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Kane Brown And The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project Team Up With Veterans To Release “Homesick (Veterans Version)” And Give Back To American Heroes

By on August 5, 2020 in In The Press, Press Releases
NASHVILLE, Tenn., August 5, 2020 – Anchored in its longstanding belief that ‘it’s not about what you have, but about what you give,’ Crown Royal is giving back to support American heroes who are serving on the frontlines and minority veterans in their fight for social justice. The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project is enlisting the help of award-winning, multi-platinum country music artist Kane Brown and a team of veteran singer-songwriters to remix his number one single “Homesick,” launching on the one-year anniversary of the song’s original release date.

For every stream of “Homesick (Veterans Version)” The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project will pack 1 bag to be donated as a care package to non-profit Packages From Home as part of the brand’s goal of one million bags by the end of 2020, and will donate $1 to community-based 501(c)3 organization Minority Veterans of America, up to $100,000. Crown Royal and Kane Brown are committed to supporting the American heroes who have generously served our country during these unprecedented times, including frontline and essential workers, first responders, healthcare workers, active-duty military servicemembers and those who are fighting for social justice in the minority veteran community.

Originally written by Brown, “Homesick” was dedicated to members of the military. The “Homesick (Veterans Version)” track, available on streaming services on August 5th, is a reimagined ballad featuring the vocals of veterans Generald Wilson, Retired Petty Officer First Class, U.S. Navy; J.W. Cortés, Retired Gunnery Sergeant, U.S. Marines; and Sal Gonzalez, Retired Lance Corporal, U.S. Marines. It is available to stream HERE.

“I’m honored to partner with The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project and release ‘Homesick (Veterans Version)’ in recognition of the American servicemen and women who have given so generously during this difficult time,” said Kane Brown. “I also recognize the incredible importance of acknowledging the service our minority veterans have made for this country. My hope is this remix shines a light of hope and generosity, to uplift our heroes during this time.”

“As a veteran, it means so much to work with a brand that has a long history of supporting service men and women,” said J.W. Cortés. “I want this remix to serve as an anthem for all American heroes as we continue to work together for a better tomorrow.”
“Our iconic purple bag is a symbol of generosity and we’re proud that The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project can help give back to those who have given so much of themselves,” said Sophie Kelly, SVP, Whiskies, Diageo NA. “We’re so grateful for the support of Kane and our veteran partners, as well as Packages from Home and Minority Veterans of America, as we continue to give back to those who protect and serve our country.”

While life looks different today than it did before, Crown Royal hopes you raise a glass at home while listening to the “Homesick (Veterans Version).” As always, please drink responsibly.

About The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project
After over a decade of giving back to military servicemembers, in 2018, Crown Royal formally launched The Purple Bag Project to use the brand’s iconic purple bags in a greater, more purposeful way. In partnership with non-profit Packages From Home, Crown Royal announced its goal of packing one million care packages for American military heroes by the end of 2020.

About Crown Royal
Crown Royal Canadian Whisky is the number-one selling Canadian whisky brand in the world and has a tradition as long and distinctive as its taste. Specially blended to commemorate a grand tour of Canada made by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth of Great Britain in 1939, Crown Royal’s smooth, elegant flavor and gift-worthy presentation reflect its regal origins – it is considered the epitome of Canadian whisky. For more information, visit www.crownroyal.com. Crown Royal encourages all consumers to please enjoy responsibly.

About Diageo
Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, Bulleit and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff, Cîroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is listed on both the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives and ways to share best practice.

Follow us on Twitter for news and information about Diageo North America: @Diageo_NA.

About Kane Brown
With his #1 Billboard 200 release, Experiment, Kane Brown became the only male country artist in more than 24 years to debut at the top of the Billboard 200, and only one of three country artists to top the Billboard 200 chart all year (2018). An “artist to pay attention to” and “the future of country” (Billboard), Brown was named a Breakthrough Artist of the Year by the Associated Press and one of “31 People Changing the South” (Time).

