SINGER/SONGWRITER JON STATHAM JOINS FORCES WITH VETERANS THROUGH WARRIOR ROUNDS TO CREATE SONGS OF RESILIENCE

Embarking on a soul-stirring journey, acclaimed songwriter Jon Statham is harmonizing with the untold narratives of veterans through Warrior Rounds, transforming their experiences into powerful compositions of resilience and shared humanity.

Warrior Rounds was created to bring together veterans with songwriters to tell the untold stories of the heroes who have served our country. It was started by J.T. Cooper in 2019 “to help veterans have a voice,” he says. “Music helped me with my PTSD after my experience with war, during the battle of Mogadishu, of Black Hawk Down. We’ve done 60 stories and songs so far.”

Nashville singer/songwriter Jon Statham became involved with Warrior Rounds in 2022 through his friend and songwriting partner, Jason Martin. “I’ve written about 40 or more songs with Jason [Martin], many of the early ones were about his time in the army, and he introduced me to Warrior Rounds,” said Statham.

Statham described the Warrior Rounds project as a day retreat for veterans where they tell their stories to songwriters. “Heroes should always have a song written about them,” he said. Of these retreats, Statham noted, “it’s quite an experience, incredibly fulfilling.”

Cooper is thrilled with the collaboration with Statham, “Jon is awesome, he gets the Heart of what we do – one Warrior’s Story, one song at a time,” he says. This project is not only a celebration of artistic expression but a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who have dedicated their lives to serving their country.

Jon Statham and Jason Martin started writing music together at the end of 2015 and put out their first song ”The Soldier and Me” in 2016. Martin described writing songs with Statham, “It is smooth, almost magical. [Jon] understands music so well that once he has the story and a melody in mind it just flows out.”

Martin was in the military for 20 years, and says it is the main thing that influences what he writes songs about. “Songwriting is all about the truth through stories and melodies and my time in the military formed who I am and who I will always be–a soldier, a warrior,” he said.

For Statham, this is also personal – “My dad proudly served in the Army. He was stationed in Japan and Asia. That’s where he got his start in radio and music, surprisingly enough. He spent many years in Country Music Radio.”

Most recently, Statham collaborated on the song “Hard Times Don’t Last” during a day retreat with Warrior Rounds. You can hear the story behind the song in the video below. 

The Warrior Rounds project aims to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by veterans and to foster a sense of unity and understanding. As the project unfolds, Statham wants the public to follow along and celebrate the strength, camaraderie, and stories of those who have served. Donations are most welcome to help keep these stories going at www.warriorrounds.com. 

More information is available on Warrior Rounds at www.facebook.com/warriorrounds or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@warriorrounds4844.

To learn more about Jon Statham and his music, visit www.jonstatham.com 

or follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

#COUNTRYGIVESBACK - CRAIG MORGAN SURPRISES OPERATION FINALLY HOME WITH $100,000 TO SUPPORT WOUNDED VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS

The country music star and Army veteran’s winnings

from CBS’s “Beyond The Edge,” as well as a donation from Monster Energy Cares, will help fund the non-profit’s work to provide mortgage-free homes to wounded veterans and first responders

Left to right: Darlene Barrett (Monster Energy), Craig Morgan, Bobby Bones, and Operation Finally Home’s Dan Wallrath, Rusty Carroll, and Molly Halliday / © Grand Ole Opry, photos by Rachael Black

Country music star and Army veteran Craig Morgan surprised executives from Operation Finally Home on stage at the Grand Ole Opry Tuesday night during its special Salute The Troops show, presenting a check for $100,000 to support the organization’s critical work to provide mortgage-free homes and home modifications to wounded, ill and injured military veterans, first responders, and their families in honor of their service and sacrifice to our country and community. The donation, which includes his entire $70,000 won on CBS’s Beyond The Edge in addition to a $30,000 donation from Monster Energy Cares, will help fill the funding gap to provide a new mortgage-free home to a deserving family. Watch the moving moment HERE.

“We are excited to accept this donation, which will allow us to further our mission of honoring veterans, first responders and their families with homes and home modifications,” shared Dan Wallrath, Founder, Operation Finally Home. "Craig is an amazing ambassador for Operation Finally Home with a deep desire to honor and care for America’s heroes, and we are blessed by his generosity.”

