Posted on 01/10/2008 3:42:39 PM PST by SandRat
WASHINGTON, Jan. 10, 2008 Growing up as part of a military family, country music star Aaron Tippin learned a crucial lesson early in life: Freedom isnt free.
Tippin, who was in Washington for some publicity appearances, said his father, Willis, served in the military. The senior Tippin always was deeply patriotic, even after he left the service, his son added. That really bled into me, he said. So I have a great appreciation for my freedom and have a deep understanding that (servicemembers) are the people that are directly responsible for it. The musician has expressed that appreciation many times through his music. One of his first hit songs, the 1991 single Youve Got to Stand for Something, earned him a spot entertaining the troops with comedian Bob Hope in the Persian Gulf region. Since then, Tippin has entertained the troops numerous times, including the past three Thanksgiving holidays. Each visit gives him new perspective and renews his admiration for those serving the United States, he said. What strikes him most is the progress being made and the troops role in that growth. One Iraqi boy in particular made it clear that U.S. troops are making a difference during Tippins 2007 trip. After suffering serious facial injuries in a roadside bombing, the boy had undergone many surgeries and was still in the hospital recovering. He caught Tippins attention as the singer visited the hospital, which just two years before had been filled with wounded American troops. Tippin autographed a picture for the boy while a translator explained who the singer was and what he was doing. He got up off his little mat and he came over to me and he took the picture, the singer said. He looked up at me and then looked at it again, and he walked over and gave me a great big hug and a kiss. That floored me, Tippin added. The childs simple act was powerful enough, but it was more than just simple human emotion to Tippin. What I realized (through) the touch of that child (is), our troops know how to be great soldiers, great Marines, great airmen, great sailors, he said. They do battle the way it should be done, and that was just so inspiring. If that would have been our enemy (that found the boy), theyd have left that little kid to die right there in the street, Tippin added. The Nashville-based musician doesnt have to be oceans from home to be wowed by the troops, though. He frequently plays for military audiences in the states as well. He considers it his reward when, while meeting fans at the end of a show, a servicemember shows him a photo from an overseas performance. It never fails that the photo strikes a familiar chord. Its me and them on the battlefield, Tippin said. Thats a cool moment because Ive been waiting for the chance to see them here in our country and go, Thanks, Man. Glad to see youre home. Glad to see youre safe. Thanks so much; (we) appreciate what you do for us. Tippins overseas appearances are organized through Stars for Stripes, a nonprofit entertainment organization, and a supporter of the Defense Departments America Supports You program. The DoD program connects citizens and corporations with military personnel and their families serving at home and abroad. |
Related Sites: Stars for Stripes America Supports You |
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I am trying to read this but the tears are making it kinda blurry.
Isn’t this something?? I had to send this to my brother, as he knows Aaron and sees him every chance he gets. He will love the picture!
bump
Aaron is South Carolina native, from just up the road in Blue Ridge. We’re pretty proud of him around here.
Third straight... good man.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=o5NPweBHLKY
Aaron Tippin-You’ve Got To Stand For Something
God Bless you Aaron - we don’t forget around here.
That is so cool. My brother went to military school with Greg Allman. And guess who was on the Military Precision drill team? Greg Allman, of all people. Giggle
I’ll bet you are, for so many reasons, and you should be!
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