TRACE ADKINS, RICKY SKAGGS, STEVEN CURTIS CHAPMAN, THE GATLIN BROTHERS, MARK WILLS, AND MORE ADDED TO RONNIE MILSAP TRIBUTE SHOW

Milsap's Final Nashville Concert to Boast More Than 30 Artists

Star-Studded Event Set for October 3, 2023 at Bridgestone Arena

Tickets On-Sale Now Via Ticketmaster.com

Earlier this summer, Country Music Hall of Fame member Ronnie Milsap revealed his final Nashville concert, a special tribute event taking place October 3 at Bridgestone Arena. Milsap today announced eleven additional artists who will join the lineup to salute the musical icon as he closes this chapter of his legendary career.

Newly-announced guest entertainers are Trace Adkins, Ricky Skaggs, Steven Curtis Chapman, Ray Stevens, Pam Tillis, The Gatlin Brothers, Hunter Hayes, Mark Wills, The McCrary Sisters, The Los Lonely Boys and Elizabeth Cook.

“I’m so excited about my last show in Nashville at Bridgestone Arena and the amazing lineup of artists," says Milsap. "I love Nashville and the amazing career my fans have given me. 'I wouldn't have missed it for the world!' Please join me. It will be a very special night.”

Previously-announced performers include Kelly Clarkson, Little Big Town, Parker McCollum, Justin Moore, Scotty McCreery, Tracy Lawrence, Randy Houser, Sara Evans, Lorrie Morgan, Neal McCoy, BRELAND, Phil Vassar, Terri Clark, The Band of Heathens and Charlie McCoy. Sixwire will serve as the house band. The evening will honor Milsap and his 50-plus year career, his celebrated catalog and his lasting influence on country music. Ticket holders can expect several special surprise guest performances.

Tickets are on-sale now via ticketmaster.com. The event is promoted and produced by Outback Presents and Conway Entertainment Group.

FRIENDS OF BELOVED LATE COUNTRY SINGER/POLICE OFFICER JEFF CARSON COME TOGETHER FOR A MUSICAL CELEBRATION OF LOVE ON MAY 10

Michael Ray, Lee Greenwood, Mark Wills, Ty Herndon, Wade Hayes, Rhett Akins, Ricochet, Craig Campbell, T. Graham Brown, Danielle Peck and more are set to celebrate the life and memory of Jeff Carson at “A Music Memorial For Jeff Carson”. The show is being held at The Nashville Palace on Tuesday, May 10 at 7 PM. Come be a part of the celebration as they share love, memories and music to honor their relationship with Jeff through the years. 

Tickets go on sale Friday, April 15 at 10 am (CT) and are $50 for reserved seating and $40 for general admission.

Purchase tickets at the link below using pre-sale code: carson448

https://www.outhousetickets.com/Event/19544-A_Music_Memorial_for_Jeff_Carson/?fbclid=IwAR174_Xz9-F1K8yi69cQK0We-VBHZY1VFuoxnnLMdbb7fsj6NCwI0gOek44

We love and miss you, Jeff.

INSPIRATIONAL COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION® ANNOUNCES 2016 AWARDS PERFORMERS & PRESENTERS

Collin Raye • Megan Alexander • Mark Wills • Jeff Bates • Cash Creek 

Mikayla Lynn & Isaac Cole • Kali Rose • Chuck & Selena Day • Mary James • Lisa Daggs 

Tommy Brandt • True Heart • Shenandoah's Mike McGuire & Marty Raybon

The Inspirational Country Music Association® has announced the initial list of talent confirmed to appear at this year’s Inspirational Country Music Awards Show®. Celebrating its 22nd year in honor and recognition of the talented songwriters and recording artists who perform inspirational country music and share the mutual message of Faith, Family & Country™, the Inspirational Country Music Awards Show® will be held at 7PM the evening of Thursday, October 27, 2016 at Trinity City (1 Music Village Blvd. Hendersonville, TN).

General Admission Awards Show Tickets are FREE to the public and available on a first-come-first-served basis. For more information, visit online www.inspirationalcountrymusic.com. In support of the non-profit organization and its missions, in lieu of tickets, donations are welcomed and can be made by visiting HERE.

The 2016 awards show will boast performances by co-host Collin Raye (“Love Me,” “I Think About You,” “Not That Different”), Mark Wills (“Don’t Laugh At Me” and “Jacob’s Ladder”) and 2016 Inspirational Country Music Awards Show® Top-Five nominees Cash Creek, Mikayla Lynn & Isaac Cole, Lisa Daggs, Tommy Brandt and Kali Rose among others. Presenters include: Jeff Bates, Chuck & Selena Day, Jayne Carter, True Heart, The Wacaster Family, Mary James and Shenandoah's Mike McGuire and Marty Raybon with more talent to be announced in upcoming weeks.

Actress, book author, longtime correspondent for the national news magazine television show Inside Edition and sideline reporter for Thursday Night Football, Megan Alexander and platinum-selling country music hit-maker,

Collin Raye (who recently celebrated the release of his first inspirational hymns album titled “His Love Remains”) will emcee.

Some of the talented individuals nominated in the 2016 Inspirational Country Music Awards Show® Top-Five include: Hillary Scott, Carrie Underwood, Joey Feek, Jayne Carter, Joy Roberts, Jeff Bates, Scotty McCreery, Vince Gill, Greg McDougal, Johnny Rowlett, Kenny Lee Robinson (aka Cornbread, The Comic),

T. Bubba Bechtol, Robby Lynn, Hunter Logan among many others. Tommy Brandt (who is nominated in six of the 23 categories), Mary James (celebrates nominations in five categories) and Kali Rose (who is recognized for her talents in four categories) are among the front-runners.

The awards show will be taped before a live audience and broadcast via multiple national television networks, including Golden Eagle, TCT Network, Total Living Network (TLN), CTN Family Television, Creative Christian Network (CCN), Family Friendly Entertainment and KGEB-TV in Tulsa, OK.