Additional donations can be made to Operation Finally Home at OperationFinallyHome.org.

Left to right: Rusty Carroll (Operation Finally Home), Darlene Barrett (Monster Energy), Craig Morgan, Dan Wallrath (Operation Finally Home), Molly Halliday (Operation Finally Home) / 

©Grand Ole Opry, photos by Rachael Black

Craig will also honor our military this weekend, performing during the National Memorial Day Concert, airing Sunday, May 29 on PBS – find local listings HERE. This fall, he’ll release his highly-anticipated personal memoir — God, Family, Country — arriving September 27 in partnership with Blackstone Publishing and available for pre-order HERE. He’ll also embark on his headlining Operation Finally Home Welcomes “God, Family, Country Tour 2022,” with special guest Ray Fulcher, kicking off October 19 in Green Bay, WI and closing with a very special Veterans Day Show on November 11 at Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium. Visit craigmorgan.com to find tickets and more.

FOLDS OF HONOR OF TENNESSEE TO HOST FIRST ANNUAL CELEBRITY GOLF TOURNAMENT AT PRESTIGIOUS GOVERNOR'S CLUB IN BRENTWOOD, TENNESSEE

The event will benefit children and spouses of fallen and disabled service members by providing educational scholarships.

The Executive Board of Folds of Honor, Tennessee, is set to host their first annual celebrity golf tournament on Monday, June 21st, at the Governors Club in Brentwood, TN. Folds of Honor, is a 501C-3 national nonprofit dedicated to providing educational scholarships to the families of fallen and disabled American service members.

This world class event will bring together some of Nashville’s most recognizable celebrities, in a friendly exhibition for a great cause. Talent committed to participation includes Titan’s head coach Mike Vrabel and chart-topping country artists Lee Brice, Tyler Farr, Jamie Johnson, Chase Rice, Charles Esten, Randy Houser, Mitchell Tenpenny, Michael Ray, Jelly Roll, Dee Jay Silver amongst many, many others. Over two dozen celebrities from the worlds of sports and entertainment will be in attendance at the one day fundraiser. 

The event schedule is as follows:

9:30AM - Registration

11:30AM - Shotgun Start

4:00PM - Happy Hour with music by Dee Jay Silver 4:30 Auction/Awards/ Special Guest/Dinner 

5:30PM - Concert by the Steel Drivers

A few notable auction items include:

Two VIP passes to join Danica Patrick aboard the super yacht Ocean Pearl at The 2022 Monaco Grand Prix

A round of golf in Las Vegas with Lee Brice and LPGA pro-golfer Danielle Kang

A once-in-a-lifetime 4-day Dove Hunt in Argentina.

7 day vacation in beautiful Cabo San Lucas, Mexico with a two bedroom suite at the oceanfront Diamond Resort.

Signed guitars and celebrity memorabilia

“We are excited to bring together our friends from the worlds of sports, entertainment, and corporate America for the common cause of helping military families who paid the ultimate price to preserve our freedom,” said Christopher King, President for Folds of Honor, Tennessee. “We can’t all serve in the military, but we can support the families of those who protect our country.”

If you or someone you know is interested in purchasing a foursome or becoming a sponsor of the Folds of Honor Celebrity Golf Tournament, please email jkreifels@foldsofhonor.org. 

Each partnership allows Folds of Honor to ensure that no family member of a fallen soldier goes without a scholarship this year. Folds of Honor is committed to maintaining and growing relationships within the community to support companies and individuals who value our military and our mission to educate the legacy of those who keep us free. Sign up link for teams and sponsorship here:https://www.fohevents.org/TNCelebrityGolf2021/?controller=home

THE CHARLIE DANIELS JOURNEY HOME PROJECT DONATES $25K TO VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS

THE CHARLIE DANIELS JOURNEY HOME PROJECT TRUDGES AHEAD

DONATES THOUSANDS TO VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS

Recent Charitable Contributions Aiding U.S Military Vets Totals $25,000

The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP), a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting our nation's military veterans, is barreling ahead with its late founder’s mission to help our former men and women in uniform. Since the passing of Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Daniels last year, co-founder David Corlew (and Daniels’ longtime manager) has donated $25,000 to various organizations that directly aid veterans and their families.

