SOGGY WEATHER DOESN'T DAMPEN SPIRITS AT FORT CAMPBELL ARMED FORCES DAY EVENT
CMA and a Troop of Country Artists Present Concert Tickets for Fan Fair 2003

NASHVILLE - The skies were dark, but the atmosphere was light during Fort Campbell's Armed Forces Day "Family Fun Fair" Saturday, May 17 at the 101st Airborne Division base in Kentucky. Staff from the Country Music Association and several artists were on hand to entertain and present free tickets to CMA Fan Fair's Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum June 5-8, to military families.

First in line, two hours before the artist activities began, were Michele Detwiler and her husband Staff Sergeant Michael Detwiler, who had returned from Iraq the day before. Michael Detwiler was deployed early this year and missed their first wedding anniversary in March. Home on leave, he was planning to take Michele to Fan Fair to make up for lost time. Now, with free tickets they will be able to attend and take their two children Stephanie (12) and Timmy (5).

"This is a dream come true," said Michele Detwiler, barely controlling her excitement. "Thank you. Thank you. We are just so happy."

"Hearing stories like that makes this all worthwhile," said artist Brad Martin, between signing autographs. "I'm just glad to be part of it."

The artists taking part in the event had a personal connection to the families and empathy for what they were experiencing. Hometown News duo Scott Whitehead and Ron Kingery were born on Army bases. Whitehead later went on to be a Top Gun pilot before following his love of songwriting to Nashville. Lila McCann also comes from a military family and her brother is currently stationed in Kuwait. Chalee Tennison, who was a single mother of three when she moved to Nashville, related to the many women who were suddenly single parents while their husband were deployed. Drummer Eddie Bayers is a regular fixture at the base organizing concerts and special events for the troops. Clint Daniels and Sherrie Austin spent hours meeting the families, posing with babies and sharing their support.

Many of the autographs weren't for the person in line, but were meant for loved ones serving in the Middle East - and the artists got a crash course in Army rank abbreviations along the way.

1,350 tickets for the Nightly Concerts at The Coliseum were requested and presented to the families during "Family Fun Fair," which is presented by United States Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and the Fort Campbell Fire and Emergency Services departments. Due to overwhelming response from the families since Saturday's presentation, CMA has extended the offer by donating an additional 1,500 tickets for the Nightly Concerts.

"The best part has been seeing the expressions on the faces of the women and children as they get an autograph. We were thrilled to play a small role in making this happen," said CMA Associate Executive Director Tammy Genovese. "There is a long-standing tradition of Country artists supporting our troops and today is just a reflection of that commitment."

Genovese was presented the Commander's Certificate by Holly Petraeus, wife of Major General David H. Petraeus, Commander of the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and Fort Campbell. The certificate was in recognition of CMA's support of the soldiers and their families during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

"Your donation of tickets to Fan Fair for the soldiers and family members of Fort Campbell is a huge morale booster," Petraeus said.

Fan Fair is organized and produced by the Country Music Association. For the latest information and schedules, visit FanFair.com. For ticket information call toll-free, (866) FAN-FAIR or Ticketmaster outlets.

For media information about Fort Campbell's "Family Fun Day" contact MSG Kelly Tyler, Fort Campbell Public Affairs Office at (270) 798-3025.