HELPING A HERO: COUNTRY STARS STEP UP FOR THOSE WHO STEPPED UP FOR US

Last night, I watched a telethon. I haven't watched a telethon in years and when I say years, I mean "Jerry Lewis Easter Seals" years. I was told by a publicist about the "Helping A Hero" telethon that was being televised on RFD-TV on December 27 and hosted by Lee Greenwood and Paula Deen. When I saw where this money was going and who was stepping in to be a part of this salute, I knew I would tuned in. I am so glad I did. It opened my eyes to a much larger picture than the one I'd been paying attention to.

"Helping a Hero" is a non-profit organization that provides specially adapted homes for severely wounded Global War on Terror veterans. Honestly, I have never really considered the challenges these heroes face living in their own homes after being injured. I think most of us tend to think they'll have medical home care, but we rarely probably think of what they need just to function and get around at home. Lee Greenwood mentioned a particular case of someone being burned needing a special kind of heating and air system because they no longer have sweat glands. I've never thought of that and when he said that, I wondered how many other things I had been blind to without these kinds of organizations. It can range from something such as an entire home remodel with wheelchair ramps, lowered drawers, cabinets and countertops, roll under access, carpet free floors, roll in showers, therapy tubs and automated doors to something as simple as a special kind of doorbell. Their needs are something we take for granted every day.  It's a sad thing to think how many of these wonderful people who gave everything are now in situations where they are unable to live a life as close to normal as possible or even worse, they are homeless on the streets. That's not acceptable. 

Last night again proved to me why I choose to support the country music genre, because these people are always at the ready to do what is necessary to help when they're called. I sat and thought about it and can't think of another genre that answers the call as regularly and genuinely as country music does. From flood relief, to hurricane relief, to St. Judes Children's Hospital, to our military ... the list continuously rolls on. It makes me proud to stand with a genre who stands for something other than just ticket sales and chart numbers. 

The performers on this show were all familiar faces when it comes to giving back and they're never ones to turn down the chance to help someone in need. Last night was no different, they stepped up and participated as a family in one of the best nights of music I've heard in a long time. The performances were filmed at the Von Braun Center in Huntsville, AL in October as part of the All Star Salute to Lee Greenwood for his years of contribution to not only country music but to those who stand up for America. 

Below are the performances shown on last night's telethon:

Lee Greenwood  - Lee opened the show with an emotional rendition of "God Bless the USA". What can you say about this man and this song? You can't think Lee Greenwood and not immediately think gratitude. I could type all day and still not say the words that need to be said so I'll just go with with 2 small words with huge meaning, thank you.

The Frontmen - How can you go wrong with 3 of the most iconic voices of 90's country? You can't. I love that Tim Rushlow (Little Texas), Richie McDonald (Lonestar) and Larry Stewart (Restless Heart) decided to come together as a group and keep the good music going. They sang a medley of "Why Does It Have to Be Wrong or Right", I'm Already There" and "God Blessed Texas" ... well, God definitely blessed the Frontmen.

The Oak Ridge Boys performed their MEGA hit "Elvira" ... it's a proven fact that everyone needs some oom papa mow mow in their lives. This was my favorite when I got the "Fancy Free" album for Christmas in 1981 and it's my favorite now. I will oom papa mow mow at stoplights, in the grocery store, wherever this song comes on. These four men are four of the biggest, most giving hearts in the music industry. They are not just legends, they are treasures.

The Gatlin Brothers performed one of my favorites, well probably everybody's favorite, "All the Gold in California" and I think I smiled the entire time I was singing along very off key. I sang it in my dang head all night. I love these dudes! Those voices are still just as good as the first time I heard them. 

Darryl Worley performed his emotional remembrance of September 11, "Have You Forgotten" and made me cry, dang it. What a great performance straight from the heart by just a man and his guitar. Darryl is always one of the first to lend his heart to anything involving giving back to those who gave it all.