 

Recent contributions include $10,000 to A Soldier’s Child, which benefits children of veterans, and $5,000 to God’s Word for Warriors, a non-profit committed to serving spiritually wounded and emotionally distressed vets.

 

"Our mission is to continue our vision and commitment to the supporting of our veterans as they reintegrate from service to civilian life,” explains Corlew. "The loss of Charlie, combined with the impact of Covid, has made it even more difficult to do. But the need is there, and as you can see, we are unwavering in efforts to serve."

 

Additionally, last month, TCDJHP joined forces with country music superstar Chris Young to establish the Daniels/Young Veterans Scholarship at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. TCDJHP donated $10,000 to fund the new yearly scholarship that will be awarded to former servicemen and women pursuing a degree from the College of Media and Entertainment at the university. 

 

“Charlie was not only an influence on my music but was a mentor too,” says Young, who attended MTSU prior to signing with RCA Nashville. "I’m extremely honored to help continue his legacy through this new scholarship.”

 

MTSU also houses the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, an on-campus facility that provides transition services for veterans and their families as they return to civilian life after military service.

 

TCDJHP’s daily operations rely solely on public donations. To donate, visit  thecharliedanielsjourneyhomeproject.org. 

TCDJHP Donates 5k to God's Word for Warriors

Photo ID Left to Right: Jim Humphrey (God’s Word for Warriors), Dr. Tom Seals 

(God’s Word For Warriors), Angela Wheeler (TCDJHP),

 David Corlew (TCDJHP) 

CDJHP Donates 10k to MTSU for Daniels/Young Veterans Scholarship

Photo ID Left to Right: General Keith M. Huber, Angela Wheeler (TCDJHP), 

Chris Young, David Corlew (TCDJHP)

TCDJHP Donates 10k to A Soldier's Child 

Photo ID left to right: Trace Adkins, Carolyn Corlew (TCDJHP), 

W.D. Wheeler, Angela Wheeler (TCDJHP),  Joel Pruitt (TCDJHP), 

David Corlew (TCDJHP), Daryl Mackin (A Soldier's Child)

 

CHARLIE DANIELS AND THE JOURNEY HOME PROJECT JOIN FORCES WITH CODE OF VETS TO AID VETERANS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Daniels and his veterans non-profit The Journey Home Project (TJHP) are joining forces with another non-profit group, Code of Vets, to aid former U.S. servicemen and women who are suffering amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the country music and southern rock icon announced the partnership between the two organizations. Their collective mission is a call to action to seek public donations for vets suffering from economic hardships as well as those who have contracted the virus.

"Gretchen Smith and the folks at Code of Vets cover the guys below the radar, the ones with immediate needs and no place to turn, with a rapid deployment type response to veterans in desperate circumstances," says Daniels. "These are the same veterans who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom. Our nation is pretty distracted by the coronavirus pandemic we’re all dealing with, but the need in the veterans world goes on, and the urgent need for funds is truly critical. I would ask you to join The Journey Home Project in supporting Code of Vets in providing for the needs of our most worthy citizens."

There are many stories from Americans during the COVID-19 crisis, but for weeks there has been a group suffering in silence: our veterans. Most days, these men and women battle PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), hunger, homelessness and unemployment but do their best to stay afloat. Code of Vets, a 501c3, has been on the front lines assisting a large number of veterans and their families, finding those in need of even the most basic items such as food, running water and electricity. Some have been infected with the virus itself.

“We are operating under emergency conditions with this alarming spike of veterans in crisis," explains Code of Vets Founder Gretchen Smith. "Please donate to assist with basic needs like food, housing and utilities. Our veterans matter. Every dollar matters. It is on us to take care of our own.”

“I've watched the amazing work that Gretchen and her team have done over the past year," notes TJHP co-founder and Daniels' manager David Corlew. "It's a natural fit for us to team with Code of Vets during a critical time such as this. Our veterans need us. They fought for us, so it's time for us to return the service. We can do this."

In pre-COVID-19 times, Code of Vets assisted veterans with mental health crisis, unemployment, housing and transportation, among others, but they are now encountering dire situations that they never expected.

Pressing issues for vets include:

Unable to pay bills due to layoffs
Spike in food assistance requests
Unable to afford basic needs such as: water, electricity, gas
Increase in veteran suicides
Unable to afford room or board due to job loss 
No access to rent, mortgage, car payment relief or deferred payment programs
Unable to reach the VA (by phone/in-person) for necessary mental health appointments

This is only a glimpse into COVID-19’s affect on the veteran community.

