May is National Military Appreciation Month - Aloha to Jackson Young

I asked Jackson Young to speak at the SOS America Military Tribute.   He is an Army vet-turned-entrepreneur. From his bio,

Jackson Young is a singer/songwriter in a professional career spanning fifteen years. Jackson has formerly held two independent records deals (Platinum Planet, TMG), a publishing deal, and is currently calling Nashville, TN, home. “I’m blessed,” Jackson remarks.

As a professional actor, Jackson has been featured as an extra, principal, and music video choreographer. He has experience in major motion picture, commercials, independent film, and television – some of which have been CMT and 20th Century Fox distribution, among others. In commercial, video, and currently independent film, he has been responsible for co-writing, casting, co-editing, producing, and executive production.

Fortunate to have studied under a three-time world champion, Jackson has professionally trained in the style of Ballroom, Latin, and Swing, and has performed privately for groups numbering more than 100 people. Owning a private dance company, Jackson taught group and private lessons and choreography. While a professional instructor, his students won placement in Pro-Am dance competitions. Jackson has also been a featured principal dancer and choreographer for a national cruise line video.

Most recently he is currently the cover model for a three book series, Diaries of a Casanova; Legend Awakening, Twisted Angel, and Rising Redemption which are co-written by New York Times and US Today Bestselling Author, Randi Alexander.

Jackson says, “Wear lots of shoes you will never regret where they take you.”

If that isn't enough to keep him busy, Jackson promotes Rowdy, the battle buddy bear, for Operation Troop Aid, operationtroopaid.org:

We salute and support all our Armed Forces! The mission of Operation Troop Aid (OTA) is to provide care packages for U.S. Service members with the revenue generated through professional concert promotions and public financial generosity. OTA is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) corporation striving to make a positive difference and inspire our Armed Forces by letting them know Americans stand with them.

During the tribute, Jackson read the lyrics to IRON MAN STRONG, written by Jackson Young, Scott Smith, and Johnny Neel

When the fire came down from the mountain in that hell Afghanistan
A moment in time would change for a life of a man
Out of nowhere a solider fell down in a flash of light
But on the ground there was no doubt he was in for the fight of his life

Made of blood and bones but has a soul forged with a might of steel
Yah got the guts and the confidence to overcome any hill
With a heart beaten out, sayin’ yes I can, and a motto of bring it on
That makes him iron man strong

He woke up days later in a hospital bed
Lookin’ down he saw metal parts where his arm once had been
The doctors say it’s a miracle but he might not walk at all
But with fire in his eyes it’s plain to see a solider won’t be a cripple

Made of blood and bones but has a soul forged with a might of steel
Yah got the guts and the confidence to overcome any hill
With a heart beaten out, sayin’ yes I can, and a motto of bring it on
That makes him iron man strong

Sometimes in a search of glory it can all go so wrong
We all get defeated but the battle is won by those that carry on
With a heart beaten out sayin’ yes I can so come on and bring it on
That makes him iron man strong

There was not a dry eye in the room.  Mahalo, Jackson, for reminding us that Freedom is Not Free.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City

PS Rest assured, I will invite Jackson for a guest interview here at SOS Aloha.  Learn more about Jackson and his projects on social media: 

facebook.com/JYCRowdyNation

jacksonyoungcountry.com
twitter.com/JYCRowdyNation
youtube.com/channel/UCY-KOO4GngaFMOH2OsiA7yQ
instagram.com/jackson_young_once_you_go_jack
ourstage.com/jacksonyoung

And for Memorial Day Weekend, I challenge readers to answer the call of the Rowdy Nation Flag Challenge at this link.

Memorial Day - A Day To Remember

I asked romance authors to share their thoughts about military life, using their input for several posts for USA Today's Happily Ever After (HEA) Blog:

"Brats" share their memories: link
Spouses share their stories: link
Veterans share Their Memories: link

I saved two submissions for Memorial Day:

Geri Krotow, Navy Veteran, gerikrotow.com,

Each Memorial Day I pause to think about my classmates from the Naval Academy who gave the ultimate sacrifice--they're no longer here to brag about being an Annapolis grad, or to meet up for a reunion. I think about the active duty men and women we've lost. As a Navy spouse I experienced the loss of one of my husband's squadron's members who had transferred to the Pentagon and who gave his life on 9-11. I am honored to have served in the same Navy as they did, and doubly honored to have served as a Navy spouse so that my husband could fulfill his duties for an entire career.

Elizabeth Langston, Air Force veteran, elizabethlangston.net,

My brother James served two tours in Iraq as a National Guardsman. In 2005, I wrote him every Friday without fail. They were funny, newsy, lighthearted letters. A regular catchup on my kids. Sports highlights from his favorite teams. The "stupid criminal joke" of the week.

When he returned, he never mentioned them, and neither did I.

Then, in 2009, he learned he'd be going on a second deployment. At his farewell party, the whole family was laughing and kidding around, asking what kind of care packages he wanted us to send. I asked him, "What would you like from me?" And he said, "The same thing you sent last time."

If you would like to write to deployed personnel, please contact me at sos.aloha@yahoo.com.

Finally, please enjoy the military tribute I created from readers' pictures of their loved ones who serve and continue to defend freedom at this link. My goal is 500 views, so please share with your family and friends.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City

 Sailors man the rails from the USS Nimitz in honor
of the USS Arizona Memorial in Pearl Harbor

Celebrate Little Victories - USA Today's HEA Blog, RT Recap, and Scouts Remember

I am grateful to Joyce Lamb at USA Today's HEA Blog for publishing several posts I coordinated in celebration of Military Appreciation Month:

"Brats" share their memories: link

Spouses share their stories: link

Veterans share Their Memories:  link

Look for one more post on Wednesday, May 28.

Tracy Solheim, who shared her memory as a "brat", also writes about Military Appreciation Month at this link.

Mary Kennedy shares her thoughts of "books on the battlefield" at this link - I'm quoted!

I am also grateful for the opportunity to attend the RT Booklovers' Convention in New Orleans - I posted recaps on my travel blog, ALOHA ON MY MIND:

Day 1:  French Quarter link

Day 2:  Book Blogger Conference link

Day 3:  Welcome Party and Club RT link

Day 4:  Meeting Authors in Club RT link

Day 4:  Kensington Book Signing link

Day 4:  Bayona Dinner, Pub Crawl, and Samhain Party link

Day 5: Avon Krewe Book Signing link

Look for more posts about the Giant Book Fair and SOS America Military Tribute at ALOHA ON MY MIND.

Mahalo to Troop 424 for remembering the veterans in the Savage Cemetary.  Lest we never forget.

Mahalo,

Kim in Baltimore

Aloha Spirit in Charm City