NASHVILLE, TENN. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) commended Grand Ole Opry member and country music star Craig Morgan for enlisting in the U.S. military to continue serving his beloved country and working with DoD leadership to boost recruitment rates and heighten morale.

Last fall, when the U.S. Army was 15,000 recruits short of their yearly goal, Senator Blackburn and her office began working with the Department of Defense (DoD) and U.S. Army to allow Craig to enlist, despite being a few years away from mandatory retirement. Last night, Craig was sworn into the U.S. Army Reserve in front of a sold-out Grand Ole Opry crowd. This was made possible in part due to Senator Blackburn’s efforts.

“It has been such an honor to work alongside Craig on his return to the U.S. Army Reserve,” said Senator Blackburn. “Craig has long been a champion of our military, with his support spanning his previous active-duty service and an accomplished career in music. His dedication to serving our country exemplifies the very best of the Volunteer Spirit, and I know his story will be an inspiration to Americans considering the call to serve.” 

“I’m excited to once again serve my country and be all I can be in hopes of encouraging others to be a part of something greater than ourselves,” said Craig Morgan. “I love being an artist but I consider it a true privilege and honor to work with what I believe are the greatest of Americans, my fellow soldiers. God Bless America. Go Army.”

Photo Credit: © Grand Ole Opry, photo by Chris Hollo

**Click here to download photos and here for a backstage video of Senator Blackburn and Craig Morgan**

About Craig’s Military Career:

Craig Morgan previously served seventeen years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101^st and 82^nd Airborne Divisions as an E-6 Staff Sergeant and Fire Support Specialist. He includes Airborne, Air Assault and Rappel Master among his certifications. He is now returning to serve his country in a new way – as a soldier in the Army Reserve. 

The newly sworn in Staff Sergeant and Warrant Officer candidate will continue touring and releasing new music in his civilian career while simultaneously serving our country in the Army Reserve. 

Background:

• The U.S. Army expects to be another 10,000 recruits short this year.

• According to Pentagon data last year, only 9 percent of young people ages 16-21 said they would consider military service.

• Adm. Mike Mullen, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said in an interview that “influencers are not telling [young people] to go into the military. Moms and dads, uncles, coaches and pastors don’t see it as a good choice.”

• Craig Morgan’s commitment to serving our country demonstrates answering one’s call to service while providing opportunities to Be All You Can Be. 

• This act of service inspires others to answer their own call to service while unlocking their full potential.

Download handout footage (CREDIT: courtesy Grand Ole Opry)