Operation Song

What Operation Song does

Operation Song is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, founded in 2012 by Grammy-nominated songwriter Bob Regan. The organization pairs veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with professional Nashville songwriters who transform participants' personal military stories into fully produced, recorded original songs. Services are delivered at no cost to participants through on-site group retreats conducted nationwide and through individual virtual retreats, with referrals channeled primarily through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (including its Recreation Therapy and Women's Clinic programs), the USO, and partner veteran-service organizations such as Cohen Military Family Clinics and the SHARE Military Initiative at the Shepherd Center.

Operation Song's product portfolio centers on the Songwriting Program and Virtual Songwriting Program as core offerings, supported by a Historical Preservation Project, a weekly "New Music Mondays" content series, a mobile app (iOS/Android/Amazon), and a merchandise store via Inksoft. The underlying technology is non-proprietary: standard recording-studio production, Bandcamp and YouTube distribution, and a basic content-delivery mobile app. There is no public API or technology platform.

The business model is charitable rather than commercial: all programs are free to participants, and operating funding is sourced from individual donations (including the "Operation Song Army" monthly giving program), corporate sponsorships through the "Patriot Partners" program, and grants from institutional funders such as the VA's Veterans Canteen Service. The organization reports that 99.4% of every dollar donated funds programs and retreats. Since founding, Operation Song has produced more than 2,045 songs and served 2,701 veterans and family members, supported by a small staff of 1–10 employees and a large network of volunteer songwriters and partner organizations.

Name

Operation Song

Legal name

Operation Song

Website

https://operationsong.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Operation Song is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that pairs veterans, active-duty service members, and military families with professional Nashville songwriters to transform their stories into recorded songs, delivered through retreats nationwide and virtual programs at no cost to participants.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Veteran Therapeutic Songwriting Services

NAICS

Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers (621420)

SIC

Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro primary industry

Veterans Affairs & Military Family Services (BPAIAHAL)

Keywords

• Veteran songwriting programs
• Military family services
• Therapeutic songwriting retreats
• Nonprofit veteran support
• Creative arts therapy

Headquarters

HQ city

Nashville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Operation Song is funded primarily through individual donations. The website features a dedicated donation portal, and the 'Operation Song Army' monthly giving program offers enlisted members benefits such as an ID tag, sticker, monthly SITREP updates, early access to music, volunteer opportunities, and discounted merchandise.
2. Corporate Sponsorships / Patriot Partner Program: Businesses can enlist as Patriot Partners, providing financial support in exchange for brand association with Operation Song's mission. The Patriot Partner program includes tiered benefits for participating businesses.
3. Grants: Grants from institutional funders such as the VA (Veterans Canteen Service) and charitable foundations support program delivery. A $3,000 grant specifically for songwriters was also awarded in 2023.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Operation Song pairs veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with professional Nashville songwriters to transform their personal military stories into original, professionally recorded songs. The program is delivered through on-site group retreats across the country and individual virtual retreats online, with no musical or writing experience required from participants. All services are provided at no cost to the veteran or military family participant.

Product overview

Operation Song is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee, that operates a songwriting program for veterans, active-duty military members, and their families. Its core offering is a songwriting program that pairs participants with professional Nashville songwriters to transform their life and service stories into original songs, delivered through on-site group retreats nationwide and individual virtual retreats online — at no cost to participants. The organization's product portfolio includes the core Songwriting Program and Virtual Songwriting Program as its primary service offerings; New Music Mondays as a weekly content release series featuring songs produced through the program; a Historical Preservation Project (including a WWII Preservation Project) that documents veterans' stories through song and video; an Operation Song Army monthly membership/donor program with benefits; a Patriot Partners business sponsorship program; and a merchandise store via Inksoft. Music distribution is handled through Bandcamp and YouTube, and the organization maintains mobile apps on iOS and Android. Operation Song was founded in 2012 by Grammy-nominated songwriter Bob Regan and has served over 2,700 veterans and families, producing more than 2,000 songs.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Operation Song Army: A membership program that provides enlistment benefits including a military ID tag, sticker, member ID, monthly updates, early access to new music, volunteer opportunities, and discounts.
• Patriot Partners
• New Music Mondays