(Check local listings for airdates.)

Welcoming fans from across the country, the Inspirational Country Music Awards Show® is held in conjunction with the organization’s annual ICM Faith, Family & Country™ Week. The 2016 convention will be held October 24-26, 2016 at The Inn at Opryland (2401 Music Valley Dr., Nashville, TN 37214); the schedule highlights include the ICM Faith, Family and Country™ nightly showcases, a special Sunday night Honky Tonkin’ Jubilee, The Power Source #1 Party, a membership breakfast, seminars and much more. 

For complete details surrounding the 2016 convention, package pricing and conference/event ticket information visit HERE.

TANYA TUCKER, OAK RIDGE BOYS, MARK WILLS AND MORE HEADLINE 'STARS BEHIND THE STARS' TO SUPPORT DALLAS POLICE ASSOCIATION’S ASSIST THE OFFICER FOUNDATION JULY 27 AT WORLD-FAMOUS BILLY BOB’S TEXAS

EDITORIAL NOTE:  THIS IS WHY I SUPPORT AND LOVE COUNTRY MUSIC,  ALWAYS GIVING BACK AND DOING WHAT'S RIGHT ... Jenn

Country music superstars didn’t hesitate to come together for #STARSBEHINDTHESTARS to support the families of slain Dallas police officers. In light of the tragedy, more than fifteen artists, including Tanya Tucker, The Oak Ridge Boys, Mark Wills, Collin Raye, Janie Fricke, T.G. Sheppard, Kelly Lang, The Bellamy Brothers, T.Graham Brown, Johnny Lee, Gene Watson, John Conlee. Ronnie McDowell, Mickey Gilley and Moe Bandy will travel from Nashville and beyond to perform during a benefit concert at the world-famous Billy Bob’s Texas Wednesday, July 27. Randy Travis will also make a special appearance during the event.

Tickets ($10 General Admission, $20 Reserve) are on sale now HERE.

#STARSBEHINDTHESTARS will donate 100% of all proceeds to Dallas Police Association’s Assist the Officer Foundation. The Assist the Officer Foundation provides immediate financial assistance to an officer’s family in the event of the death of an active officer. #backtheblue #ATODallas

ROY CLARK, THE BELLAMY BROTHERS, MARK WILLS & THE NITTY GRITTY DIRT BAND SET FOR SUMMER EPISODES OF REFLECTIONS AIRING IN JULY

 

Summer is here, and Reflections – the weekly interview program hosted by Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame member Keith Bilbrey promises to deliver a lineup as hot as the weather outside, with a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame, as well as two acts that are celebrating unique milestones in 2016.

On July 4, the show will celebrate Independence Day with a visit from Roy Clark. A native of Virginia, Clark became a local TV and radio favorite in the late 1950s, and took his talents to national television in the 1960s. His quick wit and musical talent served him well as a guest host on The Tonight Show as well as the top-rated CBS classic The Beverly Hillbillies. Clark became a household name in 1969 by beginning a quarter-century run as co-host of Hee Haw. As a recording artist, his hits include “Yesterday, When I Was Young” and “Come Live With Me.” Clark was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2009.

One of America’s most-loved duos, The Bellamy Brothers, will appear on the July 11 edition. 2016 marks four decades since the Florida-born siblings stepped into the spotlight with their hit “Let Your Love Flow.” A Top-40 Country hit, the song topped Pop charts around the world, including the United States. In 1979, they successfully segued into Country Music full-time with the release of “If I Said You Had A Beautiful Body (Would You Hold It Against Me),” which catapulted them to superstardom. The 1980s and 1990s included such hit follow-ups as “Redneck Girl,” “Old Hippie,” and “Santa Fe.” Their 1987 chart-topper, “Too Much Is Not Enough.” – recorded with The Forester Sisters is notable for being the only sextet to hit No. 1 on the Billboard Country charts. Comprised of brothers Howard and David, the duo are touring the world in celebration of their first hit.

Mark Wills talks with Keith on the July 18 edition. Wills, a Georgia native, first made his presence known in 1996 with the nostalgic “Jacob’s Ladder,” which helped him win an ACM Top New Male Vocalist award. The singer became one of the most successful balladeers of his time, with chart-toppers such as “Wish You Were Here” and “I Do (Cherish You).” His 2002 hit, “Nineteen Something,” holds the distinction of having the most airplay in one week of any other Country single of the monitored era. Wills’ newest release is Looking For America.

The month wraps up with a special appearance from The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on July 25. Comprised of Jeff Hanna, Jimmie Fadden, Bob Carpenter, and John McEuen, the band is celebrating their 50th Anniversary as recording and touring artists in 2016. They first came to prominence with Jerry Jeff Walker’s iconic “Mister Bojangles,” but it was their landmark 1972 three-disc set Will The Circle Be Unbroken that helped them to become loved universally by Pop and Country audiences alike. Their recording of Rodney Crowell’s “An American Dream” helped push them onto the Country charts, where they have remained for years with recordings like “Modern Day Romance,” “I’ve Been Lookin,” and “Fishin’ In The Dark.”

Reflections is filmed at The Hot Seat Studios, located in Hermitage, Tennessee, and is produced by Jeff Moseley and Brian Covert of CJM Productions. Each week, Keith Bilbrey leads one-on-one insightful interviews with country music's legendary artists. Viewers can also tune in to Sky Angel Two, The Family Channel or AMG TV to watch. Check your local listings for channels and airtimes.

Reflections airs on The Heartland Network Thursdays 8/7c (6 p.m. CST on WSMV 4.2 in Nashville) and Saturdays 4/3c. Click here to find your local channel.

POSITIVE MUSICAL INFLUENCES IN 2015

Music is a healing power, a sense of being, an answer to questions you never realized you had and answers to prayers you thought weren't heard. It's a positive influence on so many people in so many ways and we thought we'd share our choices of some of the artists that inspired, motivated and made us think about more than getting drunk, getting high or getting lucky in 2015. Their music had a message, the way they carry themselves left an impression and they created a positive presence in the world of country music. These artists provided a positive light to lead others, to be role models and to simply make a difference. These are the people whose influences we found to be most positive in 2015. If you have one you'd like to share, please leave a comment.

