The Grand Ole Opry is touted as country music’s biggest stage. Held at the Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee, the weekly live radio broadcast has featured country music icons including Hank Williams, Loretta Lynn, Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. On July 29, 2023, in front of a sold-out audience, country music singer and Army veteran Craig Morgan enlisted into the U.S. Army Reserve at the Opry.
As a country artist, Morgan has amassed over 2 billion career streams and charted over 25 songs on Billboard. His songs include hits like “Redneck Yacht Club,” “International Harvester” and “That’s What I Love About Sunday.” An avid outdoorsman and staunch patriot, Morgan is also an Army veteran. He previously served in the famed 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions and earned the rank of staff sergeant. Morgan is also Airborne, Air Assault and Rappel Master qualified. He served 17 years in the Army and took part in the 1989 invasion of Panama.
Looking to continue his service alongside his musical career, Morgan swore into the Army Reserve as a staff sergeant and Warrant Officer Candidate. “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 said in 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.” He will be assigned to the Army’s Redstone Arsenal in Alabama.
“No matter who you are or where you’re from, service in the United States Army is a unique, life-changing honor,” said General Andrew Poppas, the commander of U.S. Army Forces Command, who officiated the ceremony. “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.” Morgan is also a recipient of the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal, the USO Merit Award and an inductee of the U.S. Field Artillery Hall of Fame.
“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.”
This article was written by Miguel Ortiz and originally appeared on We Are The Mighty. Follow @TheMighty on Facebook.