“It is no longer business as usual. The urgency of these needs require all of our resources all of the time, and we need more Americans to step up for our veterans as they did for them,” adds Smith.

Daniels and The Journey Home Project urge the public to donate to Code of Vets during this trying time for our nation’s military heroes. Donations can be made at codeofvets.com.

NICK ALLIGOOD RELEASES NEW VIDEO "DRINKIN' LEFT TO DO" IN SALUTE TO VETERANS

Nick Alligood grew up in the Peach State, but relocated to Nashville, TN in 2015 to pursue his life-long dream of being a career musician full-time. He has toured throughout the country sharing the stage with well known artists such as Easton Corbin, Jerrod Niemann, Joe Nichols, Big and Rich, Eric Paslay, and Craig Campbell. His self-released single "Take a Drive" hit Top 100 on the Country Charts and he currently has over 100,000 followers across social media. 
Nick's latest video, "Drinkin' Left To Do", was written in honor of his friend and hero, the late Weston C. Lee. The song was co-written with AJ Gatio and Big Vinny of Trailer Choir and TV's The Biggest Loser and was shot and produced by Jacob Meyers and Richard Fishburn. The video is presented by Red White & Blue Apparel, a popular patriotic themed apparel company who fell in love with the song's message and was instrumental in bringing it to life. The entire cast of the video is made up of American veterans.
For more information about Nick Alligood be sure to check out his official website http://www.nickalligood.com.

MARINE VETERAN, CHRIS TURNER, LENDS TALENTS TO SHED LIGHT ON PTSD WITH RELEASE OF VIDEO FOR “IF YOU DRINK”

Chris Turner, a Veteran of the United States Marines announced the release of his first single off his upcoming EP, "American Made," to be the emotion tugging, "If You Drink." In a given year, approximately 5.2 million people suffer from PTSD. The video depicts the raw emotion and is dedicated to bring awareness to those who suffer. A soft release of the video has already garnered nearly 8K views prior to the official release.

" At the end of his rope, looking for hope

But he found this ol’ bar here instead...

She said, man, I can tell you been going through hell

Well, we’ve all come out of there too

And we live by our own golden rule

If you cheat, hope its death that you're cheating,

If you lie, lie with someone you love,

If you fight, do it for the right reasons,

If you drink, then come drink one with us..."

When Chris decided to make a video, there was only one choice for him. It was produced by and stars American actor, former U.S. Army sergeant, retired mixed martial artist, Randy Couture, “The Natural.”

“Working on the “If You Drink” video was a great learning experience and an honor for me. As a veteran myself,  getting a chance to work with a talent like Chris Turner and help him spread a message of hope and shed a light on the veteran suicide issue in our country is a no brainer,” said Randy Couture, Seven time MMA Heavyweight Champion and Founder of Xtreme Couture GI Foundation. “I am very excited to see the song and video released and proud of what we’ve put together.’

“Chris Turner is the up-and-coming artist to watch for in 2019 if you love the USA, country music and lyrics that make you wanna grab your friends and head to the nearest honky tonk for a night out,” reflects Meyer Music Group President/CEO;Chris Meyer.

An all military Veteran team, Chris Turner, Randy Couture (U.S. Army sergeant) and his manager Kevin Sanchez (formerly with the Blue Angels), are embarking on a military tour that will benefit Randy's charity, The Xtreme Couture GI Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation xcgif.org. The foundation was especially formed to raise money and awareness for those wounded in action and their families.

Keep current with Chris Turner on his website and stay in touch with him on his social media via Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

INAUGURAL "CHARLIE DANIELS PATRIOT AWARD DINNER" TO BE HELD AT NASHVILLE'S PALM RESTAURANT ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

Evening to Feature Remarks by Decorated Military Vets Chris Spence and Mario Vigil, Two of the "Real Horse Soldiers" Portrayed in New Critically-Acclaimed Film, '12 Strong' 

Daniels and Special Guest Chris Young to Perform Live

Tickets Available for Purchase by Calling 615-742-3193

Charlie Daniels has announced the inaugural "Charlie Daniels Patriot Award Dinner" to be held at The Palm Restaurant in Nashville, Tennessee on Tuesday, September 18. The evening will feature remarks from decorated military veterans Chris Spence and Mario Vigil, two of the "Real Horse Soldiers" portrayed in the 2018 critically-acclaimed film, 12 Strong, starring Chris Hemsworth. Daniels and special guest Chris Young will also perform live. SiriusXM's Storme Warren will emcee the event.