Joey and Rory

This couple defines inspiration. Joey gave birth to the sweetest baby girl with Downs Syndrome, Indiana in 2014 and in the middle of such a wonderful time for the family, also found out that Joey had cervical cancer. This year, it was announced that the cancer had spread and there was nothing medically that could be done so it was decided that she would halt treatments and leave her future in God's hands. During this time, you haven't heard a negative word from the family, you've only seen positive inspiration and a desire for Joey to live her days as only God knows and in the best way she can, as a mother, a wife, and a friend. Despite the prognosis and the physical pain she's endured, we have yet to see her without a smile on her face. With the country music world behind her in prayer, she has been seeing better days as of late, being able to actually get out of bed and spend time with her family laughing and smiling. If only we all had that positive spirit about us, this world would be a much better place.

Kelsea Ballerini

With a near constant smile on her face, Kelsea Ballerini can light up an entire room just by walking in, making the worst mood much better just with her positive attitude. There is nothing fake or put on about Kelsea, what you see is what you get. She's a positive role model for young girls, never selling herself on any assets other than her talent.  She's a breath of positive fresh air for this genre and it's refreshing that her voice doesn't need automated "adjustments", she is just perfect as she is. She's been on about every entertainment show there is, graced many a magazine cover, interviewed with countless outlets, won awards and done many things but what she hasn't done is let any of it change who she is.

Mo Pitney

Mo is an old soul with fresh ideas on how to bring the tradition and respect of country music back to the forefront, to remind us that it's ok to share your faith and to believe in a power higher than yourself. He's also a pleasant reminder that humility is a welcome thing and something we don't see that often in today's music world. He is always grateful and it reflects in his attitude and in his music. Mo has proven that it's ok to be a "Country" artist and that sticking to who you are is just fine.

Chris Stapleton

There is nothing about Chris Stapleton that isn't inspirational or motivational. His perseverance in the industry over the years without complaining that "Nashville doesn't know good music" or that certain artists or songs "aren't country" are things that reflect on the kind of person he is and what he's about ... he's content to just play the music and if the industry catches on, great, if they don't, he seems to be ok with that too. He's not about being the "next big thing" even though the industry FINALLY paid attention this year and now he really is the "next big thing". It hasn't changed who he is or how he behaves in the public eye. While the world is talking about how good he is, Chris remains the quiet, humble and appreciative guy he's always been. You won't see his face on every magazine cover. You won't see his shows crammed full of extra props and antics he doesn't need to distract from his talent .. what you'll see at a Chris Stapleton show is simply Chris, his guitar and a voice that was obviously one that God saw fit for the right person with the right heart.

Benton Blount

Having dealt with a devastating blow a few years ago when his record label closed without warning just before the radio release of his first single, Benton Blount didn't let that hold him back or make him bitter. What it did do is make him more determined to do things HIS way and do them the way that felt right for him. He also realized that what it did for him was give him time with his family, to be a present husband and father to his wife and young son (and new daughter that's on the way). This year, his second chance came in the form of "America's Got Talent" where he auditioned and was cut just before the Top 5 finals. This second chance has put Benton back in the game with a fan base that has grown exponentially and he released a single, "God Talks to Me". God talked to Benton in a big way this year and that talk has put him back on the path to success and he's proven that even the toughest obstacles are put in your way to see just how hard you are willing to fight to get past them. He fought and he won. The best of the rest is yet to come.

Maddie and Tae

These two outspoken young women virtually came out of nowhere and shook up the "bro country" world with their retort that women are more than a pair of cut off shorts and a tank top, that they're more than the typical description of a "Girl in a Country Song" and opened the door wide open for a female movement in country music. They followed up their smash debut with a song about spreading your wings and believing in your dreams with the inspirational tune, "Fly". Maddie and Tae are showing young girls and women alike that it's ok to stand tall and do your own thing, to just fly.

Miranda Lambert

It was a rough year for Miranda, full of ups but also full of more downs than anyone should have to deal with - intrusions by the media and Internet trolls speculating and pointing fingers about her divorce from Blake Shelton, photos of Blake and Gwen's new "relationship" plastered all over social media and television every time she batted an eye and she's handled the entire situation with class, grace and dignity, never saying a negative word in the press (at least not that I've seen or heard), keeping her social media timeline above board and showing the world that she's getting through this just fine and that it's not keeping her down. She may be quiet for the time being, but that certainly doesn't mean she's down for the count. Expect Miranda to come back like a champ in 2016 and to keep reminding us why we love her.

Randy Rogers

Randy Rogers went through an emotional roller coaster this year with the excitement of the birth of a dark haired beautiful baby girl named Rumer Rain, posting his family's joy on his social media timeline with a photo and announcement, only to be shattered by her death six days later. Rumer was diagnosed with Nonketotic Hyperglycinemia (NKH), which is a rare genetic disorder affecting only about 1 in 66,000 newborns each year in the United States and unfortunately has no cure. The condition impairs the brain and leads to seizures, limpness in the muscles, breathing and difficulties with feeding and lethargy. Instead of retreating, Randy continued forward armed with the information he now had on this disease to help other parents suffering from the same situation by joining with Seton Medical Center Austin to fund "nesting suites" for families of babies who have been assigned to neonatal intensive care. These suites allow families to remain with their child around the clock, to talk to doctors and nurses, and be part of their child's care system even if the mother has been discharged. He's making a positive difference out of his own personal loss for so many people.

Rusty Golden

Rusty Golden, the son of Oak Ridge Boys member, William Lee Golden, has been dependent on pain medication since health issues back in 2002. This addiction was a struggle for Rusty and eventually took him to Rob's Ranch in Oklahoma where he began his fight against the demons to regain his inner strength and become sober again. During his stay at the ranch, Rusty began to write and perform songs for others in ranch fighting this difficult battle. These songs began his  road to personal healing and lead him to "Sober", his emotional and personal album of these songs that inspired and motivated him to put the struggle behind him and move forward. Rusty wants his music to matter, to make a difference in someones life. This album is his way of making that happen.