Crystal Gayle hit me in the gut with "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue". This was one of my daddy's favorite songs when I was growing up and we'd sing it in the car. It was like being back in that red Pontiac Grandville all over again.

Debby Boone took me back to the best time of my life with her hit "You Light Up My Life." I was growing up in the 70's and would sit by my record player, singing this song and then picking up the needle and putting it back down to start over again ... over and over. I still listen to this song regularly now. It always takes me to a good place.

John Conlee performed "They Also Serve", one I'd never heard before and it really left a mark. I immediately added it to my music collection. I admit, I was somewhat misty.

Home Free - I have been a fan of this group since they were on  "The Sing Off". These guys floor me every time they open their mouths whether it be together or individually. They performed their acapella version of "My Country Tis of Thee" and it was phenomenal. Again, there was a bit of eye mist.

And to close the show, there was a special finale jam of "Soul Man" by the original jam master himself, Sam Moore, and the amazing T. Graham Brown with special guests Janie Fricke, Michael Ray, Lee Brice, Tim Rushlow and Darryl Worley. It just capped off the perfect night of freedom and music.

Thank you to RFD-TV, the Cowboy Channel and OAN for airing this telethon and thank you to all who came together to make it happen. Please consider donating to this wonderful cause. They deserve our respect, love and assistance. Go to https://helpingahero.org for information on how you can help or donate.

In case you missed the airing of the telethon, you can still watch it here.

HELPING A HERO HONORS RANDY TRAVIS WITH LEE GREENWOOD AWARD AT CONCERT IN HOUSTON

Performances by Scooter Brown Band, Tate Stevens, Gavin DeGraw, Lee Greenwood and More

Top row: Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Chairman of the Board David Balat, PR Chair Jennifer Hammond, Tate Stevens, Nicole C. Mullen, Lee Greenwood, Scooter Brown, Secretary Karen Roan, board member Hon. Chris Daniel and Chairman Emeritus Meredith Iler

Bottom row: Audit Chair LTC E.A. "Buddy" Grantham, Randy Travis and Vice Chairman of the Board Sunil "Sunny" Sharma

Photo courtesy of Helping A Hero

Country Music Hall of Fame member Randy Travis was honored with the Lee Greenwood Award by the 501(c)3 organization, Helping A Hero, at their Lee Greenwood & Friends concert in Houston on Monday. The concert celebrated Christmas and patriotism while honoring and raising money to build homes for wounded warriors.

The event was held at Houston Baptist University on Monday evening. The reception and silent auction was followed by the concert program, featuring performances by special guests and awards; Scooter Brown Band sang songs from their album American Son including the title track, Tate Stevens performed his acclaimed song “Ordinary Angels” among others, Gavin DeGraw performed many of his hits including the fitting “Soldier” and Lee Greenwood wowed the crowd with a rendition of his iconic “God Bless the USA.” SSG Shilo Harris, a retired military veteran, received the Pillar Award. Honorary Co-Chairs of the event were the Honorable and Mrs. Ted Cruz and the Honorable Adrian Garcia.

“Randy Travis has done so much for our troops over the years having done five USO tours and otherwise entertaining and honoring them in a variety of ways. We are thrilled to be able to recognize him for his continued efforts and salute his enormous talents,” said Meredith Iler, Chairman Emeritus of Helping A Hero.

“As a combat veteran, it means the world to me that Helping A Hero is serving veterans who have sacrificed for our freedom. Tonight was a celebration of decades of music, with various genres represented - we were glad to be a part of it,” said Scooter Brown.

"60 MINUTES" CORRESPONDENT LARA LOGAN, HERMAN CAIN, COUNTRY MUSIC'S MARK WILLS & MORE SET FOR 2015 HELPING A HERO GALA THIS WEEKEND

501(c)(3) Organization Releases 2014 Financial Audit

Karen and SGT (Ret) Edward Matayka pose in front of their new home from Helping a Hero on Nov. 9, 2015 in Bandera, TX with their two children, Ryan and Alana.