On behalf of his veterans non-profit organization, The Journey Home Project (TJHP), the Country Music Hall of Famer will also award the first-ever Charlie Daniels Patriot Award to two special honorees, handpicked by Daniels and his manager and TJHP co-founder, David Corlew. This year's recipients will be announced at a later day.

"We are adding a new feature to the Journey Home fundraiser this year," says Daniels. "We are going to be presenting the first Charlie Daniels Patriot Award to some folks who have gone above and beyond to help our veterans."

The criteria for the Charlie Daniels Patriot Award is based on the mission of The Journey Home Project: To support veterans in their return, rehabilitation, and reintegration back into civilian life. The award honors a person, persons, or group that exemplifies the efforts and dedication to fulfill its purpose of care, support and encouragement to the men, women, and families who have served our great nation.

Along with Daniels, Spence and Vigil, the evening's guest speakers include military vets Mark "Oz" Geist, Kyle E. Lamb, and David Rutherford, as well as former New York City police commissioner Bernard B. Kerik.

The event kicks-off at 6:30 p.m. with a silent auction, followed by The Palm's signature Surf & Turf dinner at 7:00 p.m. The program and live auction begin at 8:00 p.m. A limited number of guest tables (seats 8) remain at $3,000 each. Limited individual tickets are also available for purchase at $300.00 per seat. For table/ticket purchases, contact Paige Dixon: 615-742-3193 / pdixon@thepalm.com

All proceeds from the evening benefit The Journey Home Project. The event is produced by David Corlew & Associates.

The "Charlie Daniels Patriot Award Dinner" is sponsored by The Palm, Military Systems Group, Empire Distributors of Tennessee, Inc., the Shepherd Center, Wondergraphics, APA, UES (Utility Equipment Service), MTSU's Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, Outback Concerts and Team Construction.

For more information, visit charliedaniels.com.

CRAIG MORGAN HONORS VETERANS DURING “AMERICAN STORIES” CONCERT EXPERIENCE TOUR DATES IN WASHINGTON, D.C. AND ROANOKE, VA

Country music entertainer, TV host and former soldier CRAIG MORGAN honored our United States military veterans over the weekend during his “American Stories” concert experience tour stops in Washington, D.C. and Roanoke, VA. Joined by his daughter Alexandra, Third Day front man Mac Powell, best-selling author (American Wife) and Veterans’ family activist Taya Kyle, songwriter/producer Phil O’Donnell (“Give It All We Got Tonight,” “Back When I Knew It All”), Morgan and friends celebrated American values and the service of our men and women in uniform through music and storytelling.

Nearly 200 members of the Armed Services and their families were given complimentary tickets to attend the show at Washington D.C.’s Warner Theater courtesy of the USO, with The Washington Post sharing the unique concert experience. The following night at Berglund Center in Roanoke, VA, Morgan presented a $20,000 donation to Folds of Honor on behalf of Record Rack® and Tarter. Folds of Honor provides educational scholarships to families of military men and women who have fallen or been disabled while on active duty in the United States Armed Forces. In addition, with the help of Record Rack® premium game feeds, five veterans were selected to win a once-in-a-lifetime hunting experience at Rancho Bellas Rocas along with an assortment of hunting gear.

Craig Morgan’s “American Stories” concert experience dates:

October 29*                Peoria, IL               Limelight
November 10**           Washington, D.C.    Warner Theatre
November 11**           Roanoke, VA           Berglund Center
November 17 ***         Manitowoc, WI       Capitol Civic Centre
November 18***          Milwaukee, WI       Northern Lights Theatre
November 19***          Warsaw, IN            Wagon Wheel Theatre

*with Shane Minor and Keni Thomas
**with Phil O’Donnell and Taya Kyle
***with Marla Cannon-Goodman and Clint Romesha

Learn more about the limited engagement “American Stories” concert experience HERE.