Wade Hayes

Wade Hayes was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in 2011 which went into remission in 2012. Since then Wade has been a positive and inspiring voice for those suffering from this life threatening disease. Shortly after finding out he had cancer, he wrote and released a single about the realization that his time was limited called "Is It Already Time". His faith has never wavered and his hope led him to his 2015 album with a message, "Go Live Your Life".  He also talks about his battle and participates in cancer awareness events to spread his words of hope and to remind people that we all have an expiration date and none of us know when that date is and until your time comes, you just have to believe and get out and live with the best of your abilities, be the best person you can and love as much as you can.

Mark Wills

Mark may not have new music out right now, but if you pay attention to his social media feeds, there is nothing this guy posts that isn't positive. Whether it be the regular posts about his love of country, the personal photos of he and his family, his belief and support of our military and it's veterans, or his funny selfies and "Dubsmash" videos, Mark always keeps it real and keeps us entertained in a positive way. Look for new music on the way from Mark in 2016, we'll be talking A LOT about it!

- Jennifer Smith
Follow me on Twitter at @lovinlyrics

MARK WILLS, SYLVIA, JANIE FRICKE, HIGHWAY 101, MOE BANDY, NELSON, AND MORE TO APPEAR DURING INAUGURAL SEASON OF 'THE JOEY CANYON SHOW'

Traditional Country singer-songwriter Joey Canyon has just announced the line-up for the first season of his new weekly RFD-TV series The Joey Canyon Show, and the 40 year Colorado native has put together a list of artists that represent the best in the Country Music format.

“When I decided I wanted to do The Joey Canyon Show in my hometown of Denver, I was concerned that artists from Nashville and other places may not choose to come here, how wrong I was,” the singer said. “Every special guest I had on the show was very happy to be in Colorado and was very impressed with the set, the band and how well they were treated, they all were first class as you would expect from traditional country artists!”

The 30-minute series will premiere on January 8, airing each Friday evening at 10pm Eastern / 9pm Central. The first guest will be hit-maker Mark Wills, known for hit singles as “Jacob’s Ladder,” “Wish You Were Here,” and the 2003 number one single “Nineteen Something.” Among the highlights of season one includes an appearance from legendary crooner T.G. Sheppard, 90s Rock duo Nelson, and 1980s hit-maker Sylvia – in the first national TV performance for the ACM-Award winner in many years.

A listing of the musical guests each week includes:

January 8: Mark Wills
January 15: T.G. Sheppard
January 22: Nelson
January 29: Sylvia
February 5: T. Graham Brown
February 12: Janie Fricke
February 19: Rex Allen, Jr.
February 26: Highway 101
March 4: Moe Bandy
March 11: Irlene Mandrell
March 18: John McEuen
March 25: Jennifer McCarter
April 1: Wynn Varble

Counting among his musical influences such artists as Vern Gosdin, Marty Robbins, and Waylon Jennings, Joey Canyon’s music definitely features a traditional-sounding lean. He has performed on such hallowed stage as the ACM-winning Palomino Club. His production work has graced broadcasts from NFL Films and PBS, and he has been presented a citation from the Governor of his home state for writing “Save Our Colorado,” an anti-pollution song. His current album is titled The Rhythm Of Livin.’

For more information on Joey Canyon, as well as The Joey Canyon Show, visit www.JoeyCanyon.com

MARK WILLS PARTNERS WITH REMINGTON FOR NEW SHOW IN CELEBRATION OF BRAND'S 200TH ANNIVERSARY

Remington Arms Company, LLC (“Remington”) announced today that it signed country music hit-maker Mark Wills to participate in various media projects associated with the company’s 200th anniversary, including an all-new show debuting in July 2016.

“Mark checks a lot of boxes: He’s a life-long hunter, an entertainer, and a supporter of veterans causes,” says Gary Keffer, director of media at Remington. “But, his biggest role is as husband and father. Family is important to Remington and a big reason why we get to celebrate a 200th anniversary in 2016.”

The general public knows Wills as a multi-platinum selling country music star with eight top 10 hits to his name, including "19 Something," "Wish You Were Here" and "Don't Laugh At Me;" two of which received nominations for Single, Song and Video of the Year by the Country Music Association. Wills won the Academy of Country Music's award for Top New Male Vocalist in 1998. In 2002, his single "19 Something" spent six consecutive weeks at No. 1, was Billboard's top country hit of the year and was the second most-played song of the decade in 2009.

Inside the firearms industry, Wills is known for having helped bring the sport of 3 Gun competitive shooting to the mainstream. Working with Remington takes Wills back to his roots, intersecting tradition, family, and a sense of adventure, themes familiar to his audience.

"I'm excited to be working with Remington,” said Mark Wills. “Their 200th Anniversary is going to be a big celebration throughout the next year and I look forward to not only being the host of their new show but tying my day job (singing) into it, all while having the privilege of using some of the best firearms in the industry."

Wills spent the weekend at The Mirage in Las Vegas performing as part of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation's national convention, Elk Camp, alongside other country artists including Terri Clark, Tracy Lawrence, Craig Morgan and Chuck Wicks. Throughout December and January he will join Remington to begin production on various content components for the brand's bicentennial celebration.

Please visit Remington’s Facebook page for updates and news about the company’s 200th anniversary kick-off, upcoming events, and new products.

For information on upcoming Mark Wills tour dates and new music, please visit www.markwills.com. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter!

"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.”

COUNTRY'S FAMILY REUNION WILL LIGHT UP JUNE AND JULY WITH "GOD BLESS AMERICA AGAIN" SERIES

Mark Wills

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (June 8, 2015) – The stage on Country’s Family Reunion will be draped in stars and stripes this June and July for a series showcasing those songs that make us proud to be Americans. Hosted by ‘Whispering’ Bill Anderson, the patriotic 4-part country music special, "God Bless America Again," kicks off on Friday, June 12 and airs weekly through Fourth of July weekend on RFD-TV.

