PICTURE IN MY HAT | SUPPORTING GOLD STAR FAMILIES

It all started with a song I wrote called "Picture In My Hat." The song is a tribute to my brother, James, an Air Force veteran and helicopter pilot. At the time, he was flying on a Helitack Wildland firefighting crew, a mission that took him far from his family and Montana ranch each summer, stretching from the plains of Texas to the swamps of South Carolina and the outer reaches of Alaska.

One evening, he called me, and I could feel a heaviness in his voice. He proceeded to tell me that a bird on the fire he was working had gone down that day, and all who were on board were killed. He had been in a briefing with them that same morning, and so quickly, they were gone. James, being the stoic man that he is, had very few words and assured me that it was just part of the job. Although his words were steady, the feeling hit me like a ton of bricks. I knew he had to be thinking of his young daughter at home. The last time I was with him, I noticed that he kept a photo of her in the band of his hat and looked at it every time before he flew for good luck.

After we hung up the phone, the feeling inside me only grew stronger and I knew I had to get it off my chest. So I wrote a song.

"Picture In My Hat" is dedicated to my brother James, niece Emberly, and all those who serve. It’s a reflection of the sacrifices made by military and first responders to keep our nation and communities safe. The lyrics paint a picture of a pilot who carries a photo of his daughter in the band of his hat. It’s a symbol of home, the reason he fights, and the hope that guides him through danger. It’s a song about duty, love, and sacrifice, and it deserved a music video that captured its essence.

I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to the US Department of Defense, Arizona National Guard, the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, Malibu West Media, and everyone who contributed to bringing this project to life. Your support and collaboration have made it possible to honor the families of service members and preserve the memory of those who have sacrificed everything. Together, we ensure that these sacrifices are never forgotten.

With Gratitude,

Ishaan Reyna