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Alabama hears stories from wounded soldiers

By Ben Shurett
The Times-Journal

Published September 06, 2003

Country music supergroup Alabama’s American Farewell Tour includes more than the band’s final live trip around the country, according to tour manager Greg Fowler. It also involved fulfilling what the band believes is its patriotic responsibility.

During a concert trip to the Washington, D.C. in late August, the group — Randy Owen, Teddy Gentry, Jeff Cook and Mark Herndon — was invited to present the Laying of the Wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns at Arlington National Cemetery. Participation in the event came at the invitation of Jack Metzler, of the national cemetery.

The trip involved more that just ceremony. Owen invited nearly two dozen soldiers wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq to join them on stage during a performance.

“It was the most powerful moment I have witnessed in a long time,” Fowler said, “and the 20,000 fans in the audience would certainly agree. These magnificent young men were asked by Randy to introduce themselves, and a roar of adulation swept through the crowd as they took their turn at the microphone.”

Following Alabama’s performance of “America the Beautiful,” the band was presented two awards honoring their service and continued support of American forces around the world.

Part of typical services of the band included visiting two hospitals — Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital.

The group spent several hours at each facility, spending time posing for photographs, signing autographs and even singing a little for injured troops.

“I will never forget that day,” Fowler said. “The stories we all heard were so humble. These young men and women who had sacrificed so much were so humble. All were proud of their efforts, yet each was quick to speak of others who were less fortunate than themselves.

“When you look on the faces on these brave young soldiers knowing what price they’ve paid,” Fowler said, “and you don’t feel pride for what they’re doing for all of us here in America, I believe you should find somewhere else to call home.”

The tour has 20 dates left, including a concert in Maryland Heights, Mo., today. The nearest performance to Fort Payne will be Oct. 19, in Maryville, Tenn.

Alabama has been nominated for the Country Music Association’s “Music Group of the Year,” which will be present Nov. 5 in Nashville, Tenn. Other nominees include Diamond Rio, the Dixie Chicks, Lonestar and Rascal Flatts.

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