It features performances by Lee Greenwood, Bobby Bare, John Conlee (“They Also Serve”), Ray Stevens (“Farther Along”), Jimmy Fortune (“In God We Trust”), Jan Howard (“My Son”), David Ball (“Riding With Private Malone”), the Gatlin Brothers (“The American Trilogy”), Mark Wills (“Looking For America”), Daryle Singletary (“America”), Jim Ed Brown (“Uncloudy Day”), and many more.

Join Anderson and the performing artists as they sing, share stories, reminisce about ‘the way things used to be,’ and pay tribute to those military servicemen and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom, leading up to Independence Day.

Upcoming Airdates:

6/12: Jimmy Fortune, Jeannie Seely, Dailey & Vincent, Mark Wills, Lee Greenwood

6/19: Bill Anderson, Aaron Tippin, Joey + Rory, Gene Watson, Daryle Singletary

6/26: Bobby Bare, Jan Howard, John Conlee, Gatlin Brothers

7/3: Jimmy Fortune, Aaron Tippin, David Ball, Gatlin Brothers, Daryle Singletary, Mark Wills, Rhonda Vincent, Bobby Bare, Bill Anderson, Lee Greenwood

Additional airdates can be found by visiting rfdtv.com.

Country’s Family Reunion airs at 8 p.m. ET on Fridays and 12 a.m. ET on Saturdays and Sundays.

Fans can purchase their own copy of the entire “God Bless America Again” series, a full six hours of content, on DVD by visiting cfrvideos.com or by calling 800-820-5405.

CMA FEST 2014: MARK WILLS GOES ALL OUT FOR HIS 2014 CMA FEST FAN CLUB PARTY

DATE: Friday, June 6, 2014
LOCATION: Grand Ole Opry House -   2804 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214
TIME: 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
TICKETS: $32.00 each -  (fan club membership NOT required – open to everyone)

The 2014 “Friends Club” party will take place backstage at the Grand Ole Opry House located between the Opry Mills Mall and Opryland Hotel on June 6th from 9am to 12pm.

“The last two years at the Country Music Hall of Fame have been amazing and I wanted to make this year’s “Friends” party something really special. This is going to be a one of a kind experience! As you know, I LOVE playing the Grand Ole Opry and I believe in the tradition of country music. Every time I play the Opry, I am reminded of all the great country legends who have played that stage. I thought it would be a once in a lifetime experience that I could share with all of you.” -Mark Wills

This year’s event will include a complete tour of the Opry house including backstage, and an opportunity to stand on the stage. After the tour, Mark will perform an acoustic set and will be available to meet everyone.

Due to space constraints, we are only able to offer this once in a life time event to the first 120 people who purchase tickets.

Click below to get your tickets now!

“I am so grateful to the Opry for working with us to make this an amazing atmosphere for us all. I look forward to seeing everyone on June 6th.”

-Mark Wills

  

VIDEO: MARK WILLS GIVES THE GIFT OF A SMILE TO A FAN ON 'THE DOCTORS'

Today, Mark Wills showed viewers another reason that country is such an amazing genre of music - compassion and caring.

Country artists are always the first to do what they can to help someone that needs it and his appearance on "The Doctors" is a first rate example of what makes Mark stand out. His music has always been a big hit but his heart is so much bigger than any hit he could ever release. Thank you Mark for giving us yet another reason to continue to believe in country music and those who create it.

CONCERT REVIEW / EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS: MARK WILLS AND KARLA DAVIS - TEMPLE THEATRE, SANFORD, NC 11/16/13

Artists: Mark Wills / Karla Davis (Finalist on Season 2 of NBC's "The Voice")
Date: 11/16/13
Venue: Temple Theatre
Location: Sanford, NC

First let me preface this by saying that this review will be rather lengthy. Why? Because when a show gives you a lot to talk about, you talk about it. I could go longer than this, but I think this sums it up pretty well for me.

When I was first approached by Brandon, the show's promoter, about  promoting and reviewing a show with Mark Wills and new artist, Karla Davis, in Sanford, NC, I have to admit, I got more excited about this opportunity than pretty much any other show I've covered this year (with the exception of the Oak Ridge Boys, well, because they're the Oak Ridge Boys). Even though I'd never seen Mark perform live, I knew that this performance would be different than the majority of shows I attend, this show was not going to be about the stage show, special effects, loud instruments that nearly drown out the vocals, or dodging overly intoxicated rude people crowding the stage just to be able to get that perfect concert shot. I knew this was going to be a simple show, the kind that would take music back to the good old fashioned basics and make me fall in love with good music all over again and reaffirm my belief that country music isn't dead (it just smells funny) and that not every artist has to sing about trucks, getting laid, and girls in cut off shorts. Don't get me wrong, I honestly don't mind some of the so-called "bro-country" music that's out there, but there are times where you just to hear music that is so good and so heartfelt that it can bring a room to silence. Mark Wills is an artist known for his realistic approach to writing a song, songs based on personal experience and things that mean something to him, songs that mean something to those that hear them. He's known for his deep love of family, his heartfelt appreciation for our military and his love of country, both country music and the country we live in and he infuses them all into his music. Having seen Karla Davis perform at Rapid Jam in 2011 and watched her time as a finalist on Season 2 of NBC's hit series, "The Voice", I already knew that she could sing my grocery list and turn it into a story, heck, she could make it a best seller.

When I first arrived at the theater, the first thing that caught my eye was the outdoor sign with the ticket price of $35.00. For an acoustic show, most would consider that on the high side, myself included. You can go to an amphitheater show with multiple top names and get a lawn ticket for less than that, but what you can't get is the intimate setting (this theater holds 300 people), wonderful acoustics, comfortable seating for everyone, and a well behaved crowd that is there for the appreciation of the music. This show was well worth the cost and if you were in the audience, you left with a newly enriched love of music that is honestly priceless.

