THE WHITE RING - An Historical Timeline, 1989-present

photo by Leonard


1989
Some members of the White Ring meet for the first time while stationed in the California National Guard, Northern Area Command (NACOM).

1990
February:
Members of the White Ring observe and participate in war games in the California Mojave desert in preparation for "Desert Storm".
September:
President George Bush (Sr.)'s riveting September 11, 1990 speech on the Iraq problem moves these members of the White Ring to join the cause. Upon learning of military action against Iraq, they enlist in the armed forces and regroup in Kuwait.
November:
The entire group meet in Kuwait. After a common interest in music is acknowledged, an early incarnation of the White Ring forms in Kuwait as a septet. Group meetings are held when possible in the makeshift chapel on Sundays. Occasional performances in the big tent follow! Leonard, Mark, Peter, David, Bill, Christopher and Gary… The White Ring are a hit!

1991
January
Most members of the White Ring become engaged in combat and special operations during the course of Operation Desert Storm under the direction of Generals Norman Schwarzkopf and Colin Powell along
with the Commander in Chief, President George Bush. America is triumphant. The White Ring return home with great fanfare to their new veteran status with many plans for the future.
July:
The first stateside White Ring concert is held in Norfolk, VA. to an audience of recently returned veterans of Operation Desert Storm. The White Ring are determined to spread their messages and remain United in the spirit of Common Purpose.


photo by Alex Behr

1992
The young White Ring joins forces with a number of like-minded Christian and veteran musicians and visionaries in the Northern California Christian music scene. Contemporaries include Lord Chord, It's All God, Elder Weldon and many more. Oakland's PINES CLUB (1991-1994) is the place to be to witness the powerful union of inspiration applied by local and domestic musical dynamos of the genre. Grunge, Industrial, Indie, Hip Hope, Instrumental, Funk, Rock, New Country, Ambient and even Punk and Techno are the languages spoken by these new brothers and sisters determined to make a difference. Some secular groups whose political messages are straight and strong also join the fold and are welcomed with an open arm policy.

1993
The White Ring release their first single: "The Monkey Song" b/w "Ecumenical Movement", a self-released flexi-disc which was included inside the May, 1993 issue of Higher Purpose magazine.

Tragedy strikes hard in 1993 when Private Gary Ross, the 7th member of The White Ring dies of an unidentified terminal illness. This illness is coined by some liberal factions as "Gulf War Syndrome". The White Ring take pause to reflect and to begin a campaign to inform the civilian and veteran population of the dangers of identifying "Gulf War Syndrome". R.I.P. Gary. You are in our hearts and in our minds.

1994-1996
These years see a highly active period for The White Ring. Confident (yet cautious) that the Clinton administration could do no harm to the true Spirit of the United States, The White Ring began a series of seminars and performances to encourage hope in a time of doubt and courage in the face of hopelessness. Six domestic and two international (European) tours follow.

1997
The White Ring take a one year hiatus to spend time with our families (Family Time) and to explore personal interests and development.

1998-2000
Aside from rigorous touring schedules, some members of The White Ring are called to duty in areas of intelligence and national security. Members are separated, then reunited in areas around the globe to coordinate concurrent missionary aid and special operations throughout West and East Asia. Those members remaining in the states help to mobilize citizens at colleges and universities to during the George W. Bush election campaign.

2001
As the creator sees fit, George W. Bush is elected president of the United States.

A spotty year of local performances and seminars is cut short by the tragedies of September the 11. The White Ring are mobilized and unified by the events and quickly stand behind the administration, turning their attention to Homeland Security and the implementation of a new Department of Homeland Security. Some members temporarily relocate to Detroit, MI where extensive field research is conducted. All members are standing-by.

2002
February
The White Ring are called back to the Middle East to offer hope and Inspiration to those stationed there. Excursions to parts of Asia are also in order as the new Axis of Evil is uncovered. The White Ring begin campaigning for Operation TIPS, the Total Information Awareness program and other matters regarding Homeland Security.
August-September
The White Ring release their short instructional video, "Homeland Security: It's In Your Hands". A San Francisco seminar, one of the only appearances they find time for in 2002 is held as a commemorative event on 9-11-2002. The remainder of the year and the holiday season is spent with their country and with their families as the USA approaches a new age. One can't help but be reminded of the prophecies of the prophet John in the book of Revelations. We hear you brother John. Loud and clear.

2003
Anti-American stooges and other enemies of the state are threatening our homeland security. They are infiltrating out psychology and the media with their ideas. The current war with Iraq is only a precursor to the might this country will have to show to protect what is ours.

Our humanitarian efforts around the globe give proof to our commitment to preserving democracy and freedom. We can and will restore democracy to Iraq and any other hostile nation that is potentially terrorist by nature. The White Ring are presently conducting rally-busting at anti-war rallies and keeping an eye open for those Socialists and Anarchists who, like the terrorists, hate our freedoms and don't agree with the democratic enforcements of international policies. The White Ring are dedicated as always in preserving our national heritage and the principals on which it stands.

Please join us in our national crusade. After the threat of Iraq has been managed, we will spend a good part of the year in Israel taking lessons on terror management and defense from our Israeli brethren in hope that we might employ some of their knowledge in this part of the Homeland.

Peace to all of you who sense that freedom is just around the corner.
The fight must continue.
Respect to our leaders and their leaders.
See you soon,

The White Ring