The Black River Entertainment recording artist’s ninth album, A Whole Lot More To Me, released June 3rd and includes “I’ll Be Home Soon” and “When I’m Gone” along with the inspiring ballad “Hearts I Leave Behind” with Mac Powell. Co-produced by Craig and Byron Gallimore (Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Lee Ann Womack), Morgan co-wrote nearly half of the album's tracks with some of Music City's hottest writers like Josh Osborne, Kevin Denney, Jim McBride and Phil O'Donnell.

CONFEDERATE RAILROAD AND RICHARD LYNCH PERFORM NASHVILLE AND OHIO SHOWS TO BENEFIT VETERANS

Multi-platinum-selling Academy of Country Music award winners, Confederate Railroad and chart-topping Independent Country Music Hall of Famer, Richard Lynch performed two standing room only shows to benefit the Love Tattoo Foundation for Veterans.

In December 2014, Independent Country Music Hall of Fame artist, Richard Lynch announced the establishment of the Love Tattoo Foundation. The non-profit venture was founded to raise awareness and financial assistance for wounded veterans. On Friday, June 10th at Nashville Palace in Nashville, TN, and on Saturday, June 11th at Keepin' It Country Farm in Waynesville, OH, Academy of Country Music award-winners, Confederate Railroad, best known for their chart-topping multi-platinum-selling hits like "Queen of Memphis" and "Trashy Women," joined Lynch for two standing-room-only performances to benefit the Love Tattoo Foundation. Friday's event was sponsored by Nashville Music Guide and featured performances by openers, Brooke Byam & Alyssa Oeder.

The name, "Love Tattoo" was inspired by a poem written by law enforcement officer, Chuck Brisbin, to honor a Veteran, who had returned home from Afghanistan, severely disfigured. Chuck brought his heartfelt poem to Richard and asked if it could be put to music and perhaps, used in a way as to assist wounded heroes. Richard knew it was destined to take on a life of its own, and the Love Tattoo Foundation was born. This foundation recognizes that the horror of war and military service do not end with a tour of duty. Countless Veterans tell stories of ostracism and further wounding, when they return home. For more information on the Love Tattoo Foundation, please visit http://www.lovetattoofoundation.org.

Watch Richard Lynch and fellow country star, Buddy Jewell talk about the Love Tattoo Foundation at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Esuy1itVzfs.

A primary beneficiary from the Foundation's activities will be the unique, WilWin Lodge in Trout Lake, Michigan. Previously used as a lumbering operation, WilWin sits on 600 beautiful, wooded acres with over ten miles of groomed trails for hiking, riding, four wheeling, and biking. The property consist of a lodge, which will accommodate fifteen guests, a pavilion and caretakers cabin. A full commercial kitchen is also available in the conference/recreation center. Veterans with physical and emotional disabilities, along with their families, will be warmly welcomed for rest, relaxation and some quiet rehabilitation. For more information on WilWin Lodge, please visit http://www.wilwin.org.

Living the life he sings about is what gives Richard Lynch the edge as a singer/songwriter. Richard is a hard working, blue collar man. He is a designer and builder of amazing barns, and as should be expected, he is an American farmer. His everyday life and paying his musical dues by performing at 100′s of events & shows a year, all across the country, is that which shaped him into a one-of-a-kind performer. Richard's style is true and it carries into his live shows. Much like his music alone, a live performance of the Richard Lynch Band is something you feel. It's something you carry with you when you walk away. If country music is a gift that sustains in our lives wherever we go, Richard Lynch is the messenger. Richard Lynch's current radio release, "A Better Place" is in the New Music Weekly Top 20. For more information on Richard Lynch, please visit http://www.richardlynchband.com.

KYLE JENNINGS IS ABOUT PATRIOTISM, THE AMERICAN SPIRIT AND BEING "FREEDOM STRONG"

“Freedom Strong”is the debut release from Kyle Jennings’ upcoming new album ‘Roots & Wings’ which is slated to drop later this year. It will be released online and at iTunes this Memorial Day, Monday May 25th. “Freedom Strong” is a patriotic song written and dedicated to the resiliency of the American spirit and serves as a memorial to the fallen heroes who paved the way for our country’s independence as well as honoring the on-going sacrifice of the military servicemen and women, law enforcement, fire, first responders and patriots everywhere.

