"My life is music, it has always been about music," said former Army Sgt. Rick Tillman, who worked in the communications and satellite branch. Even at age 10, he was dissecting his younger sister's Bugs Bunny radio/microphone to build his own radio station. "Mom came into my bedroom hollering, ‘Rick! What did you do with the TV?'" Tillman had unknowingly tapped into the television signal.

The Columbia School of Broadcasting honor student is now the co-founder and president of Internet music radio PhatJamz9311.com and founder/CEO of KLSLJamz.com, an R&B soul Internet radio station. Tillman is also vice commander for the Seattle chapter of Nam Vets, and an announcer for the Columbia City Fitness Center in Seattle and the Alki Beach classic power-building competition. He is a youth motivational speaker as well, having appeared at such venues as Highline Community College in Federal Way.    

But life wasn't always easy for this veteran, who suffers from Reynaud's syndrome and still has nightmares from the Gulf War. Tillman served for 12 years, and then worked in retail chains, as CEO for a coffee roasting business, and in a startup that went bankrupt. He later became homeless when he sold everything to help his best friend pay medical bills after a heart attack and angioplasty surgery.

When asked what kept him motivated to excel and not give up, he said, "My godfather taught me never to escape reality. He said using drugs and alcohol was an escape. So I never drank, smoked, or used drugs, not even coffee, and I stayed focused on my dream," he said, adding "as long as you are happy, no one can steal your joy."

Tillman's advice to Servicemembers transitioning into civilian life is simple. "First, take time off and relax, then find what you love and stick with it." Understand what employers want and tailor your resume to suit, he said, explaining that learning how to translate military skills into civilian job experience opens multiple doors. "Be (innovative), look for internships, ask for help, but most of all take the time to figure out what you really want." 

Radio stations PhatJamz (uncensored hip-hop) and KLSLJamz (jazz and old school) stream high-definition audio 24 hours a day. Tillman also utilizes the stations as a platform to spread awareness about veteran issues, and uses some proceeds to fund such causes. "I want to be the Oprah of Internet radio," he said. "People can listen to good music and support a worthy cause."

Tillman dreams of creating a scholarship program in radio and funding grants for veteran startup businesses. Hence, the more listeners that tune in, the more money he raises, and the more his dream becomes a reality.

Listeners can use the Internet on computers, smartphones or any Wi-Fi equipped medium to earn loyalty points just for listening and rating songs. Points convert into cash, prizes, and giveaways.

Catch Tillman's morning show Mondays to Fridays from 6 to 10 a.m. and on Sunday nights from 8 to 11 p.m. For more information, visit www.rick26T9@klsljamz.com or call (206) 888-7100.