Episode 15: Playing Drums for Presidents

Mark Reilly — Music, Service, and the Mission to Heal Through the Washington Tattoo In this episode, I sit down with Mark Reilly — 20-year Army veteran, former member of The Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, and President of The Washington Tattoo. Mark spent two decades representing the Army at the highest levels — from presidential ceremonies to international performances — but his mission today runs deeper than precision drill and pageantry. We talk about: • What it’s like serving 20 years in The Old Guard • Performing at the White House and high-level ceremonies • The pressure of perfection when representing the Army on a national stage • The deeper purpose behind military music But the heart of this episode centers on something far more personal. Mark shares the story of his grandfather — a World War II Army infantryman in the Pacific who later died by suicide. That story became the driving force behind The Washington Tattoo’s mission: using music as a pathway for connection, healing, and mental health support for veterans, first responders, and families. We dive into: • The neuroscience behind music and PTSD recovery • How rhythm and sound affect the brain • Why music can bridge generational trauma • The importance of belonging and shared experience • And how creative outlets can become lifelines This is a conversation about legacy, service, grief, purpose — and what it means to turn personal pain into a mission that helps others. Because sometimes the drum isn’t just an instrument. It’s a way back to each other. The post Episode 15: Playing Drums for Presidents first appeared on Womack C3.