The AMA, ACM, Billboard and People’s Choice Award winning and nominated artist is one of only five country acts with multiple 5X Platinum hits (joining Luke Bryan, Florida Georgia Line, Sam Hunt and Taylor Swift). Brown first topped the Billboard Top Country Albums chart with the release of his self-titled debut album (2016) and again with the release of Kane Brown Deluxe Edition (2017), which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Top Country Albums and Top 5 on Billboard 200.

With his debut album, Brown made history by becoming the first artist to top all five Billboard Country Charts with his breakthrough #1 Top Country Album; #1 debuting Country Digital Song, the 5X Platinum “Heaven” and #1 Country Airplay, Hot Country Song and Country Streaming Song, the 5X Platinum “What Ifs.” For more on Kane Brown, visit KaneBrownMusic.com.

About Packages From Home
Packages From Home is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, founded by an Army mom after she realized that her son was the only soldier in his unit receiving care packages and letters from home. Today, Packages From Home serves active duty U.S. military members from all branches who are stationed or deployed overseas, as well as homeless, transitioning, and at-risk veterans by providing them with requested food, hygiene, and entertainment items to boost morale and quality of life. Since 2004, Packages From Home has shipped more than 115,000 care packages and 282,000 lbs. of bulk supplies overseas, provided more than 66,000 lbs. of food and personal care items to homeless veterans, and served over 575,000 individual servicemembers. In 2020, in partnership with The Crown Royal Purple Bag Project, and in service of the “Homesick (Veterans Version)” track, Packages From Home will expand its distribution network beyond the military to also include other American heroes such as frontline workers, essential workers and healthcare workers.

About Minority Veterans of America 
Minority Veterans of America (MVA) is a non-partisan, non-profit organization that was designed to create belonging and advance equity for underrepresented veterans, such as women, people of color, LGBTQ, and religious minorities. The organization aims to transform the narrative of the American veteran by building an interconnected community, fostering greater understanding of our memberships’ identities, and serving minority veterans through the development of targeted programming and advocacy. For more information, visit www.minorityvets.org.
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Crown Royal And Thomas Rhett Join Together To Celebrate Mothers Of Military Servicemen And Women

By on May 8, 2019 in In The Press

This Mother’s Day, Crown Royal is honoring the selflessness, generosity and dedication of Mothers Of Military (M.O.M.) servicemen and women with custom military-grade medals in partnership with Vanguard Industries, the official makers of the United States Military’s insignia, ribbons and medals.

To show Crown Royal’s unwavering gratitude for their service and support of America’s bravest men and women, the whisky brand teamed up with country music superstar Thomas Rhett ahead of Mother’s Day to surprise four M.O.M.s with an experience of a lifetime. These M.O.Ms thought they were heading to Florida to meet Thomas Rhett, pack care packages for active duty service members overseas as part of the Crown Royal Purple Bag Project, and discuss what it means to raise a military member and be a M.O.M. Little did they know that Crown Royal and Thomas Rhett had bigger plans in store…

Click HERE to watch Crown Royal and Thomas Rhett reunite M.O.Ms with their active duty sons and daughters in a heartwarming clip!

Consumers 21+ can nominate mothers for the M.O.M. Medal at CrownRoyal.com/MothersDay. Select mothers nominated will receive the physical M.O.M. Medal to cherish, and all other mothers will be honored digitally on the Wall of M.O.M.s.

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Chris Young Names USAA An Official Sponsor Of 2019 Headline Tour

By on April 25, 2019 in In The Press

Country music star Chris Young, left, and NFL legend Joe Thomas, right, pose at USAA’s NFL Draft Salute to Service event on April 25, 2019 with Michael Dones and Joe Zettlemoyer at The Steps at WME in Nashville, Tennessee. USAA is an Official Sponsor of Chris Young’s “Raised On Country Tour 2019” and Official NFL Salute to Service Partner. (Wade Payne/Invision for USAA/AP Images)

Nashville, TN – Thursday, April 25, 2019 – Multi-platinum entertainer Chris Young today announced USAA as an Official Sponsor of the “Raised On Country Tour 2019.” USAA, a leading provider of insurance, banking and other financial services to members of the U.S. military and their families, will team with Chris Young to create memorable experiences for military, veterans and their families throughout the coast-to-coast headlining tour. Chris Young’s “Raised On Country Tour 2019” kicks off May 16 in Alpharetta, Georgia with over 25 shows through September.