Products and services

• Songwriting Program The core offering of Operation Song: a songwriting program that pairs veterans, active-duty service members, and their families with professional Nashville songwriters to transform their stories into original songs. Participants need no musical or writing skills. Programs are delivered through on-site group retreats across the country and are provided at no cost to participants.
• Virtual Songwriting Program Individual virtual songwriting retreats conducted online, enabling veterans and military families to participate remotely with professional songwriters without traveling to an in-person location.
• Historical Preservation Project An initiative focused on preserving the stories of veterans, including a WWII Preservation Project that creates short interview video documentaries alongside songs written with WWII veterans.
• Operation Song Mobile App A mobile application available on iOS, Android, and Amazon platforms that allows users to listen to songs written and recorded through Operation Song programs.
• Operation Song Army A monthly membership and donor program that supports Operation Song's mission. Enlistees receive benefits including an Operation Song Military ID Tag, sticker, member ID, monthly SITREP updates, early access to new music, volunteer opportunities, and discounted tickets and merchandise.
• Patriot Partners A program for businesses and organizations to support Operation Song as Patriot Partners. Partner businesses receive recognition and their patronage supports the organization's mission to empower veterans through songwriting.
• Operation Song Merchandise Store An online merchandise store operated through Inksoft where supporters can purchase Operation Song branded items, with proceeds supporting the organization's programs.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90.4% of veterans and families report immediate positive impacts from programs
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and supporting.

