After an honorable discharge in September, Marine Corporal John C. Preston walked back into civilian life forever changed by eight months of active duty in Iraq. But rather than battle scars, it was Preston's lifelong passion for songwriting and singing that brought about the change: Preston went into the Marines four years ago with his patriotism and his favorite guitar. He came out with the same patriotism, that same old guitar, a new Web site (http://www.JohnPreston.us) - and a two-year, two-album recording contract with San Diego indie record label Real 2 Reel Records (http://www.real2reelrecords.com).

The offer from Real 2 Reel came after Preston and buddy Lance Cpl. Nick Hoffmann recorded a video of "Good, Good America," a song Preston wrote after hearing the phrase chanted over and over by a group of Iraqi girls as his unit opened a new school. The video, made with borrowed cameras and depicting images of the war in Iraq interspersed with Preston performing the song acoustically, became an overnight hit among the troops. A friend put up the Web site, complete with the original video, and word of "Good, Good America" quickly began to spread, first through the soldiers' friends and families, and then throughout the media.

Preston had a hit on his hands, but "Good, Good America" was just one of 120 songs the 22-year-old has written. He wanted to get his songs heard, but more importantly, he wanted to get his message - that the news isn't all bad and our troops are doing good things for communities throughout Iraq - heard on a broad scale. The success of "Good, Good America" was a start, but Preston knew most Americans had no idea that many military units were there to rebuild Iraq's hospitals, schools, playgrounds, and hopes.

"I have traded my rifle for a guitar, but the fight goes on," Preston explained. "I hope my music can be heard nationwide, so people will see our side from the trenches and not just what the media shows them."

Preston said Real 2 Reel has been helpful on that front. He has been working with the label since just days after returning to the U.S. from Iraq; the "Good, Good America" single has been recorded and will be released shortly. Preston's first album is underway as well. But Preston's focus is on the song that started it all.

"Right now we're just trying to get the single into the top 10 and make a hit out of what we have," said Preston. "Before any of my other music is heard, America should hear 'Good, Good America' and understand what the song is saying. The men and women of the armed forces don't have an easy job. I hope this song will help the American public see how much our troops need their support."

Website: http://www.johnpreston.us