Hampton Roads - Life has been difficult for many Americans with the recent economic instability and unemployment rates on the rise.  It does not always feel as if the world is treating you fairly, but to lose a job, housing and medical insurance all within a week is something I cannot fathom having to handle, especially when you have a five-year-old child with special needs to worry about.  In those times, we all have to dig down deep and look on the bright side.  Beckie McMahan managed to bring some hope to a family in need by bringing together the metal community to help the Thorman family raise money for their son’s autism treatment.  

33: What hardships had fallen on Riley’s family that prompted you to arrange this benefit show?
Beckie McMahan: Riley's dad spent almost 20 years in the Navy; he was eight months shy of retirement and was going to re-enlist so he could make that goal.  Gene had been injured while on duty, but was denied surgery because he was deemed too important to lose at that moment for surgery on his knee.  Finally, the Navy agreed on the surgery, but while in recovery he had put on a few pounds - a normal thing when you are laid up for a month.  When he went to do his re-enlistment, he was denied due to the "extra pounds."  Gene was forced out right before Christmas, his family told to be out of military housing the week after Christmas.  In less than three months, he had lost a 19-year-old career, his family home, and medical coverage for the family.  Riley's condition is considered pre-existing and not covered under a new policy, which means his therapy is not covered.

33: How old is Riley?  What condition does Riley have and what are some of the medical treatments needed?
BM: He is five and has autism.  He is a functional autistic child, but still needs weekly therapy and special schooling.  He has a specific routine that he follows every day and is not a happy camper when that routine gets disrupted.

33: What are your goals for the benefit?
BM: I'd like to raise enough money to pay Riley's therapy bills for at least six months 'til his family gets on their feet.  Also to raise awareness of autism, which affects more children than what people realize.

33: Does Riley and his family share in the love of metal music, or are they involved in the metal scene?
BM: [laughter] Gene is a good ol' coutry boy out of Illinois.  His wife Rande listens to some of the more mellow stuff; she is a big KISS fan.

33: Words of encouragement for other parents facing similar hardships?
BM: Keep your heads up!  The economy really sucks right now.  A lot of us are doing things we are not used to because of job loss and gas prices going through the roof.  In the end you are strong and will make it through these crappy times.

33: How do you know the family, Beckie?
BM: Good times there!  I meet them when I was maybe nineteen through the Old Base Runners CB crowd.  Back in my somewhat half-assed redneck days, there was probably two hundred of us at one time that would meet up at the Pembroke Mall and start a game of CB tag [hide and seek with your vehicles and CBs].  Yeah, yeah, I am southern and have a country side!

33: Were you surprised by the people that were willing to donate time and services?
BM: Not really!  The metal bands here are almost always ready and willing to help out.  The scene has always helped each other out in one way or another.  Bands are coming out of nowhere asking, "What can we do to help."  Gene and Rande Thorman have never been to a local metal show, but people want to help nonetheless.  It's kickass!

33: Which bands stepped up to the plate and offered their wares?
BM: The bands that donated items were Remnant, AOD, Madd Hatter, Scarz Within, Construkt, Murder No Motive, 180 Out, and Possesor.  Also Babara Cavallaro-Howard donated items out of her personal metal stash, and Jesse Shea donated tickets to see Diecast.

33: Anyone that lended you a helping hand in raising money for a definitely worthy cause?
BM: Jesse Shea for doing the flyers, the Local Pit Stop and the Metal Zone for helping get the word out, Wes Bucello for helping with security and running the door, and a big thank you to all the local bands for supporting this show.  I would also like to give a special thank you to Russell Johnson (my ex-father-in-law), who passed away the day before the show, for showing me that no matter how crappy life is, there is always something there to keep you going.  Right now, helping Riley is what is keeping my head up.

The crowd was entertained by the likes of Firing Squad Mishap, Construkt, Under 1 Condition, Til the Casket Drops, and Art of Destruction.  A heavy selection for a cause with a big heart made the night a success.  A community comes together to help one another through the worst of times, even when they consist of a bunch of hard-ass metalheads.  A simplified and standardized conception defines the term stereotype.  The Hampton Roads metal scene has shown their stereotype includes being caring, community oriented, and willing to step up to help those in need.  A complete opposite to the view the world has of metalheads.

L to R:  Danielle Richards, Joey Smith, and Beckie McMahan; Jesse Shea and Damien Smith, Mike Bain and Rob Dillard of Til the Casket Drops

 L to R:  Steve McPeeks and Beckie McMahan;  Koog of Firing Squad Mishap, Kelly of Remnant Chris of AOD; Kim Moore and Chris Kretser

Riley!!!

By Photojournalist: Kerri Killion

Kerri Killion has lived in the Hampton Roads area for the majority of her life.  Her curiosity and creativity always had her viewing the world through different eyes.  She was immediately drawn to the artistic side of life.  An artist and writer, Kerri found herself interested in photography at a young age.  Soon viewing the world through her camera became second nature.  In 2007, she started Inner Vision Artistry as a way to show her photography to the world.

Her love for music including punk, metal, psychobilly, and hardcore naturally led her to an interest in band photography.  This journey has now led her to Magazine33.