Canadian country musician reflects on his military upbringing

Country Musician Jason Price’s experiences growing up as a military child have shaped him into the person he is today. As the proud son of a Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Search and Rescue Pilot (SAR), the lessons Price learned in his youth have helped him to make a mark in Canada’s Country Music industry.

During his father’s 32 year career in the CAF as a SAR Pilot, Price spent his childhood living in cities across Canada including Comox, Moose Jaw, Trenton, and Greenwood.

“People often ask me what’s your hometown, and that’s one question I honestly can’t answer,” said Price.

Growing up, Price recalls there was always a sense of community with the people his father worked with.

“I kind of grew up with that sense of belonging and even today, with my kids, I have this we’re a team kind of approach,” added Price.

Price’s father, Randy Price, climbed his way through the ranks from a private, eventually retiring as a colonel. He retired as a liaison between Veterans Affairs and the Department of National Defence.

Having a father as a SAR Pilot often meant Price would wake up in the morning to find his father had been called out in the middle of the night.

“You have absolutely no idea when he’s going to be back. It could be three hours, three days or three weeks depending on what happened,” remembered Price.

Price’s biggest challenge growing up as a military child was also one of his most positive experiences: postings.

“There’s pluses and minuses. It’s a different world now with Facebook and everything. You can always stay connected. But when I grew up, when you moved you pretty much felt like you went to the other end of the world.

“I guess the downside was the people you left, but the upside was you getting to see so much more of the country, and you have a bigger circle of friends,” noted Price.

Looking back, the country music singer believes his experiences have influenced him greatly, shaping who he is today.

“Basically being able to get along with people and being polite and knowing how to fit in, that has helped me especially with the music stuff I’m doing right now. I find it easy to relate to a lot of people. The lyrics in the songs relate to a lot of people, and I think its because of that,” said Price.

Price first became interested in music in December 2011 after buying a guitar off of Kijiji. At the time, Price had no intentions of becoming a country music star. He just wanted to teach his kids a life lesson: “if you stick to what you start, you will get better, and it will reward you in many ways.”

The lesson paid off. Within a year, Price was performing live in front of audiences and made his television debut on CTV’s Christmas Daddies.

In May 2015, he released his first CD in Nashville, TN entitled “Grit, Guts and Country Pride.” He is set to perform at the Canadian Country Music Festival this summer.

His military experiences have influenced his music. He released a song, “Other’s May Live,” dedicated to the SAR Family.

“Growing up I have always been, and continue to be proud of that fact. A SAR squadron is family. They rely on each other, support each other, and help each other’s families. They are on call 24/7 to help those that find themselves in peril, and often put their own lives on the line to do so. They are not often on a battlefield, but make no mistake, they are soldiers. They would without hesitation give their lives to save another,” mentioned Price in his dedication on YouTube.

Price also took out the time recently to perform for troops in Kuwait.

“It was really cool to see, in a deployed situation, how they live. It was eye opening to see how life was over there,” recalled Price.

Taking a look back at his life as a military child, Price advises military children to take advantage of the unique opportunities they have.

“Take advantage of what is available. I was lucky. I got to skate in arenas the whole time I was growing up and playing in the gyms. There’re so many programs that are out there for military dependants. I think if you take advantage of those you will get some skills that will carry over for you later on in life and pay off in the end,” said Price.