FROM A DISABLED VETERAN TO A PROFESSIONAL GUITARIST!

[@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

[@PleaseForgiveYourself]

Oh shit what up AJ

[@michaelnugent9758]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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

[@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

[@brianstiffler6935]

Need more like you MAN!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@jacksonrich6398]

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

[@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! ❤️

[@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.

[@Afurthyclays]

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

[@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.🤘

[@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.

[@MrTreylor]

Your positivity is infectious. Stay metal!

[@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!!!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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! :)

[@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.

[@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!! .

[@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.

[@johnnyrebuffatti483]

Nashville Hillbilly here, I was Desert Storm Army Mech Unit. You have changed the narrative. Ray, you changed your story and your story, your life is getting better man. Thank you for your service, your honesty and for doing this channel.

[@Rockefeller1]

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

[@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!

[@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!!!

[@cantyouhearmeknocking1961]

You are a veteran & a hero. Be extremely proud of that! You gave something that is hard for most to sacrifice, which is your life to protect mine, & this great country. I'm glad you are here to talk about it, & I feel bad that you were injured. NEVER be ashamed about that. It could have just as easily been a IED or something. Thank you & rock on bro!!!!!!!

[@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 🤟😎

[@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!!

[@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!

[@zaelvs]

Thank you for your service and thank you for creating this channel. You have inspired me to take control of my physical and mental well being. Even tho I've only been at it for 3 months, this is best I have ever felt in my entire 38 years. 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!!!!! 🤘🏻🇲🇽🤘🏻🇲🇽🤘🏻🇲🇽🤘🏻

[@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.

[@jebronlames5997]

Still not as dangerous as forgetting to say good morning to someone lol

[@gar1603]

Thank you for your service brotha! You can rip the axe, keep rockin and posting content. Congrats on your new signature guitar line, you’re obviously on track and doing something right! Much love and respect

[@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.🤘

[@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

[@guigui_plays_guitar]

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

[@Afurthyclays]

His positive attitude is infectious!

[@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.🤘🏻

[@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.

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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🤘🎸🙏

[@Lopsiders]

Brother, really sorry for the injury, you served your country, glad you shared your story, wanna say thank you for your service and I have the utmost respect for you, Thank you and God bless you.

[@Lopsiders]

Oh yeah, you're a awesome guitar player 👌

[@joshavery1829]

You voluntarily enlisted, completed basic and then got deployed. You served this county as many other couldn’t or wouldn’t. You are a disable veteran and thank you for your service. Stay metal!

[@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

[@bobbilowery2975]

I'm not sure how I found your channel but I'm glad I did!!! Thank you so much for your service!!! I look forward to more videos from you!

[@Crowbar11115]

Been with ya since waaaaay back when the (plugin that shall not be named) fiasco happened. Haha. I LOVE your story and your resilience and your positivity. When I first saw your videos I simply thought "man...this guy has a solid moral compass and integrity". I had no clue what your full story was. Over the last couple years, this channel has been one of my absolute favorite things about KZbin in general. Seeing a person literally growing before my eyes, advancing their life and their skills, finding their niche, finding a sense of community, being creative, being humble, being a real force unto themselves. When you got that Jim Root interview I was cheering you on so much, Man. This channel has been non-stop growth for you and you have EARNED every single Subscriber and every positive comment! Thanks for doing what you do!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@darthdurf9611]

I'm glad ya told this story, 1 because I'm a CPP for 25 yrs, and my best friend has the same injury, and is facing similar surgery....hes ultimately afraid to loose his mobility, this will show him he wont...and I figured from watching you for a while, you were also a CPP....GOD BLESS...feel free to dm if you ever need help dealing with chronic pain and I know from vast experience, mentally it's worse than the physical pain....ive been to the bottom of some bad barrels....much love, even tho you a Philly boy, I'm a Pittsburgh kid, 3 cups, since Philly won one, and a few Lombardi, altho you guys finally won one😆😆....seriously, good on you 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.

[@PaulSter]

First - Thank you for your service and for your sacrifice. Second - Your positive and joyous disposition is inspiring and entertaining! Thanks man!

