After running Omega Backline for 8 years, medically retired Lieutenant Colonel (LTC) Brian Ward founded A Veteran's Gig to share the healing he discovered through Backline and Music Production Therapy with other veterans. 

To recover from injuries sustained in combat, LTC(R) Brian Ward underwent several inpatient and outpatient treatments following his Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) diagnosis in 2016. During his recovery, Brian was given the opportunity to get involved in the Backline industry, where he discovered a passion for concert experiences and recognized the therapeutic benefits of music exposure for his PTSD and TBI.

Brian's company, Omega Backline, has achieved significant success, touring with a diverse range of artists across genres such as R&B, Jazz, Neo-Soul, Blues, Hip Hop, and Rap. Notable artists he has worked with include New Edition, Keith Sweat, Erykah Badu, The Isley Brothers, and Teddy Riley.

In 2022, as an extension of Omega Backline, Brian launched A Veteran's Gig, a nonprofit focused on outreach for veterans, allowing them to experience the healing potential that Backline and Music Production Therapy can offer.

Leaving for Iraq 2010

Returning from Iraq 2011

"Whether you're heading to or returning from combat, you always come back a different person."

B.Ward

An Outlet for Service.

Backline allows veterans to

  • Engage in a safe and therapeutic environment
  • Share comradery amongst other veterans
  • Stay active with a renewed sense of purpose
  • Experience the healing of live music
  • Work together towards tangible goals of putting a concert together
  • Convoying to locations
  • Adapting to new environments

A New Way to Serve on Tour. 

With music and healing at the forefront of their service, veterans can engage in Backline and Music Production tours, reutilizing their skills in

  • Goal-oriented execution to complete time-sensitive tasks
  • Discipline and focused technical skills
  • Keen attention to detail
  • Extensive logistics planning
  • Equipment prep and assembly