Country singer Aaron Tippin (third from left) poses with U.S. servicemembers during a visit to the Middle East. He is on his second tour with the “Stars for Stripes” organization, and is performing for troops in Afghanistan through Nov. 27. Courtesy photo


American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2006 – Country star Aaron Tippin will spend the Thanksgiving holiday with troops deployed overseas.

Tippin left for Afghanistan Nov. 18 and will perform for the troops stationed there through Nov. 27. He’ll perform music from his new album, “Now & Then,” as well as his well-known hits. This will be his second Thanksgiving tour sponsored by Stars for Stripes and U.S. Army, Europe.

“Those are the real working men and women, and if I can repay even an ounce of what they are doing for me, my family, and my country by taking their mind off of the day-to-day risks … well, I can’t think of a better thing to do with my time,” Tippin said. “They have been fighting for the rights we take for granted every day, and I want to make sure they know we’re thankful.”

Stars for Stripes is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing quality entertainment to internationally deployed U.S. servicemembers, according to its Web site. The organization also is a member of America Supports You, a Defense Department program highlighting ways Americans and the corporate sector are supporting the nation’s military.

Tippin launched his career in 1991 with his debut single, “You’ve Got to Stand For Something,” a single that reached Top 10 status and quickly became an anthem for Operation Desert Storm. He found that many viewed him as a voice of patriotism, a badge he wears proudly to this day.

On the heels of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Tippin again rose to the occasion with “Where The Stars And Stripes and the Eagle Fly.” He donated the proceeds from the single, which zoomed to the No. 2 position on the Billboard chart, to the Disaster Relief Fund of the Nashville Area Chapter of the American Red Cross.

“Country fans went out and bought the record to help other Americans who needed help at the time,” Tippin said. “That’s common of what real country fans are like.”

It’s the fan enthusiasm and support that has motivated the singer to take an active role not only through his music, but through performances for the troops.

To date, Tippin has performed for more than 500,000 military personnel either overseas or at home. (From a Stars for Stripes news release.)

Related Sites:
Stars for Stripes
America Supports You