[@jimfischer5670]

I would never think of you as disabled, even after hearing your story. Thank you for your service and all of your content. Keep rocking out and showing us all the kick ass toys!

[@mikeleeannreactz9029]

Same here bro! I’m also a disabled vet(also my right shoulder.. two surgeries and a hernia surgery all 3 in 2 years. I was also planning on staying in the army as a lifer. But I’ve been out now for 7 years and very thankful for the life I have now… it was truly a blessing in disguise. I have an amazing wife and adorable son.. and I to deal with ptsd, chronic pain etc…. Much love and respect bro

[@foodiemadness]

Keep Rockin Ray, God Bless

[@K707OR30]

Just found your channel recently and glad I watched this. You have a good outlook on life, you’re super humble and like others have said your videos are like we’re just bs’ing with a friend. Keep doing your thing man.

[@leemcmann4467]

Ray, thanks for your service and for sharing your story . The injury and healing process sucks, but clearly you are strong hearted. Mad respect! I truly enjoy your videos and too see the pure joy on your face when you play. I suffered a severe injury to my right thumb and wrist and went thru reconstructive surgery and therapy. I stopped playing guitar for almost 20 years because of the nerve damage. Anyway I started playing again about 6 months ago and feel whole again. Thanks for the inspiration. And sorry the comment is so long. Lol

[@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 🤘

[@AljonGo]

Respect and thank you for your service. I was fortunate to have played in a band that did several USO/AFE tours pre and post 9/11. Our troops were the best fans I have ever had a privilege to perform for.

[@josephreynolds4899]

Two Thumbs up young man. Thank you for your service… USA 🇺🇸 Also, thanks to your recent video on the EVH iconic, you convinced me the haters out there don’t do it justice…I have the 80w ivory head arriving tomorrow(August 20,2022) via UPS from musicians friends and the 412 ivory matching cabinet just arrived today via FedEx that I ordered from Zzounds to go into my collection of 16 amps including my EVH 5150-3 EL34 with matching 212 cabinet.

[@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.

[@evol1349]

TY TY OLA for recommending this channel, love your playing and pure enthusiasm over metal and music and gear. Grab a pull and hang on dude..

[@benjaminries6346]

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

[@terexasa]

Thank you for your service brother. I’m a Navy veteran (disabled) and guitarist. Keep rocking and stay safe.

[@1flexfit]

Yo dude i love that you have such a heart felt and good attitude. Thanks for making this video you seem like a really great human being.Its amazing what the love for music can do.

[@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!

[@stevengoodman3498]

Thanks Ray for telling us your very personal story. I am a longtime subscriber to your channel and it's always nice to see your awesome guitar playing skills. Your positive attitude and never ending smile is truly amazing. An inspiration to us all. Stay Metal, Ray!

[@vjenkins6815]

Dude, I have to honestly say that you're an inspiring character. You served your country and you're a gifted, extremely talented artist/musician. Please, please, continue your journey and keep rocking. 🤘🏻🎸🤘🏻🎸🤘🏻

[@kevinkerekes]

Dude, so awesome to hear you tell your story on a platform like this. Definitely been through a lot. Chronic pain is brutal, but I’m glad you have such a positive outlook on everything. PA peeps stick together!

[@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/

[@cykablyat114]

Your awesome ray thank you for your service man and your commitment to this KZbin channel and life in general is so inspiring keep it up.

[@Dresdenfolife]

Such an awesome dude on KZbin. Thank you for your service.

[@xanderraymondcharles]

Thank you so much 🙌🙌🙌

[@chugmarks]

This is the reason that I am happy when I buy your lessons. You are just a legit dude who is real. Love it and keep doing what you are doing, your an inspiration that even old dudes like myself can look up to with nothing but respect.

[@axeslinger]

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

[@stevevallance6326]

I hear you man, I was LAPD for a long time. I got hurt a couple times as well. Keep going, what other choice do we have? It’s been 40 years ago now, and I am still going strong. Good job

[@40fit38]

Thank you for your service! Much respect from Downingtown PA!🤘You Rock Ray!