Country music star Chris Young performs for military service members during USAA’s NFL Draft Salute to Service event on April 25, 2019 at The Steps at WME in Nashville, Tennessee. USAA is an Official Sponsor of Chris Young’s “Raised On Country Tour 2019” and Official NFL Salute to Service Partner. (Wade Payne/Invision for USAA/AP Images)

With the 2019 NFL Draft in Nashville, USAA, Official NFL Salute to Service Partner, kicked-off celebrations by hosting a special NFL Draft USAA Salute to Service event for invited military members stationed at Fort Campbell. The event, which took place earlier today at The Steps at WME, featured an acoustic performance by Chris Young and a Q&A session featuring NFL Legend Joe Thomas. Following the on-stage portions of the event, both Chris Young and Joe Thomas met with military members, signing autographs and posing for pictures.

Country music star Chris Young, right, signs autographs at USAA’s NFL Draft Salute to Service event for military service members from Fort Campbell on April 25, 2019 at The Steps at WME in Nashville, Tennessee. USAA is an Official Sponsor of Chris Young’s “Raised On Country Tour 2019” and Official NFL Salute to Service Partner. (Wade Payne/Invision for USAA/AP Images)

“From performing for our service members at military installations around the world to my sister and brother-in-law’s own service in the U.S. Marines, I’ve seen firsthand the many sacrifices our military and their families make every day in service to our country,” said Chris Young. “I’m excited to have USAA on board for my 2019 tour and I’m looking forward to meeting our service members at all the shows.”

Country music star Chris Young, behind left, and NFL legend Joe Thomas, right, sign autographs at USAA’s NFL Draft Salute to Service event for military service members from Fort Campbell on April 25, 2019 at The Steps at WME in Nashville, Tennessee. USAA is an Official Sponsor of Chris Young’s “Raised On Country Tour 2019” and Official NFL Salute to Service Partner. (Wade Payne/Invision for USAA/AP Images)

“Creating unique and memorable experiences for today’s service members is one way USAA shows our appreciation. We are excited to bring together Chris Young, a noted military supporter, and the NFL for a once-in-a-lifetime event at the start of a special year honoring and appreciating our true heroes,” said Army veteran and USAA Bank President Chad Borton. “Whether a memorable summer on tour with Chris Young, or personal interactions with NFL players and legends, or simply being there when our members need us, USAA continues its mission of serving our military, veterans and their families.”

Memorable experiences that USAA will work with Chris Young to create for military at all 2019 tour dates include access to premium tickets, meet & greets, and other VIP experiences to be announced.

For more information on how USAA honors and appreciates our military all NFL season long, please visit SaluteToService.com. For a complete list of tour dates, including additional Chris Young concert stops for 2019, VIP package details and to purchase tickets, please visit chrisyoungcountry.com.
Chris Young’s “Raised On Country Tour 2019”*