The venue, the Temple Theatre, in downtown historic Sanford, NC was fantastic! It didn't look like much from the outside, unassuming with a simple plain awning, a marquee and an entrance that reminded one of an old 40's movie theater but when you walked in the door, it was actually quite breath taking and impressive.

Built in 1925 by Robert Ingram, Sr (owner of the Sanford Coca Cola Bottling Company), the Temple Theatre, located only one half block from the town's railroad station, was a frequent stop for Vaudeville shows and their performers. For years, it was the only venue for entertainment in Lee County, NC. Through out the years, the theatre showcased such various entertainment such as burlesque, 1930's road shows and was at one time a movie theatre. It even played host to the MGM lion at one time. In 1981, a group of people got together and decide that it was time to renovate the aging theatre and to once again make it the jewel in the Lee County crown for entertainment. The building was designated a National Historic Site in 1983. Since then, the venue has gone an extensive and ongoing renovation, adding decorative metal squares to accent the high ceilings, a perfect sized stage, elaborate chandeliers, a concession area, and comfortable padded theater seating. I honestly got so wrapped up in exploring the venue that I almost forgot why I was there. The owners of the Temple Theater have really done a great job in converting an old space into a new, updated place for locals to enjoy quality entertainment and to bring their families.I live 4 hours away and would make the drive anytime for a show. Sanford is a great location, it's only a one hour drive from the Raleigh/Durham area and only 30 minutes from Ft. Bragg, one of the country's top military installations and depending on the show and ticket prices, they offer various discounts to military, police, firefighters, and Lee County school employees.

Monroe, NC native Karla Davis took the stage at 8pm to quite an impressive round of applause. This crowd obviously already knew Karla and her music and made no attempt to keep that a secret. She took her stool and picked up her guitar and put on a show that I can promise was still being talked about long after she sang her last note. The range of emotion in her voice, her versatility is incredible and her vocals are 100% flawless. Karla isn't your typical female country singer, I would consider her a country Etta James, with an essence of raspy blues crossbred and blended with a splash of Bonnie Raitt soul, not to mention she is an amazing songwriter. She performed mostly original compositions like "Don't Give Me Roses", "Whiskey's Got a Job to Do", "Carolina", "Mississippi Thing", and "When I'm Gone". Every song brought silence to the room. There was no texting going on, no talking, none of the things you see at every other show. This audience was here for music, nothing more, nothing less and that's exactly what they got from Karla Davis. She's also quite funny, bantering with audience members, giving her dad grief (who was sitting in the balcony) and just being Karla. There's nothing average, ordinary or un-original about this artist. Be sure to check her out online at www.karladavismusic.com and follow her on Twitter at @KarlaDavisMusic. Her music is available on iTunes.

After a 10 minute intermission, Mark Wills walked out on stage in typical Mark low key fashion, wearing a Superman t shirt, a hat, jeans and boots. He always keeps things simple and this time was no different, he only brought 2 things with him, his guitar and his fellow guitar player, Kevin Key (who was a phenomenal musician and harmony vocalist in his own right). They both had a stool and a mic stand so you knew this was just gonna be good but I completely underestimated just how good it was going to be. One thing I wasn't expecting was to laugh my ass off all night, not just periodically, but from start to finish, from meeting him before the show and hearing his stories all the way through until the end of the night. His sense of humor is wonderful and part of what makes him such a well loved entertainer. He let us know that he doesn't use a set list, that he prefers his shows to be different and provide audience participation so this night was going to be strictly request based. He cracked jokes with various members of the crowd, trading "insults" with people that were just belly shaking funny. I absolutely love an artist who interacts with his fans and doesn't just sit in front of a mic and sing. This is what makes Mark Wills a stand out from the rest and puts him with the best. Other than a great performance, you get a fun performance. You never know what he's gonna say or do. From the start, I should have known just from sound check that he was going to be great, but he proved himself to be one HELL of a vocalist. There aren't many artists that can give me the goosies, but damn if he isn't one of them. His vocals are spot on, not a note missed and he has a tone in his voice that is, well, I guess I could compare to a home cooked Sunday dinner, it's familiar and comforting. It's like coming home. There were several friends of Mark's in the crowd who were military and you could see in his eyes the appreciation he has for them and he expressed that vocally several times throughout the night. When he sang his song about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, "Crazy Being Home", the person he wrote the song about was in the crowd and you could see the emotion all over Mark's face as he sang it and as he made eye contact with the person throughout the song. It was only one of the soft spots of the night. He sang the songs he's most known for, his radio hits, but he also sang songs that were extremely personal to him such as "In My Arms" that he wrote for his oldest daughter. I don't think there was a dry eye in the house, including his own.

After the few seconds he needed to compose himself after that one, he went right back into his other persona, Mark the Vegas Strip Stand Up Comedian. He announced to the crowd that in his decades of performing, he's realized there are 2 distinct groups of people at country music shows, the true country fan and those who were dragged to the show by the said country fan. He had the house lights turned up and asked the crowd by a show of hands who was in which group. There was one girl front and center who wasn't a country fan but was there with someone who was. She immediately became this hunter's target. He asked her "so you don't know ANY of my songs? Not one?" She replied she did not. He said "not even this one, it was one of my biggest" and well, I'll just let the video below take over from this point.


I can honestly say I could only find one thing to be critical of and that was the fact that it just didn't go on long enough for me, even though the show pretty much ran an extra hour thanks to Mark's random personality and his love of performing. I can also honestly say that  both Mark and Karla have a fan for life in me, all of their music is now happily at home on my iPod and I would just like to thank both for a wonderful night, for maintaining the integrity and character of true country music and for giving us music that we can believe in, music that moves the listener and for giving it meaning again. I think that should be the new trend in country. Trucks and hot chicks are cliche, but a song with meaning will always be timeless. You can also find Mark online at www.markwills.com and on Twitter at @MarkWillsMusic. He does run his own twitter the majority of the time and he's great about responding so don't hesitate to follow him and say hello.

