The Reno Gazette-Journal, a newspaper based out of Reno, Nevada, recently profiled “the only military bagpiper” in the entire state — former Nevada Air National Guardsman and current United States Army soldier Michael Connell.

In it, he remembers back when, rips off interesting factoids (bagpipes are considered an instrument of war), talks about “cowboying around” and describes the intense feeling he receives when he plays.

“It almost gets emotional, playing this type of music for these types of people. And they get it. It stirs your soul. It’s part of your being. When I’m playing and playing well, I become consumed by the music that I’m playing and it’s incredible.”

He also details plans for the future. His daughter, Mariah, a 23-year-old member of Air Guard will take over Connell’s bagpiping duties when he officially retires soon.

“Taking my dad’s place wasn’t part of the plan, it just kind of happened. I felt like it was an honorable thing to do.”

“She’s filling my shoes and she’s actually a really good piper.”

The elder Connell also detailed a soulful story, one that took place during his deployment to the Middle East in the early 1990s during Operation Desert Storm. While stationed at a Kuwaiti base, he said he would often go outside and practice his pipes, donning all the regalia: Highland dress, kilt and sporran.

One day, his performance was met by a bunch of curious U.S. Marines:

“So I stopped playing for a moment and said, ‘Got any questions, fellas?’ and they said ‘No, keep playing, Sarge.’ ”

So he did. Connell said he felt like the Pied Piper of Hamelin, leading rats out of the city. He said it didn’t matter what he played either — marches, drills, jigs, dances — the Marines stood, transfixed.

“Off in the distance, there’s some jughead who came out and he started doing some funky Wing Chun Kung Fu,” Connell said. “It’s very animated and arm flailing. I thought to myself, ‘That guy is a little touched.’ “

“(The military” is about discipline. It’s some of the best people I’ve ever met in my life.”

“We gave our lives for this country and some people don’t have what it takes to do that. It’s not about God and country. It’s about the person next to you — or those people next to you — that you’re fighting for.”

Upon retirement, Connell plans on ranching and “running a cattle operation.” He also wants to try his hand at antique photography and “growing out a handlebar mustache.”