“Freedom Strong”
Words and Music by Kyle Jennings

When the walls are closin’ in we choose to stay
When the odds aren’t on our side we find a way
When faced with the impossible there’s a spirit that’s unstoppable
A sacred creed that keeps us keepin’ on

We come from every corner of the earth
Some from places most have never heard
And with an iron fist and tempered pride we stand together side by side
United, tough, and tangled into one

We are freedom strong
We are freedom strong

We fight for peace we stand up for the weak
We were build on blood and sweat and crazy dreams
We remember all the heroes past
Purple hearts and folded flags
One nation under God we carry on

We are freedom strong
But what’s that mean
It’s faith and hope and love and all that’s in between
And it’s a promise made through sacrifice 
That breaks the chains and pays the price
And it echoes when our final breath is drawn
We are freedom strong

Together there’s no challenge we can’t meet
No enemy we face we can’t defeat
We’re Americans we’re proud and true
The fabric of our red, white, and blue
Challenge one and man you’ve got us all

We are freedom strong
We are freedom strong
We are freedom strong
We are freedom strong
We are freedom strong
We are freedom strong
We are freedom strong
We are freedom strong

“Freedom Strong” will be released both digitally and conventionally at Kyle’s website www.kylejenningsmusic.com and at iTunes on Memorial Day May 25th.  Downloads will be available for $1.29 and hard copy CD singles will be available for purchase for $5. 100% of proceeds from the receipts of “Freedom Strong” will be donated to Project 13:13 Foundation a non-profit organization co-founded by Jennings that works in conjunction to benefit returning wounded American servicemen and women much like Wounded Warrior Project.

The recording of the song was initially funded by a GoFundMe campaign Jennings setup with the code name “Operation Freedom Strong”. The idea was that if the project was supported and the goal was met, he would donate all sales of the song to charity benefitting wounded American servicemen and women. 6 days later the budget was raised and the recording process began.

In addition to offering the single up to charity, Jennings also requested his supporters send in pictures of any family or friends who were military past present or future. One submission will be selected to be utilized in the design of the cover art for the single and the remaining photos would be featured in the video, which will be released on the same day. Pictures of relatives from WWI, WWII, Vietnam, Operation Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom as well as active duty service started flooding in. Jennings’ vision to coordinate this launch project as a family release began to take shape.

You can follow Kyle Jennings and his music online and on social media at the following destinations:

Kylejenningsmusic.com
facebook.com/kylejenningsmusic
Twitter - @kylejennings13

CRACKER BARREL SUPPORTS THE USO AND DISABLED AMERICAN VETS WITH COUNTRY CHECKERS CHALLENGE

Team Captains Kellie Pickler and Thomas Rhett and 12 Country Music Artists (Rhett Akins, Lauren Alaina, Danielle Bradbery, Chase Bryant, Kristian Bush, Dan + Shay, Love & Theft, Scotty McCreery, Cassadee Pope and Jamie Lynn Spears) Play Checkers at the 2015 Academy of Country Music (ACM) Party for a Cause Festival in Texas on April 18

PRESS RELEASE
Lebanon, Tenn. – (March 4, 2015) – Twelve country music celebrities have joined the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Country Checkers Challenge™ and will play to support the USO (United Service Organizations) and DAV (Disabled American Veterans).

On Saturday, April 18, team captains Kellie Pickler and Thomas Rhett, and their teams of country music artists, will play on a giant checkerboard onsite at the 3rd Annual ACM Party for a Cause Festival at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas.

Through a $35,000 donation from Cracker Barrel, ACM Lifting Lives® will donate $25,000 to the winning team’s charity and $10,000 to the losing team’s charity. Pickler’s team will play for the USO and Rhett’s team will play for DAV as the benefiting charities.

“For many years Cracker Barrel has celebrated the spirit of music through our exclusive music program.  The Country Checkers Challenge partnership with the ACM provides us with a great opportunity to recognize two military organizations—the USO and DAV,” said Chris Ciavarra, senior vice president of marketing for Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. “We are delighted to honor these non-profit organizations through a donation to help them continue the great work they do across the nation in support of active and retired military servicemen and women.”

The country music entertainers participating in the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Country Checkers Challenge include Rhett Akins, Dan + Shay, Danielle Bradbery, Scotty McCreery and Cassadee Pope playing on Thomas Rhett’s team.  Lauren Alaina, Chase Bryant, Kristian Bush, Love & Theft and Jamie Lynn Spears will play on Kellie Pickler’s team.

