Navy Corpsman Turned Performing Artist Releases Powerful Video Spotlighting Gold Star Moms

Flex Your Freedom with Barb Allen

"Dear Mom" is written and performed by former Navy Corpsman Shannon Book, along with his band, Deliberately Broken. The song is born from a request Shannon received, to write a song about Gold Star Moms.

For those unfamiliar with the term, a Gold Star Mom is a mom who has lost a son or daughter in military service. The term "Gold Star," when placed in front of the words wife, brother, sister, family, also refers to someone who has lost a loved one in military service.

With the help of Operation Encore, and the extraordinary talent of people like Director Chris Martini and cinematographer Chad Campbell, Shannon and a cast of all military families spent a few days on set filming the powerful video for "Dear Mom."

While the video reflects its military origins, the song has evolved to transcend military sacrifice. All you need to do is listen to the lyrics as if being spoken directly to you, by the person you miss. Then listen to it again, letting it wash over you - and let the bittersweet tears fall.

In this episode, Shannon Book shares his personal story of service and working for years to see his dreams become reality. He shares insight on what it takes to never stop believing in that dream. He takes us behind the scenes of the filming, as well.