EVENT (SAN DIEGO, CA): TOMORROW, SAT AUG 10 - BENEFIT CONCERT WITH MARK WILLS

Come support a great organization, UrbanSurf4Kids, and hear some great music from Mark Wills. Tickets are still available starting at $5.00 (general admission). Get your tickets now!

 

COLLIN RAYE, MARK WILLS AND OTHERS LEND SUPPORT TO HONORONE CAMPAIGN

HonorOne provides assistance to military families,  lifts the spirits of the those injured in the line of duty and supports U.S. workers with disabilities

 

Nashville, Tenn. (March 21, 2013) - Country Music stars Collin Raye, Mark Wills, Jim Ed Brown, Jan Howard, Eddy Raven and David Ball provided their support to the newly launched HonorOne Campaign by recording public service announcements and detailing their personal experiences with the military.

 The PSAs recorded by the artists, challenge ALL 300 million Americans to make a pledge of $10 to the organization which assists service men and women and their families. For each $10 spent at www.HonorOne.org, the supporter will receive a God Bless the USA Reminder Coin. Additionally, the supporter will be part of a patriotic shadow box gift to a wounded veteran. Each gift is handmade in the United States by a disabled worker. 100% of the profits are donated to the best military charities, including those that provide vital family and post-traumatic stress disorder counseling for soldiers returning from the battlefield. For more information, or to support the HonorOneCampaign, please visit www.honorone.org.

“We are thrilled that these artists and celebrities have added their voices to our cause,” said Lane Ostrow, founder of the HonorOne Campaign. “It is our hope that their patriotism and stories will inspire others. We are excited to be able to have an impact on so many with just $10. We hope that since the HonorOne Campaign only costs $10 to participate, everyone who wants to help, will be able to.”

For more information on the HonorOne $10 Campaign or other military gift packages, please visit www.honorone.org or www.productsforgood.com.

Watch the videos:
Collin Raye http://youtu.be/2H1sxxmLabQ
Mark Wills http://youtu.be/oq0cClqX3Jo
Jim Ed Brown http://youtu.be/F_aNmoqefcg
Jan Howard http://youtu.be/dRPzNXAnjBA
Eddy Raven http://youtu.be/q7HxQWk_xL4
David Ball http://youtu.be/VryJC-ySCA0

EVENT (BROOKFIELD, NY): FRI, JULY 12 - STEVE HOLY, MARK WILLS, LYNDSEY HIGHLANDER AND FULTON CHAIN GANG AT MADISON COUNTY FAIR

Bug Country 99.7, along with Entertainment Trading Company, presents a SUPER country concert at the Madison County Fair in Brookfield, NY Friday, July 12th!

Steve Holy

Mark Wills

Lyndsey Highlander

Fulton Chain Gang

Tickets are available for ONLY $15!  

Grab them now at MADISON COUNTY FAIR COUNTRY TICKETS

Starting tomorrow, Monday, March 18 through Friday, March 22: Win tickets to this great show! Listen to Bug Country 99.7 & 101.1 for a Mark Wills or Steve Holy song between 9am-4pm. The 10th caller to 1-800-728-7126 wins!  And one of our 10 winners will also get backstage passes to meet the stars!!

ANNOUNCING THE 2013 MARK WILLS FAN CLUB PARTY!

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR TICKETS 

The 2013 Mark Wills\ Fan Club Party will be held at the Country Music Hall of Fame on Friday morning, June 7th at 8:00am. Tickets are now on sale!  This year’s party includes a continental breakfast, concert, and meet and greet!  Tickets are only $32.00 and attendees get the exclusive opportunity to purchase a  discounted ticket to the Hall Of Fame!

DATE: Friday, June 7, 2013
LOCATION: Country Music Hall Of Fame - 222 Fifth Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203
TIME: 8:00am
TICKETS: $32.00 each   (fan club membership NOT required – open to everyone)

COUNTRY MUSIC STAR AND SWORN RESERVE DEPUTY SHERIFF, MARK WILLS ATTENDS GALA TO BENEFIT THE NATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT MUSEUM

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (October 13, 2011)–Country music entertainer Mark Wills recently accepted a personal invitation to attend theNational Law Enforcement Museum’s 2ndAnnual Gala this past Wednesday, October 12, 2011. Held in Washington, D.C. at the Grand Hyatt, this year’s gala celebrated the 20th Anniversary of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Museum, scheduled to open in late 2013.

“I feel so honored to have had the opportunity to join in such a noteworthy occasion,” Wills stated. “To be able to attend and celebrate such a milestone – 20 years! – was truly a privilege, and to be part of the efforts to build an honorarium for our men and women of service was befitting.”

As a sworn reserve deputy sheriff in Cherokee Country, Georgia, Wills joined other members of the Gala’s Celebrity Cabinet: Master of Ceremonies Richard Belzer (Actor; Law & Order: Special Victims Unit), the Museum’s National Spokesperson Vincent D’Onofrio (Actor; Law & Order: Criminal Intent) and, the evening’s recipient of the Distinguished Service Award, Dick Wolf (Emmy Award winning producer; theLaw & Order franchise) for an evening of celebrating and remembering. As an added bonus, the 600-plus guests were offered the first glimpses of various artifacts and the Museum’s Hall of Remembrance, an “exhibit designed to tell the stories behind the names currently inscribed on the national monument in Washington’s Judiciary Square.”

About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund:

Founded in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) is dedicated to honoring and remembering the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers in the United States. Their mission is to generate increased public support for the law enforcement profession by permanently recording and appropriately commemorating the service and sacrifice of law enforcement officers; and to provide information that will help promote law enforcement safety. The NLEOMF built and maintains the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and is preparing to open the first-ever National Law Enforcement Museum, adjacent to the Memorial, scheduled to open in late 2013. The Museum will tell the story of American law enforcement through exhibits, collections, research and education. For more information, visit www.nleomf.org.

