Posted on 08/31/2005 8:51:23 PM PDT by SandRat
WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Aug. 31, 2005) – These days fighting involves fists and guns, but not for Michael Peterson. The country artist spoke to students at Page High School, Franklin, Tenn., Aug. 24 to tell them they didn’t have to join the service to answer America’s call to duty – they just had to serve fellow Americans.
At the school, he sang “I’m a Soldier” off his new album to be released in the spring. The song was written by Sgt. 1st Class John Lamirande and Staff Sgt. Howie Smith, both audio engineers with the U.S. Army Field Band, Fort Meade, Md.
“The song is based around the Warrior Ethos – I will always place the mission first; I will never accept defeat; I will never quit; I will never leave a fallen comrade,” Peterson said. “Those are not just Army values, but should be everywhere in our country. Take out the word Soldier and replace it with anything – cheerleader, student, athlete. It’s a good message for young people.”
Smith said he wrote the song on his way home from work and Lamirande wrote the bridge.
“This song was originally pop/rock/folk,” Smith said. “But country is a larger demographic audience. We had a few changes to make it fit that genre but it works.”
In the 11 years Smith has served in the Army, he has put out a solo album in 2002 and has his own publishing company. He recently re-enlisted indefinitely and said in his travels with the Field Band he has seen the inspiration for the song.
“The Warrior Ethos embodies professionalism, not just the Army, but civilians also,” Smith said. “Regardless of what you do, this song applies to you.”
“People don’t understand the true meaning of serving our country unless they’re in the military, but I think this song describes it well,” said Jeremy Coyle, a member of JROTC and a student at Page High School.
Peterson first heard the song in May and decided to record it because it reminded him of “The Ballad of the Green Beret.”
“The Soldiers deserve a voice in the market place from a Soldier’s standpoint,” he said. “It took a month of singing this song for me to understand its meaning.”
For Peterson, the song took meaning in his life after seeing a change in his daughter.
Amanda Peterson is the JROTC cadet battalion commander and a senior at Page High School. She joined the program to get out of Wellness class, but stayed because of the relationships she formed. Now she plans to attend ROTC in college.
“I started taking leadership positions (in JROTC) and realized that this is bigger than me,” Amanda said. “There’s a feeling of family, team, values in the Army.”
“She answered her calling,” Peterson said. “She’s part of a family of Soldiers around the world now.”
To the high school students, Peterson said, “This song is not about what you do, but who you are.
“I’m hoping that someone out there will see me serve my time for Soldiers and their families,” he continued. “Maybe an attorney will see it and say if Michael Peterson can give his time to serve, maybe I can do pro bono work for Soldiers and their families. I’m answering my call to duty.”
Peterson also co-wrote a tune with his producer Josh Leo called “Warrior Anthem.” The song, which is a musical version of the Soldier’s Creed, will also be released with his new album.
Peterson is currently visiting Soldiers at various bases and recruiting stations and will perform in the Spirit of America tour this Christmas.
“I’m just serving the Soldiers,” he said.
Country Arist for this Country and its Warriors.
BTTT
Excellent
Peterson is an excellent artist. I have his first couple of albums and then he just disappeared. Glad to see he's coming back. Like Toby Keith, he's a former football player.
BTTT!!!!!!
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