Since September 11th, 2001 my life has changed.  I had to search a little deeper inside myself to recognize who the real heroes are. I had to stop being a "taker" and thinking only about myself, and become a "giver."  That wasn't easy.

Givers like the New York Firefighters and Police Officers answered the call that fateful day in New York by saving over 25,000 people and losing over 500 of their own in that effort.

Givers like the American Armed Forces answered the call about a month later, and the fight continues.

As most of you know I have had the smallest role in fighting terror and have had opportunity to entertain our great troops. Because of my age, I was turned down by the Army and Marines so entertaining the troops and trying to lift their morale and spirit is about all I can do. I have gotten involved with all sorts of great support groups. I have had a small role in sending care packages overseas through great groups like the Yellow Ribbon Support Group of Palatine, Illinois. Through this blog we helped build a library in Baghdad for the Marines. Hundreds of pounds of coffee is still being sent to Baghdad. With my partner Bob Kolling, we created "Forgotten Heroes," a foundation whose purpose is to entertain the troops and our great veterans in VA hospitals across our nation.

I speak publicly about patriotism and have addressed some incredible service group at their meetings and conventions, letting them know the real story of what our troops are doing and how they have been embraced by the Iraqi and Afghan people.

However, I have felt that there was still one piece missing. What do we do with all the service men and women once they have honorably served our great nation and are ready to return to civilian life? After WWII and Vietnam, it was shameful the way our heroes were treated. As I speak with these enlisted men and women, I can see the stress on their faces when we talk about what they will do once they return to the private sector.

HELMETS TO HARDHATS  www.HelmetstoHardhats.org

Well, I am so excited to announce a new program that was actually started a few years ago by the Teamsters Union titled - Helmets To Hardhats. The program is being headed by Local 786 Chicago Teamster President Michael Yauger. Mike (or Mick, as he refers to himself) is a highly decorated US Army Ranger (173rd) and a Vietnam Veteran and has won the Silver Star among other decorations. Mick is a "Chicago guy," a no-nonsense, "tell-it-like-it-is" patriot who deeply cares about veterans and our service men and women.

My band, The 101st Rock Division, our foundation Forgotten Heroes and Helmets To Hardhats are teaming up to spread the word about this wonderful program that guarantee's all troops and veterans a job. Don't let the "hard hats" in the title fool you; Monster.com, Robert Half International, and dozens of other employer-groups are joining this new Army; an Army of civilians who want to give back to the people who have had our backs since September 11th. Since Mick has been entrusted with this program by International Teamsters President, James Hoffa Jr., he has had a hand in finding jobs for dozens of American heroes.

We hope to take the messages that the people who build America will now take care of the people who protect America, on the US bases we will soon be touring. Keep reading this blog for the tour dates, and learn how you can help spread the word.

Illinois Lt. Governor Patrick Quinn has embraced this program. Many Illinoisan's don't realize that Lt. Governor Quinn attends every single funeral for a fallen hero in the state of Illinois. He told me the story of young Marine from Chicago who served in Iraq for four years. After his service, he came home to find a job, but could not. The young Marine then joined the Army and while serving in Afghanistan, lost his life. It's shameful that this tragedy happened. Now, with Helmets to Hardhats, hopefully this kind of tragedy will never happen again.

Please click on the below link and watch an interview Mick Yauger did with former Cheap Trick bassist Jon Brant and myself in regards to this incredible program.

Please send this message/blog to every person you know who has a son or daughter; husband or wife, cousin or in-law, who has served or who is currently serving their country.