SiriusXM “The Highway” Satellite Radio personality Storme Warren will serve as host for the event.

Fans can participate in the Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Country Checkers Challenge sweepstakes game* at CrackerBarrel.com.  The game continues through March 22 when six Grand Prize Winners will each win a trip for two to the ACM Awards at AT&T Stadium outside Dallas and a spot on the checkerboard to play in the ultimate Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Country Checkers Challenge with team captains Pickler and Rhett. All rules and regulations can be found at CrackerBarrel.com.

Special ACM retail merchandise is available for sale at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® locations.  The merchandise includes limited edition ACM 50th annual t-shirts and hats. Also included is This is Country: A Backstage Pass to the Academy of Country Music Awards, the Academy’s first-ever commemorative hardcover book, written by esteemed former music journalist and current ACM executive, Lisa Lee.

The 3rd Annual ACM Party for a Cause Festival at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas is a two day event, beginning at 12:00 PM on April 17-18, 2015, which will include multiple stages for ongoing LIVE country music performances, interactive experiences, a family-friendly country marketplace with food trucks and vendors from around the country, and much more, all leading up to the 50th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, which will be broadcast LIVE for the first time ever from AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at 8:00 PM live ET/delayed PT on the CBS Television Network.

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE ODDS OF WINNING. Open to legal residents of the Contiguous United States at or over the age of majority at time of entry. Starts 02/02/15 at 12:01 a.m. CT and ends 04/19/15 at 5:00 p.m. CT. Entry for the chance to win the grand prize ends 3/22/15 at 5:00 p.m. CT.  Odds of winning will vary. Void where prohibited. Additional terms apply. For entry, prize, and other details, including the Official Rules, go to crackerbarrel.com.  Sponsor: Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc., Lebanon, TN.

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.

IN HONOR OF VETERAN'S DAY - WHAT SONGS BEST REPRESENTS THOSE WHO SERVE OUR COUNTRY

This is Veteran's Day Weekend and there are so many great songs out there to put this day and it's meaning into perspective, best represent the meaning of what the day is all about. Here's a list of our favorites. Feel free to add your own in the comments section below.

Remember to thank a service member, active or retired, or remember those who lost their lives fighting for the freedom of our great country. They deserve our respect and honor. Thank you to those service members and their families who are reading this, we appreciate your sacrifice and service. Keep in mind the families of those who have lost their family members who served, they still suffer the loss every day.

Tim McGraw - "If You're Reading This"

Toby Keith - "American Soldier"

Sammy Kershaw - "The Snow White Rows of Arlington"

Trace Adkins - "Til the Last Shot's Fired"

Trace Adkins - "Arlington"

John Michael Montgomery - "Letters From Home"

James Otto - "Soldiers and Jesus"

Big and Rich - "8th of November"

Chely Wright - "Bumper of my SUV"

Billy Ray Cyrus - "Some Gave All"

Lee Greenwood - "God Bless the USA"

Brooks and Dunn - "Only in America"

Merle Haggard - "The Fightin' Side of Me"

Darryl Worley - "I Just Came Back from a War"

Aaron Tippin - "Where the Stars and the Stripes and the Eagle Fly"

She Daisy - "Come Home Soon"

Phil Vassar - "American Child"

David Ball - "Riding with Private Malone"

Mason Douglas - "Home Free"

VIDEO: "PIECES" - STEPHEN COCHRAN: PLEASE SHARE THIS AND SUPPORT OUR VETERANS WITH PTSD

We've always been big supporters of Stephen Cochran, the official spokesman for the Veteran's Administration, former US Marine and singer songwriter. As a matter of fact, Stephen is one of the artists that got this whole promotions thing started back in 2007. We are so glad to see him out there and making such a huge impact. He's a huge inspiration and fighting hard to get veterans and active troops the appreciation and care they deserve while serving our country and once they get home. The topic of veterans and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) hits close to home for me as I have several friends dealing with it, having their lives turned upside down and getting little help or attention. These people put their lives on the line for our freedom and safety every day and we appreciate the sacrifices they make. Please share Stephen's current video, "Pieces", and let's spread the word and get these wonderful, selfless people the care and treatment they deserve.

Check out Stephen's website at http://stephencochran.com and do what you can do to help.