Talented guitarist balances military life with love of music

<p>Army captain by day, guitarist by night, Jason Kostal is learning to balance his love of music with his duties in the military.</p><p>Kostal began playing an acoustic guitar when he was 4 years old. His talents later landed him a spot at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.</p><p>Instead, he chose the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, N.Y. His love for the Army was too strong.</p><p>"I've liked the Army ever since I was a kid," said Kostal.</p><p>He has found that even in the Army there is a place for good musicians.</p><p>Kostal, a captain serving his third tour at Fort Benning, spends his days running Charlie Co., 2nd Battalion, 29th Infantry Regiment. The unit handles all the small arms training on the post, including the sniper school.</p><p>At night and on weekends, Kostal plays his guitar at Columbus area venues.</p><p>"It balances my life and keeps me grounded," he said</p><p>He recently signed a recording contract that will result in the May release of a CD called "A Fresh Coat of Paint." The contract calls for him to make a 60-city swing to promote the CD, a tour that began last week in Phoenix.</p><p>Kostal has opened for performers such as Green Day, John Mayer and the Violent Femmes. He has a recording studio in his home, where he also has a collection of vintage, handmade acoustic guitars.</p><p>He'll either play or listen to music as soon as he gets home. Folk and jazz are his favorite forms of music.</p><p>But for now, Kostal says his day job in the Army is his priority. What his future holds is still up in the air.</p><p>He has a systems engineering degree from West Point and an MBA in business management from Emory University, so he may pursue a career in business if he leaves the Army.</p><p>As for music, Kostal said he wants to see how the CD release goes.</p><p>"I've never had an ambition to make music my life's work. But it wouldn't be so bad, either," he said.</p><p>___</p><p>HASH(0x2865630)</p>