Keeping with the Veterans Day theme, two popular bluegrass groups have made donations this week to veterans groups, based on sales of their music online.
Joe Mullins used the occasion of this past weekend’s Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival to present a check for $3000 to the Ohio State Captain of the Patriot Guard Riders, based on proceeds from digital downloads of the song The Last Parade from Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers current CD, Another Day From Life. The Riders provide volunteer motorcycle escorts for funerals honoring fallen military heroes, first responders, and honorably discharged veterans.
The song, written by Steve Bonafel, tells of a man attending a funeral parade for a young fallen veteran he knew in the community. Mullins expressed his admiration for military veterans, and the various support groups who honor them.
“Our sincere thanks go to ALL who have contributed to our efforts assisting the Patriot Guard Riders. Each time we have performed The Last Parade for audiences this year, we have dedicated the song to the fallen heroes who have given all to serve our country and communities. The Patriot Guard Riders assist hundreds of families each week, nationwide, with such passion and dignity. And it was very moving to find out that Captain Bob Woods, who accepted the donation, actually assisted in the procession the song is about, for Staff Sgt. Nicholas Carnes – powerful.”
Also this week, Jeff Rose of Detour was able to present a $2000 check to Goodwill’s Patriot Place Project, from sales of two songs, Soldier’s Sorrow and Homeless Of The Brave, from their recent albums. An additional donation of $3000 is expected to be delivered soon from fan donations, and the band’s label, Mountain Fever Records.
Patriot Place provides transitional housing for homeless vets in northern Michigan, with support services available for up to two years while they work towards independent living.
Rose says that the whole band is delighted to share the money they raised.
“We are honored to be able to be part of this effort to assist homeless veterans. All of the friends of Detour have been so supportive of this effort and we thank them for buying our music to make these donations possible. You just can’t beat the bluegrass music family.”
Hats off to all involved in both of these fundraising efforts!
