Posted on 10/10/2007 5:58:45 PM PDT by SandRat
10/9/2007 - RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) -- Multiple Grammy-award winner LeAnn Rimes recalls her fondest holiday memories as the featured artist in the "Red, White and Air Force Blue Christmas" radio special to be released in November.
Produced and marketed by the Air Force Recruiting Service's strategic cmmunications division, the one-hour show features an in-depth interview with Ms. Rimes along with songs from her holiday album and new release, "Family."
In its 13th year, the program is sent to more than 3,300 country radio stations throughout the nation in late November and broadcast worldwide over American Forces Radio and Television affiliates on Christmas day, said Jimmy Spacek, AFRS broadcasting manager. The public service program aims to raise awareness of the Air Force and military service through messages of support and encouragement from various country music stars.
"The show gives stations the opportunity to weave our program into their holiday programming," Mr. Spacek said. "The one-hour special includes several spot breaks with built-in local availabilities the station can use along with public service announcements from some of the stars who have contributed to the show in the past."
Tech. Sgt. John Somheil, a broadcast producer at Air Force Recruiting Service headquarters here, co-produced the show with Spotland Productions, of Nashville, Tenn. Sergeant Somheil said that in addition to some seasonal classics and tracks from her newest release, the show includes a candid conversation about Ms. Rimes' efforts to champion support for servicemembers serving away from home.
"Christmas is my favorite holiday, so I jumped at the chance to hopefully bring a familiar voice from home to so many people overseas," Ms. Rimes said. "I do appreciate what they do so much. I have a great respect for not only the men and women fighting but the families ... away from their loved ones."
Ms. Rimes' longstanding support has extended to performances as part of a USO tour as well as visits with wounded soldiers who have come home. She has become deeply involved with the Coalition to Support America's Heroes, an organization dedicated to helping wounded soldiers reintegrate into society when they return from the war.
"No matter where you stand politically, I think everyone should support the men and women over there fighting," she said.
Multi-Grammy-winning artist LeAnn Rimes signs the back window of a Chevrolet Uplander after presenting the keys to Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Peter Reid and his wife, Michele, in Nashville, Tenn. Petty Officer Reid was severely injured while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ms. Rimes is the featured performer for the "Red, White and Air Force Blue Christmas" radio special being produced by Air Force Recruiting Service for play during the holiday. (Courtesy photo)
The anti-Brittany ... God Bless you, LeeAnn.
She is just remarkable — voice and all.
I just love LeAnne Rimes! Her voice makes me emotional!
hmmm...our boys get Leann Rimes, Polish soldiers get Doda Elektroda...I think I’d prefer to be in the Polish military...
we saw her at the del mar fair in san diego, and she was FABULOUS!!!!!
we saw her at the del mar fair in san diego, and she was FABULOUS!!!!!
I don’t know anything about her except she sure can sing.
Sure miss Bob Hope when they start talking about programs for the guys during the holidays!
Give that young lady a sandwich, please! She has a great voice, but she is wastin’ away from the look of her on some GAC show I saw the other night.
A Hot Kentucky Brown for a good Souther Belle.
True story. My late husband’s niece was in a video with Lee Ann. It was nice seeing someone we knew in the video.
Sorry about her misspelled name.
I like LeAnn, but dammit she is a weird lookin’ woman.
It is...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.