Country Music Artists That Served in the Military

There is something about Country Music that captures the heart and soul of America. There is also something else that seems to go hand in hand with Country Music and that is a love for our Country and for the men and women who serve in the military.

Over the years there seems to be a slew of patriotic or military typed songs performed by Country Artists.

It may surprise you to find out of all the Country Artists WHICH ONES actually served and wore this nation’s uniform. I know I was upon doing research when I was first inspired to write this book. It truly was an inspirational and rewarding journey finding out who they were. I hope you feel the same way after reading HEROES OF THE STAGE. Some you will already have known about and others may come as a complete surprise to you. Some are more famous and well known than others, but all of them served this Nation for us and deserve our sincere thanks as well as our respect. As you become acquainted with the featured artists who have served you might just become a new fan or a fan all over again.

- Travis L. McVey is the author, Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and Army Reserves, founder of and Chief Veteran Officer at Heroes Vodka. McVey is currently serving as the Regional Advocate for Tennessee’s chapter of the National Veteran-Owned Business Association (NaVOBA) and the Buy Veteran Campaign.

Title: HEROES OF THE STAGE
Sub Title: Country Serving Country
Genre: Biography
ISBN: 978-0-615-45434-4
Publication Date: August 1, 2011
Price: $19.99
Publisher: Hero Spirit Publishing

Media samples are available upon request. HEROES OF THE STAGE/Country Serving Country is now available through Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, and at www.heroesofthestage.com

A portion of all proceeds are donated to Operation Troop Aid.

For more information or to set up an interview with an autographed give-way contact: Sharla McCoy (Cell) 615-504-1268 - (Office) 615-683-5025

Why We Fight

As nearly two-thirds of Canadians say that the Afgan mission has become too costly, the poem, titled Why We Fight, was written in Afghanistan in 2006 by Cpl. Andrew Grenon of Windsor, Ont., one of three Canadian soldiers who died Wednesday during an ambush in the volatile Zhari district. It was released Thursday by members of Grenon's family.

I've often asked myself why we are here. Why my government actually agreed to send troops to this God-forsaken place. There are no natural resources. No oil, gold, or silver. Just people.

People who have been at war for the last 40 plus years. People who want nothing more than their children to be safe. People who will do anything for money; even give their own life.

I look into the eyes of these people. I see hate, destruction and depression. I see love, warmth, kindness and appreciation.

Why do we fight? For in this country, there are monsters. Monsters we could easily fight on a different battlefield, at a different time. Monsters that could easily take the fight to us.

Surrounding these mud walls and huts is a country in turmoil. A country that is unable to rebuild itself. A country that cannot guarantee a bright future for its youth.

Why do we fight? Because, if we don't fight today, on THIS battlefield, then our children will be forced to face these monsters on our own battlefield.

I fight because I'm a soldier.

I fight because I'm ordered.

I fight, so my children won't have to.

The Gratitude Campaign

It started here in the Northwest, with this story on TV:

I've been approaching soldiers in the airports and thanking them for serving for us. On several occasions I have noticed that it felt a
little awkward for both of us. There are several reasons, some of which I am even just now learning as I produce this film and talk to more soldiers. But they have always appreciated being thanked, and I have always felt better having expressed my gratitude. I started to think that it would be nice if civilians had a gesture or sign that they could use to say "thank you" quickly and easily without even having to approach. I did some research and found the sign that we are now using. Is this limited to the military? Not at all. If you look around you I'm sure that you'll find lots of people who are serving their communities, from local to global. If you appreciate their service, give them a sign. Say
"thank you."

Then, came the website, thanks to a long list of Seattle people:

Mike Flood, Seattle Seahawks;
Master Sergeant Michael A. Azevedo, US Army;
Master Sergeant Traci Williams, US Army;
Sergeant Daniel Forsythe, US Army;
Sergeant Andrew Kelley, US Army;
Sergeant Chris White, US Army;
Sergeant William Owen, US Army;
Sergeant Jeb Norris, US Army;
Specialist Michael G Pritchett, US Army;
Staff Sergeant Jonathon Alexander, US Army;
Sergeant Andrew Dibble, US Marine Corps
Corporal Vondarious M Johnson, US Marine Corps;
Master Sergeant Kevin Johnson, Washington Army National Guard;
Tech. Sergeant Natalie Stockhausen, US Air Force;
Lt. Colonel Nathaniel Lathrap, US Air Force;
Pamela Johnson;
Nancy Blanton, Port of Seattle;
Adrienne Sardelli, USO;
Dave Lester, USO;
Jay Hitt, Pike Place Market Theater;
Norm Heimgartner, Univ. of Puget Sound:
Film Maker Amy Sedgwick, Mouse House Productions;
Carrie Robinson, Photographer; Paul Yoo, Cameras

Now, it's spreading around the world! Pass it on.

A Day Of Rememberance

The National Moment of Remembrance, established several years ago by an act of Congress, asks Americans wherever they are at 3pm local time, on Memorial Day (May 28) to pause in an act of national unity for one minute.

Radio can participate and help to promote this annual event by airing the official anthem "On This Day" as sung by Sara Evans, at 3pm local time.

For a free download of the numerous versions of it, including one by the U.S. Army Band, click HERE.

This national moment of unity offers an opportunity for all of us to salute America's military heroes, both past and present, who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms.