May 11 - May 17 ... one of the most important weeks in our 232 year history ... it's Armed Forces Week.

This is one of the few times during the year that our calendar officially recognizes and honors our Soldier, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guard and Veterans. I've said it before; every single American's life, since the conception of our great nation, has been positively influenced by the service and protection of our Armed Forces.

I have an action packed week. If you are in the area at any of the events that I will be either speaking or performing at, please stop by and say hello, and help me honor our heroes. If you are a Veteran or currently serving our country, let us heap a little lovin' on you.

Monday, May 12

IT'S ABOUT TIME! - Former Schaumburg Fire Captain, Rick Kolomay will be sworn in as the new Deputy Chief of the Carol Stream Fire Protection District. Many of you know I have had the complete honor of working with Rick to promote the great work firefighters do and what they mean to our communities, since September 11th.

8-years ago, I didn't know the difference between a fire engine and a fire truck; Rick and his brother from New York have taught me more than I ever dreamed of knowing about the fire service.

All of us at Forgotten Heroes and Patriot Entertainment send out a loving "congratulations" to Rick, and commend The Carol Stream FPD for the wise choice in hiring one of the worlds leading firefighters and making him your "Number Two Man."

I have the honor of being invited to Rick's swearing ceremony on May 12th, and I wouldn't miss it for world. Some of you might remember when Rick, his Chicago, Schaumburg and Aurora firefighting brothers headed to New York on the afternoon of September 11, 2001 to assist their New York brothers.

Rick and Chicago Fire Department legend, Bobby Hoff, together, literally wrote the book on fire safety. The book is now used by fire departments worldwide. The Carol Stream Fire Protection District has an incredible fire training facility, and will soon benefit from Rick and Bobby's experience. Rick's promotion is "all good" for the fire service, and only bad for the city of Schaumburg, Illinois who is losing a true hero and a national-force in the fire service.  

Tuesday, May 13

I will be participating, singing and speaking at the Blind Veterans Golf Outing at Medinah Country Club in Medinah, Illinois. The Blind Veterans Wing at Hines VA Hospital near Maywood, Illinois, brings 20 - 30 blind Veterans to Medinah, and a group of volunteers take the Vet's out onto the golf course. We set the Vet's up to hit the ball ... stand back ... and WHAM ... the Vet's hit the ball (usually straight-on) and we work it with them up to the pin until the ball is in the cup. It is just awesome to witness.

The Vet's do all the work, we just coach them, give them some direction and let them know how far they are from the pin.

I personally love the time I get to spend with the Veterans. I usually come away from this event with a new friend and a deeper appreciation for what our warriors have sacrificed for our freedom.

After about 2-hours of golf, we head inside the country club for an a great lunch. I entertain a bit and speak during lunch. After lunch we turn the microphone over to the Veterans. That is a very special moment of the day. The Vet's pour their hearts out, talking about life in the VA Hospital, how they were injured, and how "loved" they feel. It is so great to see Americans/volunteers from every walk of life, getting involved with our Veterans.

Hats off to Medinah Country Club for giving the club to American Veterans for the day. The key word is "giving," ... yes, meaning, "free."

A special thanks goes to Chris Vaia for getting me involved four years ago.

If you'd like to get involved next year, OR if you are, or know, a dependent of a disabled Veteran and would be interested in a collage scholarship, visit the Golf Swing Club's website at, www.UnitedVoluntaryServices.org. For people in the Chicago area, the local chapter is, Click here: UVS Chicago Area Golf Swing Club Scholarship Foundation

Wednesday, May 14

I will be one of the speaker at the Korean War National Museum Gala Dinner in Springfield, Illinois. Director Larry Sassarossi has invited me to the new home for the museum, for what looks to be a great evening.

For information on the Korean War National Museum, and for information on how you can contribute to the building of their new facility in Springfield, Illinois, Click here: Korean War National Museum - Home.
 
Help support this great cause and never let America forget about our great Korean War Veterans.

Thursday, May 15

10:00 AM - I am honored to entertain at the Springfield Vet Center, at 1227 Ninth Street in Springfield, Illinois, for World War II and Korean War Veterans. I will be joined by General Dennis Celletti, US Army who commands the Illinois National Guard.

