SEATTLE NEWS ARCHIVES & FEATURES

Marine vet writes songs to combat PTSD

May 17, 2016, 2:17 PM | Updated: 4:17 pm

Marine turned musician Chuck Hawthorne uses music to help combat vets with PTSD. (Photo by J.K.Hick...

Marine turned musician Chuck Hawthorne uses music to help combat vets with PTSD. (Photo by J.K.Hicks, via chuckhawthorne.com)

(Photo by J.K.Hicks, via chuckhawthorne.com)

KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson doesn’t have too many musical guests on his show. When heard Chuck Hawthorne was coming through town, however, he didn’t just want to hear some of the 44-year-old’s tunes, but also about his life story.

Hawthorne, who’s 21 years as a Marine included two tours in Iraq, turned his attention to music after his service. He writes songs to help combat veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

Related: Dori honors Lou Gellerman, longtime Husky announcer

Hawthorne will be performing Wednesday night at Hattie’s Hat and tried to give some insight into the multitude of military issues that include an estimated 22 veterans committing suicide every single day.

“There’s that canyon between working with people who would literally jump on a hand grenade for you to save your life  to going into the corporate world,” he said. “I don’t know, it’s very difficult for these guys.”

Listen to the entire interview and Hawthorne’s music here.

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Marine vet writes songs to combat PTSD