man! Keep enjoying life and being true to yourself. Keep rocking. Cheers.

[@ruckusfitnesd7505]

Much respect bud it takes a lot to talk about these things it took a lot for me to open up about my ASD but guitar and fitness are my therapy too and I salute you

[@imasoboredlol1]

You know, you’re the good news story I never I knew I needed. So humble and so grateful for what you have and do. Love it. Stay Classy Ray 🤟

[@BrandonDeft]

Thank You for your Service!

[@mtraccer]

Keep your head up sir! and Thank you for inspiring many of us!!!! Love you

[@rrguitar1]

Your awesome bro! Love your channel and I know you are a sincere honest human being. God has a plan for you bro!

[@ramonpresta6433]

Stay Positive Ray. I really enjoy your KZbin Channel content and your attitude is such an inspiration. Keep doing your videos and spreading the Positive Mental Attitude.

[@rickycompton2610]

Keep Killing it brother and I thank you for your Military service bro you always have a great and positive outlook on Life and it shows In every video you put out and my so glad you put out such killer content on your channel.

[@scottbrower9052]

Thank you for your service...& for this great channel 🤘

[@ScaryJerry7]

Thanks for opening up. A true inspiration 🤘