Exploring Life & Business with Mike Byer of Operation Song

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mike Byer

Hi Mike, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
For nearly 21 years, I served in two branches of the military—the Air Force and the Army—but it was the Army, and more specifically, the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault), that shaped me into the man I am today. I held leadership roles ranging from Squad Leader to First Sergeant, and the discipline and structure of the military kept me from going too far off course. Not completely, but enough to teach me what it truly meant to lead—not just in garrison, but in the chaos of combat.

My service took me across the world—through combat zones and foreign lands, from the jungles of Central America to the deserts of the Middle East. As a young man who had rarely left Indiana, seeing life beyond the American bubble was eye-opening. It made me grateful, gave me perspective, and deepened my appreciation for what we have in this country.

But war leaves its mark.

After multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, I started experiencing symptoms I couldn’t explain. It wasn’t a wound you could see, but it was there—persistent, growing, and eventually, impossible to ignore. Medical evaluations confirmed what I wasn’t ready to admit: my time in uniform was over. I was medically retired after my last deployment to Afghanistan.

And just like that, everything I had built my life around was gone.

I had spent decades becoming a Soldier. I didn’t know how to be anything else. The loss of identity hit me like a freight train, and I spiraled. The VA appointments came next, followed by medications—first just a few, then a handful, then nearly 30 pills a day. I was barely functioning. I walked with a cane. My speech was slow, swallowing became difficult, and panic attacks ruled my days. My family pulled away. I drank. And eventually, I didn’t want to exist anymore.

One morning, I lay in bed with a gun in my hand, convinced that maybe today was the day.

Then, a knock.

A small, barely audible tapping on my bedroom door. My granddaughter, Emma Grace, stood on the other side, oblivious to the darkness closing in around me. A moment later, my daughter-in-law sent me a picture of Emma standing there, waiting, and a simple message:

“Emma needs her Pop Pop.”

I broke. And then, I remembered my training. We never quit. We never give up.

That moment changed everything. It didn’t fix me overnight, but it lit a spark. Over the next six years, I slowly found my way back—not to the First Sergeant I once was, but to someone new. Just Mike.

One of the most powerful moments of my recovery came when my son joined the Army. In week six of his training, he wrote me a letter asking if I would wear my uniform one last time to present him with his Infantry cord at graduation. Standing there in my dress uniform, placing that cord over his shoulder, I realized something I hadn’t been able to accept before.

It was okay to move on.

My son looked me in the eye and said, “It’s okay, Dad. It’s my turn now.”

We both cried.

The very next weekend, I attended a retreat in Nashville, hosted by a program I knew nothing about—Operation Song. I had no clue what to expect. Songwriting? That wasn’t me. But I showed up.

They paired me with songwriters Travis Meadows and Marc Beeson. At first, I rattled off my resume, listing my deployments and service record. But their songwriter minds latched onto something else—the story about my son.

An hour later, they played me back my own story—woven into a song that honored the bond between a father and son, the sacrifice, the love, the passing of the torch.

It was like someone had lifted a weight off my chest.

I walked out of that room on a high I hadn’t felt in years, and I knew: if this could do that for me, it could do the same for other veterans.

That moment became my new mission.

I teamed up with Bob Regan, the founder of Operation Song, and made it my goal to help bring this program to as many veterans as possible. It wasn’t an instant fix, but every day got a little better.

In 2018, I officially stepped into the role of Program Director for Operation Song. By 2022, I became the Executive Director—a position I hold to this day.

Because I believe in the power of these songs.

Because I know firsthand what it feels like to be lost.

And because sometimes, all it takes to pull someone back from the edge is a simple knock on the door.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
While my personal struggles were immense, the battle to grow Operation Song proved to be just as challenging. Nonprofits are temperamental—sustaining and expanding them requires relentless relationship-building, trust, and proving your impact time and time again. There’s no shortcut to that.

When we first started, we had no blueprint, no clear model for how to scale this beyond Nashville, and no roadmap for sustainable growth. In those early years, it was all trial and error. For the first eight years, the farthest we reached outside of Nashville was Fortson, Georgia, where we partnered with Warrior Outreach Ranch to write with local veterans. We knew we had something powerful—something that actually worked—but figuring out how to take it nationwide was another battle altogether.

Our approach? Say yes to everything.

If an opportunity arose, we took it. If someone was curious about what we did, we invited them to experience it firsthand. We believed that once people saw the magic of songwriting with veterans, they would understand why this program was different. And while that belief held true, convincing the world to pay attention was another story.

Ironically, being based in Nashville—the heart of the music industry—was both a blessing and a challenge. Yes, we had access to an incredible network of songwriters, but we were also surrounded by an oversaturated industry where music programs, artists, and creative initiatives were everywhere. No matter how powerful our work was, it was easy to get lost in the noise.

In fact, we found more success outside of Nashville, where songwriters and artists weren’t on every street corner, and communities weren’t jaded by the music business. In those places, people saw our program for what it truly was—a lifeline for veterans struggling to find their voice and tell their story.

Despite the obstacles, we pressed forward. We built relationships, we refined our process, and we learned through experience. There was no easy path, but the impact kept us going. Because at the end of the day, it wasn’t just about music. It was about healing, connection, and giving veterans a way to reclaim their story.

And that mission was worth every struggle.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Operation Song is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering veterans, active-duty military, and their families through the transformative power of songwriting. Founded in 2012 in Nashville, Tennessee, we bring together professional songwriters and those who have served to craft original songs that capture their experiences, emotions, and sacrifices.

What We Do & What Sets Us Apart
We specialize in musical storytelling—helping veterans and service members turn their stories into songs. These aren’t just any songs; they are deeply personal, often cathartic compositions that serve as a lasting testament to their journey. Unlike traditional music therapy, Operation Song uniquely pairs participants with hit songwriters from Nashville’s legendary music industry, ensuring that each song is crafted with the highest level of artistry and authenticity.

What We Are Known For
Operation Song is recognized for its profound impact on mental health and emotional healing. We work with organizations like the VA, veteran support groups, and other nonprofits, to provide retreats and events across the country. To date, we’ve written over 2000 songs, helping warriors and their families find hope, healing, and a voice through music.

Our Proudest Brand Achievement
Our most powerful brand asset is the songs themselves—real stories from real heroes. These songs serve as a bridge between military and civilian communities, offering an inside look at the experiences of those who have served. We are incredibly proud of our expanding partnerships with organizations that share our mission, such as the Op Song Army Campaign, which connects patriotic businesses with Operation Song to further our reach and impact. Through the support of proud Americans and businesses, our services are, and always will be 100% free to veterans and their families.

What We Want You to Know
Operation Song isn’t just about music—it’s about transformation, connection, and giving back to those who have given so much. Whether through our one-on-one songwriting sessions, group retreats, or corporate sponsorship opportunities, we invite supporters to join us in honoring our heroes through song.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The Bible is the only book I truly rely on—it’s the ultimate guide to living a good and simple life. I firmly believe that self-improvement should take priority over any job because true success starts within. Discipline and emotional control are the real measures of strength. It’s not about how much you can lift or how far you can run—if your mind isn’t stronger than your emotions, you’ll always struggle to move forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.operationsong.org
• Instagram: instagram@operationsong
• Facebook: Facebook@operationsong
• LinkedIn: Linkedin@operationsong
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OperationSong
• Other: https://operationsong1.bandcamp.com