Date City Venue
May 16^^ Alpharetta, GA Ameris Bank Amphitheatre
May 17^ Charlotte, NC PNC Music Pavilion
May 18^ Bristow, VA Jiffy Lube Live
May 24^ Darien Center, NY Darien Lake Amphitheater
May 25^ Saratoga Springs, NY Saratoga Performing Arts Center
May 26^ Holmdel, NJ PNC Bank Arts Center
June 13^ Syracuse, NY St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
June 14^ Boston, MA Xfinity Center
June 15^ Hartford, CT XFINITY Theatre
June 21^ Scranton, PA The Pavilion at Montage Mountain
June 22^ Philadelphia, PA BB&T Pavilion
July 11+ St. Louis, MO Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
July 13+ Indianapolis, IN Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center
July 18# Southaven, MS BankPlus Amphitheater at Snowden Grove
July 19~ Rogers, AR Walmart AMP
July 20~ Dallas, TX Dos Equis Pavilion
August 8~ Mountain View, CA Shoreline Amphitheatre
August 9~ San Diego, CA North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 10~ Irvine, CA FivePoint Amphitheatre
August 15+ Albuquerque, NM Isleta Amphitheater
August 16+ Phoenix, AZ Ak-Chin Pavilion
August 17++ Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena
August 22~ Virginia Beach, VA Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
August 23~ Raleigh, NC Coastal Credit Union Music Park
August 24~ Burgettstown, PA KeyBank Pavilion
September 12+ Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
September 13+ Tampa, FL MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
September 14+ West Palm Beach, FL Coral Sky Amphitheatre

*Dates subject to change, please check chrisyoungcountry.com for the latest information
^^with special guest Dylan Scott
^with special guests Chris Janson and Dylan Scott
+with special guests Chris Janson and LOCASH
++with special guest LOCASH
#with special guest Chris Janson
~with special guests Chris Janson and Jimmie Allen

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Carissa Leigh Releases Charity Song In Support Of Operation Stand Down For Military Families

By on May 25, 2017 in Album & Song Reviews, The Latest
Country artist Carissa Leigh is releasing her charity single “At Night” on Friday, May 26th just in time for Memorial Day Weekend.  She will be donating all proceeds from the release to Operation Stand Down. “At Night” was produced by Los Angeles trailblazer, Tone Def (Green Day, Santana, Outkast, Black Eye Peas.)

Continue Reading →

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TUNE-IN: Season Finale Of “I Love Kellie Pickler” Tonight On CMT At 9pm/c

By on November 10, 2016 in In The Press

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Tonight is the season finale of “I Love Kellie Pickler”! Tune-in and watch the episode titled “I Love The Military” showing Kellie as she is invited to perform for the “Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit.” Despite being overcome with nerves, will Kellie be able to give an epic performance? Find out tonight!

Watch a preview here: http://www.cmt.com/videos/misc/1580296/i-love-kellie-pickler-press-clip-2.jhtml

Tune in: The I Love Kellie Pickler finale airs at 10/9C Thursday, November 10 on CMT. 

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Toadlick Music Festival Partners With Mike Schmitz Automotive Groups To Offer Free Admission For Active And Retired Military

By on May 26, 2016 in In The Press

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At a press conference today Toadlick Music Festival announced a partnership with Mike Schmitz Automotive Groups where the business will cover the cost of admittance so that all active and retired military who want to attend the festival can do so for free.  With Memorial Day this weekend, Toadlick wanted to honor our troops by finding a partner in the community to reward those who have served and found that with Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz.  Continue Reading →

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Darryl Worley – Embracing Change

By on February 24, 2016 in artist spotlight, Interviews, Special Events

 

alanna-massey-darryl-worley

Darryl Worley and Alanna Massey at Country Radio Seminar

Change is in the air, and Darryl Worley is embracing it.

“Country radio has been so inundated with things that I really don’t understand, like music that doesn’t speak to me on many levels,” Worley said. “I got a little bit of a hope and a hint that may change.”

Worley has a big year ahead of him – a greatest hits album, his first Christian album and a documentary of his travels to war zones.

“If that change is in the air, this would be the right time for me to try to get back on the radio,” he said. “It sounds like a good place to almost start over.”

He has spent a lot of time in Muscle Shoals, Ala., preparing to release his 2-volume greatest hits album.

“That’s kinda like home away from home for me,” Worley said. “It’s where I started out as a songwriter, so it’s sorta been like a homecoming to go down there with a bunch of folks I used to hang out with. We’re having a blast.”

Worley’s Christian album will release later this year, but don’t expect it to sound anything like his country music. He said it’s very uplifting, yet it has a nature of the blues.

“It’s coming from life’s lessons I’m passing on that could help people through tough times or situations,” he said. “It’s gonna speak to people I think on a whole different level, and we’re excited about that.”