HOUSTON, Texas (November 17, 2015) – Helping a Hero, a Houston based 501(c)(3) non-profit, non-partisan organization providing support for military personnel severely injured in the war on terror, will host their 2015 National Gala this Sunday, November 22, 2015, at the Bayou City Events Center. This year’s gala will feature a performance by award-winning country star Mark Wills and will be hosted by “60 Minutes” correspondent Lara Logan. Former Presidential candidate Herman Cain will receive the Patriot Award while Houston’s own Joanne King Herring will receive the Defense of Freedom Award.

Helping a Hero was created to provide specially adapted homes at a deeply discounted price for qualifying service members while engaging the community to provide services and resources for the recipients and their families. Through the HelpingaHero.org Home Program, 100 severely wounded heroes from 22 states have been awarded a specially adapted home that addresses their physical adaptation needs. HelpingaHero.org is one of the three largest 501(c)(3) organizations building homes for America’s severely wounded heroes.

In addition to celebrating during the National Gala, Helping a Hero released its 2014 Financial Audit that shows that 82 cents of every dollar raised goes to Helping a Hero’s Veteran Programs.

“I am so proud of Helping a Hero for staying true to our mission and working together to insure our dollars get to the bottom line. The Helping a Hero team is committed to excellence,” said Bob Clark, Executive Director and founding Treasurer of the organization. Since its inception, Helping a Hero remains in the top tier of charities for stewardship and fiscal responsibility.

In February 2015, Helping a Hero participated in the Better Business Bureau’s Philanthropy Review Program. After Helping a Hero voluntarily provided all of its financial information and other requested items in order for the Better Business Bureau to complete its twenty category evaluation, it was notified by Ashley Ordaz, Coordinator of Philanthropy Review of the Better Business Bureau of Metropolitan Houston that “Helping a Hero meets the Better Business Bureau’s ‘Standards for Financial Accountability’…We congratulate your organization on meeting the BBB’s charity standards which go above and beyond requirements of the law and show the public that your organization is working to maintain donor confidence by being transparent and accountable…Your willingness to comply with charity standards demonstrates your commitment to proper accountability and ethical practices.”

HelpingaHero.org is committed to maximizing every donor dollar to fulfill the mission. Board Secretary, Rhonda Walls Kerby, said, “The Board of Directors was very pleased that the Better Business Bureau determined that Helping a Hero met the strict standards set in the twenty charity standards of financial review. Our donors continue to invest in the lives of America’s wounded warriors by entrusting Helping a Hero with their funds.”

In continuing with the organization's charitable efforts, the evening will be a celebration of the Helping a Hero wounded warrior home recipients, including the first home awardee, PFC Kenny Adams, USA (Ret) who will complete his ten year Wounded Hero Home Contract in December 2015. PFC Adams says, “Helping a Hero is my family and I cannot thank them enough for building this home for me and supporting me for the past decade. My life is so much better because I am a part of Helping a Hero.”

SSG Shilo Harris, USA (Ret) will also share about his journey to a home. His book entitled, Steel Will, profiles his story from the battlefield to his home and beyond. “Without Helping a Hero, I would not have the opportunity to live the American dream. They have always supported me through the peaks and valleys of life. Their support is more than a home, it’s a family where you know they will always be there.”

SGT Jonathan Rivenbark, USA (Ret) grew up in foster care and received his Helping a Hero handicap accessible home in August 2015. Through his tears and with his wife standing by his side he told the crowd, “I never thought I would own a home, much less a home this beautiful, fully adapted to my needs, and one where I know my family will always be together.” Three of his foster “Moms” were there for his special day.

