Stars for Stripes

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Vanessa Parker-Davis
vanessa@splashpublicity.com
615-321-1383

Chely Wright Performs on The USS Intrepid in New York
And
Makes Special Memorial Day Appearance on “Fox & Friends”
on the Fox News Channel

New York, NY – Dualtone recording artist Chely Wright performs this Saturday May 28 on the USS Intrepid, a retired aircraft carrier, during Fleet Week activities in New York, an America Supports You “Salute Our Military Men and Women” concert. America Supports You is a Department of Defense campaign for nationwide recognition and appreciation for the dedication and sacrifice of United Sates military personnel. "We're thrilled that Chely Wright has agreed to be part of our Fleet Week Salute - this concert is one of the ways America Supports You is showing our military men and women how much we appreciate what they are doing for us. Chely is a terrific artist and she is generous with her time and talent in support of our military," says Allison Barber, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of Defense.
Wright, whose relatives have served and are still serving in the United States military understands the importance of giving back to these brave men and women who make sacrifices for our country’s freedom. She will also make a special Memorial Day appearance on Monday May 30, on Fox News Channel’s “Fox & Friends,” where she will perform her hit single, “The Bumper of My SUV” live in their studio. (check local listings for times)

Wright is no stranger to performing for military personnel. She has been an active supporter since her teens. She, perhaps more than most, appreciates the significance of Memorial Day and this celebration. She has been touring extensively for the military, two times to Iraq …among other locations, to visit with and perform for military personnel serving in the war on terror. She just recently returned from a trip to Schweinfurt, Germany where she performed a “Welcome Home” concert for the United States Army-Europe and Stars for Stripes. Wright was able to meet the parents of Joshua Henry, a young man who attended one of her previous concerts in Iraq. Josh was slain in a battle the day following Wright’s appearance there. She dedicated her music video for her hit single “The Bumper of My SUV” to him and was honored to meet his parents who were able to make the trip over because of funds raised through Stars for Stripes. Stars for Stripes is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing quality entertainment to internationally deployed U.S. military forces. Stars for Stripes is a member of America Supports You and works together with the Department of Defense, other organizations and government agencies in support of our troops. Wright was honored to present a check to the non-profit organization from her personal proceeds from her single, “The Bumper of My SUV” during the trip to Germany with the Henry’s in attendance. (photo right: Check Presentation)
Wright was honored to meet the Henry’s and to witness, first hand, their union with the young men and women who spent their son’s last days with him. The whole experience was extremely emotional for everyone involved, but Wright sums it up best by saying, “I could not have been more humbled at who they are as people. The chemistry between the Henry's and us...the band and crew was instantaneous and perfect. They are REAL people who had something so REAL happen to them. Their son Josh was killed. It was so moving to be a part of something so emotional and complete. Larry and Perri did have some tough times on this trip...but much of their efforts and concern was for the young men with whom Josh served. It was an honor for Star for Stripes and me to be the ones to call the Henry's "our guests". They were excited, overwhelmed and emotional but seemed to take from the trip all that they could. I will certainly be friends with these two special people for the entirety of my life. I know that...beyond a shadow of a doubt. I'm still amazed at the huge impact that our little "accidental record" continues to generate. No one can mitigate its force....although many have tried. All one needs to do, is stand on a stage with the parent's of a fallen Soldier....and hear that audience chant..."Henry, Henry, Henry...... this group of men were instrumental in my coming back to Nashville and making a recording of "bumper"...because Josh was killed just hours after our show for him. Larry and Perri were moved, as was I. What great gifts the song "Bumper Of My SUV " continues to give. This trip was an emotional and career zenith for me. I shall never forget it. Simply put.....the circle was completed.”

Art available upon request: Photo of Wright presenting check to Stars for Stripes
Photo credit: Justin Mitchell

For more information about Chely Wright log onto www.chely.com
Stars for Stripes www.starsforstripes.org
America Supports You www.americasupportsyou.org
About America Supports You

Since the launch of the America Supports You program last November, over 1.9 million Americans, including individual citizens, businesses and organizations, have logged onto the AmericaSupportsYou.mil website to register the activities and projects in their communities that show their support for America's Armed Forces, especially those serving in harm's way. Every person who registers on the site will receive and America Supports You dog tag to wear as a visible sign of support. The America Support You dog tags feature the program logo on a military style dog tag.

STARS FOR STRIPES IS NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE OR ITS PUBLICATION, STARS AND STRIPES.

STARS FOR STRIPES IS A NON-PROFIT, 501(c)(3) CORPORATION