[@JoshuaM8]

I understand totally with the not wanting to flaunt the disabled title, as I too fit under that title and never refer to myself as disabled. Circumstances are different, I didn't fall off a truck and I have different injuries but yeah I totally get this and I am halfway through the journey to getting better. I need physio for my leg after hip surgery and I am currently in remission from a rare type of Bone cancer and fingers crossed it will not come back! I currently cannot walk and getting used to not being able to do certain things is difficult, like your mobility issues and not being able to lift above your head before physio. I am also looking to start a KZbin channel in the near future as something to do whilst I recover and its always inspiring to hear of others journey and so thankyou for sharing yours :)

[@Jaxx137]

Ray, When I see your energy in motion it starts a fire that keeps me pressing forward. I am glad you are still here keeping it real, exciting, and fun for a lot of people. Not just on KZbin, but also in life overall. Amen Brother!

[@Mighty_Mandibles]

It’s so nice to see you living your dream dude. I subscribed like back in March 2020 I think and this has been one of my favorite KZbin channels since and I don’t even play guitar

[@shaodynasty1017]

So glad to have you here making people smile with such awesome videos. Thank you for your service Ray! Stay Metal!! \m/ Much love always brother, I remember when your channel only had a few thousand subs. Even though I do not play guitar much these days, I love hanging out with you in videos.

[@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.

[@LucasMastropasqua]

Thank you to Ray and all the service people here and around the world for the sacrifices you make and the bravery and dedication to protecting us civilians. You risk life and limb for those you don’t know and kick ass doing it! Ray you deserve all the success you’ve achieved, you are a killer guitar player and one of the nicest and most genuine people on KZbin. Looking forward to seeing your channel continue to grow.

[@Wilkesy259]

Thanks for sharing Ray, much appreciated that you let us into your situation/injury/psych and i hope doing this vid may have helped you with any mental issues or anguish you may have still had about your accident, sometimes telling your story even to a bunch of strangers on the other side of a screen can be therapeutic 😃💪🤟 Stay Metal.

[@joshww2339]

Im so thankful for you Ray. As a Jersey guy, Im so stoked on somebody from the tri-state going so hard! You're guitar playing and tones are some of the best of the modern era. You've earned every accolade and every bit of success you have and will eventually get. Thanks man.

[@TheAxe4Ever]

Damn dude! Watch that first step. It’s a doozy! Don’t mean to make light of it. But I know about major injuries and having to learn a whole new way of doing everyday things differently than before. But hey, we’re still here and doing what we love. Life’s too short to feel sorry for ourselves. Keep going forward! And thank you thank you thank you for your service!

[@mpm5150eruption]

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

[@TragicPromethean]

Not a war here; but a hero none the less. Anyone that serves this country is a hero to me. Thank you for your content and your service. Stay metal🤘🏻

[@gypsylee8908]

I get it man, I was a 20 yo marine in 1990 when desert shield started. That was right before desert storm. And my platoon got hit with 4 RPG's from different areas and it was a mess there were many injured including myself but the guitar and music has saved my life. Thank you for what you do. And for who you are.

[@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.

[@sheriewart8100]

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

[@turellius]

Thanks for sharing your story. It's very inspiring to see someone overcome multiple injuries like that and still not let that stop them from doing what they are passionate about. As someone who is physically handicapped and plays guitar, I know that I personally struggled (and still do) with needing to work much harder to get good at techniques or play a song close to how it's supposed to sound. I also try to keep a positive attitude and at this point, just play for fun. Keep making great content!

[@goodgodpluckme1]

Good for you dude...Thats awesome attitude.I am the same age as Mustaine and yep I could play back then.Anyways,had my right leg amputated in Jan,2021...Like you,I accepted it and am good with it and...moved on...Still can play my ass off,very greatful for that...Keep rockin' dude!!

[@stealingtomorrowband]

Thanks for sharing your story my friend.. turned a shitty situation and hard times into a positive passionate creative force.. keep on keeping on... Also nice Deftones shirt ..

[@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.

[@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.