Most recently, on November 9, 2015, SSG Edward Matayka, USA (Ret) moved into his home in Bandera, TX. Ed and his wife Karen were both Army medics when he was struck by a roadside bomb in Afghanistan leaving him a double amputee. Karen, who was deployed, was rushed to his side within hours. As Major General Tony Cucolo presented the keys to SSG Matayka he said, “This home is more than I could ever imagine. Knowing I will be able to get around in my wheelchair and be an active dad to our [two year old] twins is such a blessing. I am so thankful to Helping a Hero for putting this team together to build this home. I am overwhelmed.”

LEE GREENWOOD TO RELEASE NEW PATRIOTIC CHILDREN'S BOOK MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

LEE GREENWOOD ENCOURAGES PATRIOTISM AMONG AMERICA'S YOUNGEST GENERATION WITH RELEASE OF CHILDREN'S BOOK, 'PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN,' IN STORES MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND

Greenwood Serves Again in 2015 as National Ambassador for Helping A Hero, Awarding Specially-Adapted Housing to Disabled Veterans Across the U.S.

PRESS RELEASE

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (February 9, 2014) – When Lee Greenwood penned the empowering words of his multi-chart No. 1 "God Bless The USA" in the back of his tour bus in 1983, he had no idea they would become the words of the most recognizable patriotic song in America over the last century -- he was just speaking from his heart. The son of a World War II veteran, his authentic life-long patriotism of the United States compelled him to write two former books, Does God Still Bless The USA: A Plea For A Better America (2012), and God Bless The USA: Biography of A Song (1993). Now, with the hope of ingraining life-long pride and patriotism for America in our country's youngest generation, he announces the release of his first children's book, Proud To Be An American, in stores Memorial Day Weekend, May 23-25. The book marks his third professional work as an author, and features poignant lyrics from "God Bless The USA" paired with colorful, thought-provoking illustrations by Amanda Sekulow. The book also includes a FREE song download, and its foreword tells the true story of his childhood upbringing that led him to become an American patriot:

"Growing up on my grandparents farm in California gave me an appreciation for folks who worked hard and got by on very little. My grandparents lost their farm after government regulations prevented them from farming the more profitable fields. But they didn't question why it happened; they just started a new business. They believed no matter what difficulties we experienced, we would be okay because we were free. America is still the greatest country on earth. As you sit reading the words of my song to your child or grandchild in my new book, it is my hope that young and old alike will feel tremendous pride in being citizens of the United States of America," he writes.

In conjunction with the release of Proud To Be An American, Greenwood will continue his long-standing position as the National Ambassador for Helping A Hero, a non-profit organization committed to providing specially-adapted housing and support to military personnel severely injured in the war on terror. Greenwood first appeared at a Helping A Hero event in January 2012 as part of ABC's Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, where he sang the iconic anthem "God Bless The USA," for a Christmas tribute, while welcoming severe burn victim SSG (Ret) Shilo Harris to his new home. For the past three years, the music superstar has continued to be a part of numerous house-gifting and "Welcome Home" ceremonies, holiday concerts for veterans and their families, volunteer appreciation luncheons and more, bearing witness to the real-life struggles our servicemen and women face after returning from combat with life-altering injuries and emotional distress.

"I'm consistently blown away with the impact Helping A Hero makes on veterans and their families. To know that heroes like SPC (Ret) Jay Briseno, USAR in Manassas, VA, who was hit by a sniper and is semi-conscious as a result, now has a fully-accessible home that includes a lift system, a 300 sq. foot bathroom with a shower bed, heated towel warmers, and a therapy room for his daily physical therapy needs, really fuels my passion for helping those who have made such great sacrifices for our freedom. No one is more deserving of outreach and care than our nation's heroes, and I'm just grateful I can be a small part of giving back to them," he said.

For more information on Helping A Hero and to find out how you can contribute to the cause, please visit helpingahero.org. For more information on Lee Greenwood's Proud To Be An American children's book, please stay tuned for updates on his website at LeeGreenwood.com.

Proud To Be An American is published by Clovercroft Publishing in Franklin, Tenn.