As the 15th anniversary of 9/11 approaches, Worley’s documentary “Unsung Heroes: Music and Memories” will illustrate his experiences entertaining soldiers, seamen, airmen and marines all over the world. Worley said he wanted to do something to uplift them. The raw and real footage spanning 5 years will shine a light on what American troops do for our country.

“It’s a powerful piece, and I can’t wait for people to see it,” he said. “I’m very proud of it.”

Worley left us with a little advice for upcoming musicians:

“Figure out who you are musically and don’t let anybody change that. If you know who you are, if you really know who you are, they’re not gonna want to change you anyway. They’re gonna go, ‘Man, that’s just what we were lookin’ for.’ That’s the most important thing. I believe it with all my heart.”

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Country Music Artist Granger Smith Sets Out on Fourth 100-Mile Walk to Honor U.S. Armed Forces

By on May 4, 2014 in In The Press

Country music artist and proud patriot Granger Smith is lacing up his BOOTS once again for the fourth annual Boot Walk, May 4-8, 2014. Granger will begin the 100-mile trek in Austin, Texas and will spend five days wearing out those combat boots all the way to Fort Hood. Granger will celebrate the completion of the walk with friends William Clark Green, Josh Grider, Brian Keane, and Cody Bryan in concert Thursday, May 8th at Fort Hood Harley Davidson in Harker Heights, TX.  More artists will be announced soon. Proceeds raised from the Boot Walk and concert benefit the Boot Campaign, a national 501c3 non-profit dedicated to promoting patriotism, raising awareness, and providing assistance to military families.

 

“Boot Walk started as a crazy extension of my entertainment tours in Iraq as a way to say thank you to our armed forces.  Now at year 4, it has turned into a very passionate fundraiser to me,” said Granger Smith. “I firmly believe that my career as a musician is enabled by the brave men & women that ensure our freedom.  There’s not a month in the year now that I’m not wearing combat boots and thinking about the next 100 miles.”

 

Granger is inviting friends to join him on this walk of gratitude: whether it’s by raising funds for his efforts, joining him locally on the walk or by hosting a “shadow walk” in your hometown.  Visit BootWalk.com to learn how you can support Granger and to see all the “free stuff” you can earn while supporting Granger and Boot Campaign.

 

“This year, we have had added new components to Boot Walk in an effort to allow Granger’s fans to join him and show their support,” said Deanna Kenisell, Co-Special Events Coordinator for Boot Campaign.  “We are excited to have more people join in the Boot Walk experience with Granger and make a bigger impact on our desire to awaken the patriot in us all and give back to our troops when they come back.”

 

Granger and friends will be in concert on May 8th at Fort Hood Harley Davidson located at 875 W Central Texas Expressway, Harker Heights, TX.  Tickets go on sale March 21st on http://BootWalk.com.

(more)

 

Concert tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door.  Admission is free with a Military ID.  Visit BootWalk.com to purchase tickets and to find the most up to date event information including sponsorship and volunteer opportunities.

 

ABOUT THE CHARITY

The Boot Campaign is a national 501c3 nonprofit that is dedicated to showing tangible appreciation of our active military, raising awareness of the challenges they face upon return and supporting their transition home.  The Boot Campaign cultivates awareness, promotes patriotism, and provides assistance to military, past and present, and their families.  Through the sale of its signature military combat boots, general public donations, and corporate sponsorship, the Boot Campaign operates six distinct initiatives — Jobs, Housing, Wellness, Urgent Assistance, Education and Family Support– that are caring for military personnel, past and present, healing from a variety of physical and emotional combat wounds, embodying the campaign motto that, “When They Come Back, We Give Back”.  www.BootCampaign.com

 

