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American Legion
Post 217
College Park, MD 20740
(301) 441-2783
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College Park, MD 20740 (301) 441-2783
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“A 5 Star Salute to our Veterans” By
College Park Unit 217 By: Ivy Christoffers It started with an idea, born out of
Patriotism. Last year Mark Beard, a local recording artist and a member of
College Park Post 217, and I organized a Country Western Jamboree for the
Nursing Home Patients residing at Washington VA Medical Center. This year we
thought it would be nice to offer a much larger production to honor our Veterans
on Veteran’ Day. After some preliminary discussion and the word of what we
were planning started to get around in the Country Western field, we began to
hear from recording artists who wished to join with us in this “salute”. Lou
Nelson, CEO of Texas Drover Records in Austin, TX. called and said he had a
couple of artists who wanted to be a part of this tribute. Lou is a Vietnam
Veteran. One of the artists he promotes is Jena Kidd, who is extremely proud of
the military heritage in her family, especially her father who is a decorated
Capt. from the Vietnam era. Jena was anxious to come perform. Another is Todd
Tally, who is on active military duty and just came back from Iraq where he was
wounded by a land mine explosion. Todd is in his 25th
” year in the Army and has earned three (3) purple hearts. He is
currently recuperating at Ft. Dix. Todd is a songwriter, guitarist and excellent
singer. Joining forces with these two out of town artists and Mark Beard, who
has written over 300 songs and was awarded the prestigious “Most Patriotic
Artist in Country Music” designation, were Wayne Miller and April Goodwin,
both Veterans and excellent entertainers. Wayne lost a limb in Vietnam and is
now working with the VA Administration. He also entertains throughout the United
States. He is a tremendous performer. Wayne’s singing is so impressive. April
is multi-talented. She sings, her comedy routines have you rolling in the
aisles, and she is an artist with fabric and oils. Both are multi award winners
in the Veterans “Creative Arts Festival”. April received 6 additional medals
in Denver during the National competition in October. Jena
Kidd has just completed her latest C.D. “Back in Texas” which should soon
top the charts. Jena is a vivacious young singer with a great range. She lit up
the stage. The
artists arrived at the Holiday Inn in College Park on Tuesday, Nov. 8 where they
were made very welcome by the staff and the welcoming committee. A great big
“thank You” to manager, Matt Rutigliano, for all he did to insure their
comfort while in his establishment. Dinner of all participants was planned in
advance and after a super get together over great ribs and other entrees, a
working meeting was held where the plans for the next two days were discussed
and the program finalized. The following morning we visited Walter Reed VA
Medical Center where the artists visited with the returnees from Iraq and
Afghanistan. A most inspiring hour. Back to the “Limos” and on to Washington
VA Medical Center where we were to perform from 2PM until 4PM. Channel 7 was
there to videotape the production and we were asked to sing “Good Morning
Washington” as we were to open that television program of Friday morning at
6:AM, Veteran’s Day. Our Chaplain, Ron Gray, was interviewed and appeared on
screen as well. Ron delivered a most impressive “Prayer for Peace”. After
the Pledge of Allegiance, Jena sang The National Anthem. The program continued
with each artist performing twice. The hospital videotaped the program and is
making it available to all the artists. After a visit to the Nursing Home, off
to dinner and a visit to Post 217. On
Thursday, we went on a visit to Arlington where everyone paid their respects at
the Tomb of the Unknown, Kennedy’s grave and the Women in Military Service
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