Aaron Tippin to be honored by the DAR

Award-winning, country music recording artist, songwriter and producer, Aaron Tippin (who is most recognized for his patriotic smash hit single “Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagle Fly,” among others) will be honored at the DAR 118th Continental Congress in Mid-July for his outstanding dedication and service to American troops and their families.

Tippin will be presented with the DAR Founders Medal for Patriotism by the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). DAR was founded in 1890 by four women whose common bond was that they each had ancestors who were patriots of the American Revolution. The founders of the DAR sought to create an organization that would "perpetuate the memory and spirit of the women and men who achieved American independence." DAR is a non-profit, 501 (c) (3) charitable organization dedicated to patriotism, historic preservation and education.

Tippin will receive the DAR Founders Medal for Patriotism on National Defense Night (the evening of Friday, July 10, 2009) at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C.—near the White House. One of the most prestigious of DAR awards, this recognition "honors an adult who has displayed outstanding patriotism in the promotion of our American ideals of God, home and country through faithful and meritorious service to community, state and nation. Founders’ Medal recipients must have displayed extraordinary acts of heroism, service, patriotism and achievement. The medal is presented in recognition of deeds, service or educational pursuits that go far beyond the obligations of an individual's employment or normal duties." (According to the DAR handbook.)

“This is an honor for which I am without words,” said Tippin. “Regardless of what we think is right or wrong, or politically correct or incorrect, the bottom line is that our American brothers and sisters are fighting for our freedom—to speak freely and live freely. I do not take their sacrifices lightly. This is a privilege and I feel the absolute necessity to recognize those who make it possible. It’s just a part of who I am…to support men and women who are willing to ‘stand for something’ and I will continue to ‘stand’ for them.”

General Ann Dunwoody, the first female four-star general in U.S. Military history, will act as keynote speaker during the National Defense Night ceremony. Gen. Dunwoody is currently the Commander of the U.S. Army Materiel Command, a global command that provides materiel readiness to support America’s joint fighting forces (airmen, sailors, marines, soldiers and U.S. allies) in more than 55 countries.

In reciprocal gesture, Aaron, and his wife, Thea, will perform a four-song acoustic set as part of the evening festivities.

The formal, black-tie affair is expected to be attended by more than 3,000 members and guests of honor, including Capt. Earl Morse (founder of "Honor Flight"), DAR Medal of Honor recipient; Lt. Col. Herless "Wayne" Hein, USAF (Ret.), Outstanding Veteran Patient of the Year recipient; LTC Michelle Munroe, Army Nurse of the Year recipient; and Captain Nicole Smith, Margaret Cochran Corbin Award recipient.

Tippin launched his country music career in the 1970s. He landed a songwriting contract after competing on TNN’s “You Can Be a Star” in 1985 and inked a recording contract in 1990. Over the past two decades, Aaron’s enjoyed platinum status with over 5 Million records sold to become one of the most recognizable and influential voices in our country and worldwide with hits such as "My Blue Angel," "That's As Close As I'll Get To Loving You" and "I Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way." In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Tippin wrote and released the patriotic anthem "Where the Star and Stripes and the Eagle Fly” which became his most successful crossover single.

As a supporter and frequent traveler to visit and perform for our American brothers and sisters in uniform, in Iraq and Afghanistan each year, Tippin understands and has experienced first-hand the importance of extending care, compassion and lending support to our troops. He completed his first USO tour during the Gulf War where he entertained soldiers in the Gulf Coast alongside Bob Hope. In 2002, Aaron made his first trip to visit troops in Afghanistan; he’s made annual visits to our forces in Iraq over the past six consecutive years. Encouraging all Americans to exercise their voice and our right to vote, Aaron has donated his time to perform over the last several years at various presidential rallies including appearances at the recent McCain•Palin campaign.

Tippin is the celebrity spokesperson for the Paralyzed Veterans Of America, the Armed Services YMCA (which takes care of military families while their spouses are overseas), and Toys for Tots founded by the Marines. He has donated nearly 650 bicycles to the organization-- which are assembled live before his audiences at his shows.

“Aaron’s heartfelt and expressed dedication to the troops here at home and abroad makes him a worthy recipient of the Ellen Hardin Walworth Medal for Patriotism. DAR is honored to recognize him,” said DAR President General Linda Gist Calvin.

The DAR Founders Medals have been issued since 1995; Tippin joins a notable list of Founders Medals for Patriotism honorees including: Wayne Newton, Daniel Rodriguez "The Singing Policeman," Pat Boone, Glenn Beck and Elizabeth Dole.

For more information about the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), please visit www.dar.org.

For more information visit www.aarontippin.com.