“A Veteran is someone who, at one point in their life, wrote a blank check payable to the United States of America for an amount up to, and including, their life.”
On Veteran’s Day, everybody takes time to do something we should do every day: Honor and give thanks to the brave men and women who have stepped up and offered to lay down their life in defense of our country, our freedom, and our lives.
And the country music community has a long history of stepping up to serve our country, so we wanted to take some time to recognize some of the many country artists who have served in the military:
1. George Strait – U.S. Army
George Strait enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1971 where he played with an Army-sponsored country music band. pic.twitter.com/9Jt60YlqtS
— Music For Veterans (@Music4Veterans) February 24, 2016
2. Johnny Cash – U.S. Air Force
Johnny Cash enlisted in the U.S. Air Force 69 years ago this month. “[It] taught me the things every military service imparts to its enlisted men,” Cash later said, “plus … if you ever need to know what one Russian is signaling to another in Morse code, I’m your man.” pic.twitter.com/AbitjcF4Y6
— Johnny Cash (@JohnnyCash) July 10, 2019
3. John Prine – U.S. Army
Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Army Veteran John Prine, who served as a mechanic during the Vietnam era and later became an award-winning singer-songwriter. https://t.co/7K1FwO0eDC pic.twitter.com/wYn18WaPrp
— Veterans Affairs (@DeptVetAffairs) April 17, 2020
4. Jamey Johnson – U.S. Marine Corp
Corporal Jamey Johnson served in the Marine Corp Reserves. He was a mortar man. pic.twitter.com/4gz35XpgXC
— Music For Veterans (@Music4Veterans) June 9, 2015
5. Zach Bryan – U.S. Navy
6. Sturgill Simpson – U.S. Navy
Navy Vet Sturgill Simpson’s Middle Finger to Nashville https://t.co/kTsHNYVKDl
— Military.com (@Militarydotcom) July 23, 2019
7. Craig Morgan – U.S. Army
As an almost 20-year veteran of the Army and Reserves, I believe that one of the most important things we can do is continue to serve those who have served our country. https://t.co/BY7p0HGsZX pic.twitter.com/IJ6qjn9tUR
— cmorganmusic (@cmorganmusic) November 11, 2020
8. Willie Nelson – U.S. Air Force
On #SaturdaySalute, we recognize musician, actor, and activist, Willie Nelson. Nelson enrolled in the Air Force in 1950, but was medically discharged due to back problems. Though his time of service was brief, Nelson became a passionate advocate for multiple veterans issues. pic.twitter.com/nax0149lwh
— GarySiniseFoundation (@GarySiniseFound) June 13, 2020
9. Kris Kristofferson – U.S. Army
Singer/Songwriter/Actor Kris Kristofferson in his Army gear circa 1966. Kris was born in Brownsville, Texas, and will celebrate his 84th birthday on June 22. pic.twitter.com/TWafC7VCEZ
— Traces of Texas (@TracesofTexas) January 21, 2020
10. George Jones – U.S. Marine Corps
Famous People Who Served – Musician PFC George Jones US Marine Corps (Served 1950-1953)
View his Service Profile on https://t.co/7LPcrsZXBW
https://t.co/mjOxdX5LnO pic.twitter.com/PsZmsJjFhb— Together We Served (@TWSMilitary) November 8, 2018
11. Conway Twitty – U.S. Army
Conway Twitty, US Army 1954-1956 pic.twitter.com/tabchk7vYy
— Conway Twittier (@conwaytwittier) November 11, 2017
Thank you for your service.
God bless our Veterans, today and every day.
THANK YOU to all the brave men and women who have served this country, and to those currently serving. Honor them EVERY day. 🇺🇸 #VeteransDay pic.twitter.com/NKd9xOzfQh
— Whiskey Riff (@WhiskeyRiff) November 11, 2021