Milwaukee, Wisconsin: After a 5-hour drive, I'll arrive in Milwaukee. Later in the evening, I have been invited to dinner with Allison Kitzerow, Sgt. Army Reserves, who also works at Milwaukee's Zablocki VA, Kim Michalowski, Army Staff Sgt (ret), who works at Zablocki VA, Allison's parents, Ryan Jazak and his family and "Jammin' J" Johnson, Master Sgt. US Army (ret). Allison, "J" and I will be doing TV, radio and newspaper interviews promoting our (101st Rock Division) upcoming tour to Iraq, Afghanistan and other lovely places, and most importantly, we will be inviting the entire Milwaukee metropolitan area to a concert in Veterans Park in Milwaukee on Saturday, May 17 - celebrating Armed Forces Day.

Friday, May 16

Noon: Allison Kitzerow, "J" Johnson and I will be interviewed on Milwaukee's NBC-TV - WTMJ-4, by host Diane Pathieu. I will be performing "Brave Warrior" the song inspired by the life and death of my cousin, Ryan J. Cantafio; USMC. Ryan was from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, not too far from Milwaukee.

After Diane's interview, Allison, "J" and I will head over to Zablocki VA Hospital in Milwaukee, and we will entertain our Wisconsin brother and sister Veterans in the Spinal Cord Unit at about 5:00 PM. I promise not to say the "B" word while I'm in Wisconsin ... (Bears ...shhhhhh.) I don't care if they bash the Cubbies, (I will join in,) just don't talk about my White Sox!


Saturday, May 17 - Armed Forces Day

Thanks to Allison Kitzerow I will be performing at a great event in Veterans Park on Milwaukee's beautiful lake front, honoring America's Armed Forces and Veterans.

At 12:00 Noon "Guitars For Vet's" will be performing. At 2:00 PM, I'll be joined by Jonathan Brant as we celebrate our great Armed Forces and honor our Veterans.

SPECIAL GUEST STAR;  The poster boy for "ARMY STRONG;" "Jammin J." Johnson, Master Sgt; US Army (ret), will be making his singing debue with me. We will perform "God Bless the U.S.A." together!

SIDEBAR - GUITARS FOR VETS - In May of 2007 Patrick Nettisheim was teaching Dan Van Buskirk his guitar lesson when they started chatting about how much playing the guitar has helped Dan manage his Vietnam-born PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).  Dan felt that it gave him focus and a great sense of happiness.  They speculated that other Vets with PTSD might benefit from this meditation in motion. Great idea!  It was then that Pat told Dan a story about an entire song that he had recently composed while lying on my back with his eyes closed. he relevance of this was, that even injured Vets who could not sit up, might learn how to play the guitar and find joy in it. Dan then said something to the order of “It would be really powerful if we could get some guitars for these guys.”  And then Pat simply countered with, “Why don’t we start an organization called Guitars for Vets? Its the healing power of music in the hands of "heroes." They did. It now their mission to help restore the love of music and help heal veterans who have suffered trauma.

Many of you know Jon Brant is the former bassist with Cheap Trick, ... Jon performed with me in the late 80's as a member of The Giant Killers ... In 2004, when we were invited to perform for our first AFE Iraqi - Middle Eastern Tour, Jon was the first person I called to join the band now known as the 101st Rock Division.

Jon and I have put together a great little duo, that began when I asked him to help me perform for the New York Firefighters during our 1-year project; The Let Freedom Sing Tour," in 2001 - 2002. The idea is, Jon not only plays bass, but he also plays the "leads" on his bass while I sing and play guitar. Jon shines on tunes like Born To Run, In Your Eyes and Dust In The Wind, to name a few; ... it's one of the coolest sounds I have ever heard, and Jon is just awesome. Now mix in Jon's love of country and his hilarious personality, add me, and it actually works. Those of you who came to the Skokie Theatre know what I'm talkin' 'bout!

_____________________

A Special "Thanks" and "Happy Armed Forces Day" goes out to Bob Kolling, a decorated Vietnam Veteran and my partner at Forgotten Heroes. (Bob hates being mentioned as a hero, but he has been a hero of mine since I met him over 20-years ago. I can't possibly leave him out ... sorry Bob.) You can read more about Bob as you navigate a bit at www.USAForgottenHeroes.com.

Zach, keep your head down cuz ... and stay safe in the Green Zone.

Joey, Bobbie, Sandy and Scott I will be thinking of you and Ryan everytime time I sing "Brave Warrior" this week. His memory will never die. I am looking forward to seeing you in Milwaukee on Saturday, Armed Forces Day.

God bless our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coast Guard and Veterans ... thank you for all you do and have done. Our country has been indebted to you for 232-years!

 

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