Two Army Rangers Release Touching Memorial Day Tribute Song And Video From Afghanistan [Watch]
A pair of Army Rangers want to remind us that Memorial Day is much more than just a three-day weekend. First Lt. Andrew Yacovone and First Lt. Justin Wright released a touching music video this Memorial Day weekend called, “I’m Gonna Miss You.” The officers wrote the song and filmed the video while stationed in Afghanistan. The tribute is dedicated to the families of fallen servicemen and women.
https://www.facebook.com/interstate10music/photos/a.862703863820281.1073741826.231308680293139/905009666256367/?type=3&permPage=1
As ABC News reports, the two Army Rangers met in 2014 on their first day of infantry training for officers. After a long, tiring day of training, Andrew wondered out loud if any other soldiers in the group happened to play guitar.
“I called out to the crowd and asked if anyone played guitar. Lo and behold, Justin was standing right next to me and he was like, ‘Heck yeah, I play guitar.’ “
Song tribute to Military members past and present. The Music video was filmed in Afghanistan on our off time. 5/27 pic.twitter.com/YDjlRGaK6L
— Interstate 10 (@i10music) May 13, 2016
The two talented soldiers, now known as Interstate 10, formed a friendship and began creating music together. They recorded their first hit, “Hometown Hero,” while stationed in Afghanistan, which was followed by a full-length EP.
Andrew began writing what is now their Memorial Day tribute in 2013 before the two Army Rangers met. They were moved to complete the song after losing soldiers in their unit during their first deployment together.
The two Army Rangers were stationed 40 miles apart during their second deployment, but they didn’t let that stop them from finishing “I’m Gonna Miss You.” The duo connected via Skype and found ways to get the project done.
They did whatever they had to do to make the video happen in Afghanistan, as well. While you would never know from the beautiful result of their Memorial Day tribute video, Andrew said things looked pretty rough behind the scenes.
“If you could see what was behind the camera, it was interesting. Taped things over here, headlamps sitting around bunkers to light the scene using our flashlights. Just to make it all right.”
This Friday we release our tribute to those who never came home. #imgonnamissyou pic.twitter.com/Q2nHJI3NCn
— Interstate 10 (@i10music) May 25, 2016
Justin explained that the pair does most of their writing while on deployment. Their experiences as soldiers fuel their music. The Army Rangers spend a lot of time dreaming a writing about the things that most people take for granted every day.
“Most of our music is written on deployment. You think of the restaurant where you want to eat at, and you think of where you’ll take a girlfriend on a date — what beaches you will go to, which mountain you are going to climb. You think of all these clear pictures of a dream life that most people don’t live, but you know you’re going to because you can do anything after you’ve been to Afghanistan for nine months.”
— Interstate 10 (@i10music) February 28, 2016
The Memorial Day tribute song is the first of many songs the two Army Rangers plan create and dedicate to their fellow service members. In February, Justin posted a heartfelt message on Twitter as he prepared for deployment to Afghanistan. He announced that following “I’m Gonna Miss You,” the Army officers plan to release one song each month “which will be a tribute to all soldiers past and present, veterans with us, and home in Heaven.” Andrew had already arrived in Afghanistan ahead of him. The soldier asked that they be kept in their fans’ thoughts and prayers as they “continue to strive for greatness overseas.”
The soldiers also told their Facebook fans if their Memorial Day tribute video gets 100,000 views by Monday, they will donate $500 to the Children of Fallen Patriots organization. At the time of publishing, it has received 54,473 views on Youtube and 388,000 views on Facebook.
See the moving “I’m Gonna Miss You” video by Interstate 10 below.
https://youtu.be/HZvUAD0wGOc?t=51
The two Army Rangers are still serving in Afghanistan. First Lt. Andrew Yacovone and First Lt. Justin Wright ask that you remember those who never got to go home to their families as you watch their “I’m Gonna Miss You” video this Memorial Day weekend.
[Photo by Ivan Marc/Shuttershock]