ABOUT GRANGER

Country singer/songwriter, Granger Smith, continues to reinvent the face of traditional country music.  His consistency in providing powerful, heartfelt, blended hits have made him into a fan and critic favorite over the years. He released his ninth studio album, “Dirt Road Driveway,” on April 16th, which impressively debuted at #1 on the iTunes Country chart.  The album is currently the best selling independent country album in digital sales and has been named one of iTunes’ “Best Albums of the 2000’s.”  Granger launched a country boy alter-ego, Earl Dibbles Jr.,who has found his own success with “The Country Boy Song” and more recently, “County Boy Love.”Dibbles is now part of Granger’s tour schedule, which includes over 200 dates nationwide. Earl and Granger together boast more than 18.6 million views on YouTube and have a captive audience on social media that exceeds 1.5 million followers.  For more information visit www.grangersmith.com.

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U.S. Military Veteran & Country Music Star Keni Thomas Recounts Combat In First Memoir

By on August 5, 2012 in In The Press

Nashville, Tenn (August 3, 2011) — U.S. Military Veteran and country music sensation Keni Thomas has shared the stage with country stars such as Keith Urban and Brad Paisley, but earlier this year, he put down his guitar and gave a personal account of his heart-wrenching experience in the chaotic 1993 Black Hawk Down battle in Mogadishu, Somalia. With the desire to express a unique set of leadership lessons and inspired view of our greater purpose, Thomas unveiled his first memoir Get It On! What it Means to Lead the Way (B&H Publishing Group) to rave reviews.

“Three words. That’s all it took. I was writing a letter home to my mom when the call rang out across the American compound: ‘Get it on!’ And just like that, the course of my life changed forever,” describes Thomas.

With the Bronze Star of Valor from the U.S. Army, the army-ranger turned-country singer brings a message of inspiration reminding readers that as individuals every person matters and are anything but ordinary and can make a difference in the world no matter where they are in life.

“If everyone can start setting an example, start leading by example, start doing something here and there, then as a whole exponentially we make the world a better place to live in,” says Thomas. “You are the most important part of the puzzle and you have to see yourself as being the most important part because you are, and that is what I want people to know at the end of the day.”

Get It On! What it Means to Lead the Way is already causing a chatter among fellow comrades Here are just a few comments about the new publication:

“Get It On! is a moving account of courage and faith under fire. True leadership is about the example we set. Keni has an impressive way of convincing you that this is a principle we should all live by.”
—Hal Steinbrenner, owner of the New York Yankees

“The leadership principles Keni shares through his story Get It On! are directly aligned with the core values of our organization. To Lead is to Serve. The USO is proud to call Keni Thomas one of our own.” —Sloan Gibson President of the USO

 “Here he has created an engaging and inspiring tutorial, applying those lessons to the battles of everyday life…” —Mark Bowden author of Black Hawk Down

“If you are a veteran, you need to read this book. Keni shows us that the principles of leadership we learned when we wore the uniform still apply to us all out here in the real world. ”
—Lt Col Oliver L. North, USMC (Retired)

Thomas also frequently speaks and entertains active military men and women overseas, speaks to Fortune 500 companies, students, churches and even from the stage the Grand Ole Opry in hopes to encourage and inspire all who listen. He has also been seen on national television programs such as Good Morning America, NBC Dateline, CNN Headline News and MSNBC’s Hardball. He is currently in the recording studio working on a new album.

For more information on the artist/author please go to www.kenithomas.com and facebook.com/kenithomas.

About Keni Thomas:
Keni Thomas received the Bronze Star for Valor from the United States Army and fought the Black Hawk Down battle in Mogadishu, Somalia. He has since become an award-winning country musician, appeared in the major motion pictures Sweet Home Alabama and We Were Soldiers, and is the spokesperson for the Special Operations Warrior Foundation and the Hero Fund. Keni also speaks to students and adults around the country about leadership, encouraging them to  “Train as you fight. Fight as you train.” The country music star unveiled his first memoir Get It On! What it Means to Lead the Way (B&H Publishing Group/ISBN: 978-1-4336-7274) last October. It is  available nationwide with the retail price of $19.99. For more information on Keni Thomas please visit www.kenithomas.com  and facebook.com/kenithomas

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