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I Am The
American Dreamer

Vietnam Veteran · Songwriter · Author

I Am The
American
Dreamer

John Schembari is a Vietnam War veteran of the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division, a patriotic songwriter, and an author. He shares his life's journey through original songs and writing: stories of sacrifice, gratitude, and the enduring American spirit.

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A bald eagle in flight, symbol of American freedom
Vietnam
1st Cavalry Veteran
Songwriter
Original Patriotic Music
Author
His Story, His Words
1
True American Dream

Who I Am

A Veteran's Voice, An American Story

John Schembari in Vietnam, 1972

John Schembari, Vietnam, 1972.

“Through my songs and my writing, I share the stories of those who served, those who sacrificed, and those who still believe in the promise of this great nation.”

My name is John Schembari and I am a Vietnam veteran who served a year with the 1st Cavalry Division, on the ground and in the air as an Aero Scout, a foster child, a business owner, a songwriter, and an author. Most importantly, I am an American Dreamer. I have always lived life through my dreams, with gratitude.

Every song I write and every page I pen is a piece of my heart, a tribute to the American spirit, to the freedoms we so often take for granted, and to everyone who still believes in the American Dream.

Learn more about John

The Music

Featured Tracks

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Inspirational2026

Story of My First Song

The story behind the very first song John ever wrote: where the music, and the dream, began.

The American Dream · Beginnings · Songwriting

Story behind the song
Veterans2026

The Warrior's Wife

A heartfelt tribute to the wives who serve alongside their warriors and hold the home front together.

Veterans · Family · Sacrifice

Story behind the song
Veterans2026

The Hero Nurses of Vietnam

Honoring the courageous nurses who served and saved lives during the Vietnam War.

Veterans · Vietnam War · Courage

Story behind the song

Two Crafts, One Story

Songwriter & Author

John tells his story two ways: through original patriotic songs and through his writing. Every release carries the same heart: a Vietnam veteran's gratitude, hope, and belief in the American Dream.

The Songs

Original patriotic songs drawn from a real life, with new releases added regularly. Press play and the music follows you across the site.

Listen Now

The Writing

As an author, John puts his journey into his own words, from a foster home, to Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division, to the American Dream.

Read John's Writing
“I'm dedicated to help all those who have been struggling with their goals, hopes and dreams. With just a little shift, big wins are just around the corner.”
John Schembari, Vietnam Veteran & American Dreamer
White ceramic mug printed with the American Dreamer distressed-flag star logo

The Store

The first item, a white ceramic mug with the American Dreamer star logo, is coming soon.

Visit the Store

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

What inspires John's music and writing?

His service in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division, his journey from foster child to entrepreneur, and a deep gratitude for the freedoms America provides. Every song and every page tells a real story of sacrifice, hope, and the enduring American spirit.

How often does John release new music?

John releases new original songs regularly. Subscribe to be the first to hear each new release and to follow his writing.

Where can I listen to John's music?

Stream his original songs right here on the site. Press play on any track on the Music page, and the player keeps playing as you browse the rest of the site.

Who is John Schembari?

John Schembari is a Vietnam War veteran who served with the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division, a former foster child, an entrepreneur, and a patriotic songwriter and author known as The American Dreamer.

Is John Schembari a veteran?

Yes. John Schembari served one year in the Vietnam War with the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division, on the ground with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry and in the air as an Aero Scout. His service is the foundation of his songwriting and his writing.

What did John Schembari do in the Vietnam War?

John served one year in Vietnam with the U.S. Army 1st Cavalry Division. He began on the ground with Delta Company, 1st Battalion, 7th Cavalry, then moved into aviation and continued in the Cavalry as an Aero Scout, serving with F Troop on what he describes as Night CAP operations and on a hunter-killer team that located and engaged enemy forces in combat. That service is the foundation of his music and his writing.

What songs has John Schembari released?

John has released 3 original songs: “Story of My First Song” (Inspirational), “The Warrior's Wife” (Veterans), and “The Hero Nurses of Vietnam” (Veterans). He releases new music regularly.

Does John Schembari perform concerts or take bookings?

No. John does not do concerts, live performances, or event bookings. He shares his original songs and writing on this site, and subscribers are the first to hear each new release.

Is John Schembari an author as well as a songwriter?

Yes. Alongside his music, John writes, sharing short reflections and stories about service, sacrifice, gratitude, and the American Dream. You can read his writing on the Writing page, with more on the way.

Where can I read John Schembari's writing?

John's reflections and stories are published on the Writing page of this site. Subscribe to the mailing list to be the first to read each new piece as it's posted.

New Music, Released Regularly

Experience the Music of A True American

From the jungles of Vietnam to the songs he writes today, John's music tells the story of a nation, a veteran, and a dreamer who never gave up.

Listen to the Music
Story of My First Song
John Schembari