Kevin Brewer and Gina Brewer
Recorded
April 23, 2021
36:59 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
ddv000698
Description
Gina Brewer (52) interviews her spouse Kevin Brewer (48) about his service in the military, what propelled him to later re-enlist, and his decision to leave a wartime Army to go to music school.Subject Log / Time Code
Kevin (KB) talks about his decision to join the Army. He says his older brother talked him into enlisting in the Army. He joined in 1991. KB talks about his experience in basic training and ranger indoctrination program. He later went to Fort Bragg, NC where his brother was also stationed.
KB talks about meeting Frank Chatman who became his sergeant, later his mentor, and a lifelong friend.
KB talks about why he decided to leave the Army in ‘96. Afterwards he went to university in Indiana.
KB talks about starting his own body piercing business in South Carolina. Throughout this time, he was also making music with friends. Had his first two children. Also had his first divorce.
KB says he had a patriotic fervor that brewed up after 9/11. He shares that he started the process of reenlisting in 2003 after the Iraq invasion.
KB talks about needing to write his congressman because he was initially unable to join the army due to his tattoos.
KB talks about his time in Iraq in October, 2005. KB talks about being the older guy in his unit and says he was like everyone’s dad.
KB talks about joining the Army music program in Iraq.
KB says the only time he felt like it was worth it being in Iraq was during the election when he saw all the women in Burkas who were able to vote for the first time.
KB and Gina (GB) talk about the first time they met and their relationship.
KB talks about leaving a wartime army to go to music school.
KB talks about his friend Frank Chatman who got him started on the path of therapy for PTSD.
KB talks about why he decided to retire from the Army and how the transition out was.
KB talks about his hopes for him and GB.
Participants
- Kevin Brewer
- Gina Brewer