About Mark Wills:

With a tenure that spans over 15 years in country music, Mark Wills is as well-known in the industry for his philanthropy and honest “good ol’ boy” attitude as his reputation for being a singer’s singer. Wills has a list of No. 1’s to his name such as, “Wish You Were Here”and "19 Somethin’," and ten Top 10 singles including "Jacob's Ladder," "Places I've Never Been," "I Do (Cherish You)," "Don't Laugh At Me," "She's in Love" and his Wills branded rendition of Brian McKnight's "Back At One."Wills’ latest LOOKING FOR AMERICA(distributed by Gracie Productions) features both the title cut and the USA Cares Warrior Treatment Today campaign song, “Crazy Being Home” (www.crazybeinghome.com).

For more information on Mark Wills and upcoming tour dates, visit: www.markwills.com.

Pictured:

Picture #1- Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association (FLEOA) National President John Adler, Vincent D'Onofrio (who plays Detective Robert Goren "Law & Order: Criminal Intent") and Mark Wills

Picture #2 - Mark Wills with Lenny DePaul, Commander / Chief Inspector U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and A & E Network TV Show "ManHunters"

MARK WILLS SHARES "CRAZY BEING HOME"

CLICK TO LISTEN

The whining guitar opener is the set up for the invisible pain this song brings to life. A source of understanding, "Crazy Being Home" is a "must-listen" to comprehend the effects of the sacrifices and experiences our brothers and sisters in the military have endured -- stressing the importance of of recognizing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is the very reason Mark Wills recorded this song.

Mark has made more than seven trips to Iraq and Afghanistan entertaining our troops and has become personally acquainted with the faces of our servicemen and women. He is familiar with the places they've been. Having gained a special insight into the trials and stresses faced by our soldiers in combat, in reflection and consideration, "Crazy Being Home", is a heart-song for Mark Wills.

MARK WILLS JOINS FNH USA’s 3-GUN SHOOTING TEAM

Alignment Reiterates Wills' Reputation As A Marksman

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 20, 2011)—Multi-platinum country music artist Mark Wills has been selected as the first celebrity member to join the FNH USA’s 3-Gun Shooting Team. The competition season will have Wills and his seven teammates participating in more than two major events each month in Spring 2012. The FNH USA’s 3-Gun Shooting Team, in its third year, is excited about the Wills addition and not just because of the country music star’s marquee name.

“We are very pleased to welcome Mark to Team FNH USA,” said Ken Pfau, Senior Vice President of Law Enforcement and Commercial Sales for FNH USA. “Mark does a great deal to build the shooting sport and supports our troops as well as a number of affiliated charities such as the USA Cares Wounded Warrior project and Operation Troop Aid. Adding Mark to our shooting team is indicative of what our team is becoming and helps define who we are as an organization.”

“I'm not a pro shooter; I've enjoyed shooting as a hobby and have for many years," Mark Wills reveals. “What sparked my interest in the 3-gun world is that it is a learning sport and there is always room for improvement as a marksman. I don't aspire to win, necessarily; I hope to help grow the shooting sport, promote the firearm industry to a public who may not yet be familiar and enjoy the sport safely. I'm honored to have been asked to help represent the team next year."

Mark Wills’ enthusiasm for the 3-Gun sport has become increasingly evident. Earlier this year, he signed on once again to host for the VERSUS program “3 Gun Nation” for the second consecutive season. (FNH USA is a show sponsor). The program’s dynamic format features the match-up of novice and professional marksmen competing in some of the most action-packed and difficult stages of shooting.

A criterion for an ideal shooter is possession of the proper attitude toward the shooting sports and shooters. Although there may be faster, more accurate master shooters in each competition, FNH USA’s team prides itself on being one of the most helpful, enthusiastic and fun teams to shoot with.Over the course of the season, the shooting team will compete in five major matches as well as a number of smaller events. Along with bragging rights, top competitors can potentially win firearms in addition to cash prizes up to $25,000 in major competitions.

The eight-member co-ed Team FNH USA now includes Wills, Pfau and Team Captain Tommy Thacker, along with Tasha and Mark Hanish, Di Liedorff, Larry Houck and Erik Lund. Tasha Hanish is the reigning female 3-Gun champion with several titles to her name since 2010; while her husband, Mark Hanish, is a FNH USA Regional Sales Manager and a USPSA Grand Master.  Larry Houck is a Firearms Trainer from White Sands NM; he’s earned a number of top ten titles and is the statistician of the group.  Di Liedorff has also won several top ladies honors and is a Law Enforcement Officer from Tulsa OK. Erik Lund, the team’s newest addition, is a Grand Master in USPSA pistol.

About FNH USA

FNH USA, LLC is a U.S. subsidiary of FN Herstal S.A., a global leader in the development and manufacturing of high-quality, reliable firearms for the military, law enforcement and commercial markets. A pioneer in innovative firearm technology since the days of John M. Browning, the company supplies a variety of products to customers in more than 100 countries worldwide. Based in McLean, VA with manufacturing operations in Columbia, SC, FNH USA is responsible for all U.S.-based sales and marketing efforts. To learn more about FNH USA and its products, please visit www.fnhusa.com.

About Mark Wills

With a tenure that spans over 15 years in country music, Mark Wills is well-known in the industry for his philanthropy and honest “good ol’ boy” attitude. During his career, Wills has a list of No. 1’s including, “Wish You Were Here” and "19 Somethin’,'" and nearly ten Top 10 singles including "Jacob's Ladder," "Places I've Never Been," "I Do (Cherish You)," "Don't Laugh At Me," "She's in Love" and a cover version of Brian McKnight's "Back At One." Wills’ latest LOOKING FOR AMERICA (distributed by Gracie Productions) features both the title cut and the USA Cares Warrior Treatment Today campaign song,“Crazy Being Home” (www.crazybeinghome.com).

For more information on Mark Wills and upcoming tour dates, visit: www.markwills.com.