Jeff was born and raised in Vallejo, California. Being brought up in a military family, it was only a matter of time until Jeff enlisted at the age of 19. He left for his first tour in Iraq and eventually got “fed up” with his assignment and went AWOL, for which he was arrested and thrown in Army Jail for two months returning back home after wards. After the attacks on Sept. 11th, Barillo appealed to the Army and was allowed to re-enlist. He started leading convoys on missions in Iraq and experiences many ambushes, gunfights and explosions. After returning to base, most soldiers would work out or play computer games, but Barillo would return to his room and write/record raps about his time in Iraq, which is where his music career started. Jeff Barillo aka Soldier Hard aka The Voice. Jeff Barillo is an Iraqi war veteran who has found solace through the expression of music. Under the stage name Soldier Hard, Jeff has grown into massive popularity not only in the military community, from which most of his audience hail from, but also with the general public. He was even given the title “The Voice for our Troops.” Barillo’s popularity seems to have no stopper as he turned down a contract with Sony Entertainment in hopes of “holding off for something better.” He has collaborated with many other veteran/military inspired acts, and founded his own record label REDCON-1 Music Group. Jeff began his career on an Army base with a small microphone and a laptop. After returning home, he performed at some local bars and clubs, and putting his music out on social media, which eventually allowed his music gain more popularity. His songs tell stories of our soldiers and the hardships they face, which attracts a large crowd of military supporters and soldiers. Barillo was diagnosed with PTSD after returning home and a lot of his music is based around it and receiving treatment, particularly Group Therapy. After becoming fairly well known, Barillo founded DEFCON-1 Music Group. The group’s mission is to help control the symptoms of PTSD through the use of music therapy not only to help the veterans but also their families. Follow Soldier Hard: ~Facebook: Soldier Hard; REDCON-1 Music Group ~Instagram: @official_soldier_hard ~YouTube: Soldier Hard; REDCON-1 Music Group ~Spotify: Soldier Hard Follow me: ~Facebook: Erik Castillo; Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast; Zimee Wellness Center and Indigenous Sovereignty ~Instagram: @curly815; @straightcouchtalk @zimeewellnesscenter ~YouTube: Warrior Mindset and Motivation; Straight Couch Talk Podcast; Zimee Wellness Center and Indigenous Sovereignty ~Tiktok: @curly0815 ~Anchor FM: Warrior Mindset & Motivation Podcast ~Email: [email protected] ~Paypal: @erikcastillo815 ~Venmo: @curly815 --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/warrior-mindset-and-motiv/support