A True Patriot: Craig Morgan Sworn In As U.S. Army Reserve Member On Grand Ole Opry Stage
Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan surprised the sold-out Opry crowd on Saturday evening (July 29) when he enlisted in…
Craig Morgan; Photo by Chris Hollo, Grand Ole Opry
Grand Ole Opry member Craig Morgan surprised the sold-out Opry crowd on Saturday evening (July 29) when he enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve on country music’s most famous stage.
“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,” Morgan shared via a press release. “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.”
General Andrew Poppas, Commander, US Army Forces Command was on hand to swear Morgan in on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
“No matter who you are or where you’re from, service in the United States Army is a unique, life-changing honor,” Poppas said. “Every Soldier who enters the Army has the opportunity to become the best version of themselves, and Staff Sgt. Morgan is no exception. I look forward to seeing what he accomplishes and how he impacts other Soldiers around the Army.”
Craig Morgan will be assigned to Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, and is a recipient of the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and the USO Merit Award, as well as a member of the U.S. Field Artillery Hall of Fame.
Having previously devoted seventeen years to the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions as an E-6 Staff Sergeant and Fire Support Specialist, which included certifications in Airborne, Air Assault, and Rappel Master, Craig Morgan is embarking on a new chapter of service for his country.
Now, he is joining the Army Reserve, continuing to contribute to his nation’s defense in a different capacity. As a newly sworn-in Staff Sergeant and Warrant Officer candidate, Morgan will fulfill his military duties while also pursuing his civilian career as a touring musician and releasing new music. This dual commitment reflects his unwavering dedication to both his country and his passion for music.
Through his commitment to serving our country, Morgan exemplifies the act of answering one’s call to service and embracing the opportunities to Be All You Can Be. His decision to return to service serves as an inspiration to others, encouraging them to answer their own call to service and unlock their full potential.
“It has been such an honor to work alongside Craig on his return to the U.S. Army Reserve,” said U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.). “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.”
Craig Morgan is set to appear on Fox & Friends (Fox News) on Monday (July 31) to discuss his enlistment in the Army Reserve and his patriotic duty to our Country.
Additionally, the country star is set to embark on a reprised version of his popular God, Family, Country Tour 2023, in partnership with Operation Finally Home. The Reeves Brothers will join Morgan as a special guest on the trek, which kicks off on September 20 in Englewood, New Jersey.
The God, Family, Country Tour 2023 will visit thirteen theaters before wrapping up at the end of October. Tickets and VIP experience packages are on-sale now at CraigMorgan.com.
Craig is embarking on a headline tour in 2023, which comes after the publication of his personal memoir, God, Family, Country. Co-authored with Jim DeFelice, the #1 New York Times bestselling co-author of American Sniper, the book recounts Craig’s journey to triumph, starting from his modest upbringing in Tennessee, through his time as an elite military operative, all the way to his rise to country music stardom. This intimate glimpse into Craig’s extraordinary life is sure to captivate country music enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike.
Written by
Lauren Jo Black
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.