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2019The VA has an expanded official partnership with Operation Song, referring veterans to songwriting retreats described by the VA as 'helping veterans share and cope with military experiences through music.' The VA Secretary announced the expanded partnership and the Veterans Canteen Service fully funded the program in 2020. The VA also connects veterans through its Recreation Therapy division and VA Women's Clinic.
• The Charlie Daniels Journey Home ProjectcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-founded by late country music legend Charlie Daniels and manager David Corlew in 2014, TCDJHP assists nonprofits that benefit U.S. veterans. It is a major supporter of Operation Song and has co-sponsored events including galas that raised $400,000. The organization works in tandem with veteran-focused charities to maximize impact.
• The Listening Room (TLR)coreGTM or Marketing PartnerNashville's premiere live music venue for singer-songwriter rounds, founded in 2006 by Chris Blair. TLR hosts monthly Operation Song events including the Listening Room Series featuring songwriters performing songs written with veterans. The venue provides a performance platform and helps promote Operation Song events.
• USOmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe USO has partnered with Operation Song for retreat programs, including a 2021 USO Retreat that generated songs featured in the New Music Monday series (e.g., 'Miss Out'). The USO provides access to service members and support for the songwriting programs.
• Warner Chappell MusicmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWarner Chappell Music collaborated with Operation Song on a Military Spouses Retreat, contributing professional songwriters who co-created songs with military spouses. The partnership produced tracks like 'Light In The Darkness' by Melissa Freidline, Sam Martinez, and Austin Taylor Smith.
• ASCAPsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) has sponsored Operation Song programs since the early retreats, providing funding and access to songwriter talent for veteran songwriting sessions.
• CAMMO (Country Music Career Opportunities and Military)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCAMMO sponsored early Operation Song retreats (e.g., the February 2014 Nashville program with eight soldiers from Ft. Campbell), connecting military personnel with Nashville songwriters.
• Warriors HeartmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWarriors Heart is a private retreat facility in Bandera, Texas, that hosts Operation Song retreats for veterans and first responders. Multiple annual retreats have been held there, producing songs such as 'The Curse' and 'A Reason To Be.' The facility provides an offsite venue for intensive songwriting programs.
• Steven A. Cohen Center / Cohen Military Family ClinicsmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Cohen Center has partnered with Operation Song for annual military family retreats, including the 2019 retreat that produced the song 'The Same War' written with active-duty participant Zach Peterson and his spouse Kassie Peterson.
• SHARE Military Initiative (Shepherd Center, Atlanta)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSHARE Military Initiative at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta has partnered with Operation Song for annual retreats supporting veterans with brain injury and psychological health conditions. Retreats have produced songs such as 'High Cotton Road' and 'Freedom Isn't Free.'
• North Country Troopers Assisting TroopssupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerA veteran-focused organization based in Clayton, NY, that co-hosts annual 'Nashville's Salute to the Troops' events and 'Troopers Assisting Troops' retreats with Operation Song, including performances at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel.
• Warrior Outreach RanchsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerA ranch-based retreat program in Fortson, Georgia (near Ft. Benning) that has partnered with Operation Song for annual songwriting retreats since at least 2014, including the 10th annual retreat in April 2023 pairing Nashville songwriters with veterans.
• Belmont UniversitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBelmont University in Nashville has hosted Operation Song retreats on campus (including a 2021 Belmont University Retreat that produced the song 'Relief' by Joshua Dominguez and Wil Nance).
• Caterpillar Financial ServicessupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCaterpillar Financial sponsored a 2023 retreat that produced the song 'Goodbye For Now,' written by Navy Mom Maggie Early and Mark Irwin about a military parent's farewell to a child entering service.
• The Nashville DistillerysupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerA Tennessee-based craft distillery known for Big Dog Bourbon. Listed as a Patriot Partner, showing strong ongoing support for the military community through partnerships with Operation Song.
• WEL CompaniessupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerA family-owned transportation and logistics company headquartered in De Pere, Wisconsin. Listed as a Patriot Partner and sponsor of the 3rd Annual Salute to Green Bay event at the Epic Event Center.
• Warriors at AmazonsupportingGTM or Marketing PartnerAn Amazon employee affinity group dedicated to supporting Veterans and military spouses. Listed as a Patriot Partner, building community and providing professional development advocacy for veterans at Amazon.
• Click Bond, Inc.supportingGTM or Marketing PartnerA global engineering and manufacturing company providing adhesive-bonded fastening solutions for aerospace and defense. Listed as a Patriot Partner, proud to support Operation Song's mission to empower veterans and families through music.
• Humble Heroes FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerA veteran-support organization that partnered with Operation Song for the 1st Annual Southwest Florida fundraising event in March 2024, with proceeds split equally between both charities to support local veterans.
• Frontline Healing FoundationsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with Operation Song for the inaugural Warrior's Picnic on July 29, 2023, in Boerne, Texas, supporting veterans through a combined food and music event.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Warriors Heart: Private Bandera, Texas retreat facility providing intensive treatment for veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD/addiction — a direct hosting partner for Operation Song retreats and a comparable residential healing model for the same population.
• SHARE Military Initiative (Shepherd Center): Atlanta-based rehabilitation program for service members with brain injury and psychological health conditions; active Operation Song retreat partner serving overlapping veteran populations.
• SongwritingWith:Soldiers: Pairs active-duty service members, veterans, and military families with professional songwriters to transform their stories into original songs — the closest analog to Operation Song's model.
• Guitars for Vets: Uses music (guitar lessons and instruments) to support veterans' physical, emotional, and cognitive recovery, sharing Operation Song's veterans-and-music-as-therapy positioning.
• Musicians On Call: Brings live and recorded music to patients in healthcare settings using volunteer musicians; comparable service-delivery model (volunteer musicians delivering therapeutic music experiences) though serving a broader patient population.
• The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project: Co-founded by the late Charlie Daniels to assist nonprofits benefiting U.S. veterans; co-sponsors Operation Song galas and is itself a peer-style veteran-support nonprofit operating in the same ecosystem.
• Hidden Wounds: Veteran-focused nonprofit providing mental health and wellness services to address PTSD and trauma — operates in the same therapeutic-services-for-veterans space as Operation Song.

Broad incumbents

• Wounded Warrior Project: Largest U.S. nonprofit serving wounded veterans with programming across physical, mental, and economic wellness; a broad incumbent in Operation Song's target population with much larger donor base and program budget.
• Cohen Veterans Network (Cohen Military Family Clinics): National network of mental health clinics serving veterans and military families — operates at significantly larger scale than Operation Song and overlaps on the military-family trauma/military mental-health mission.
• USO: Major nonprofit supporting active-duty service members and military families through centers, programs, and events; an active Operation Song partner and a broad incumbent in the same veteran/military family services space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/operationsong
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@OperationSong
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/operation-song
• Facebookfacebook.com/OperationSong

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Operation Song