Latest news with #ofCountry
American Military News
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- American Military News
Video: Legendary singer gifts Purple Heart vet a new home
Legendary country singer George Strait recently gifted a U.S. veteran and Purple Heart recipient a new home during a concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. According to Taste of Country, the iconic country music singer gifted Sergeant Derek Austin, a U.S. veteran and Purple Heart recipient, with a new house during his Pittsburgh concert on May 31 in partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation. In a video from Strait's concert, an announcer with Military Warriors Support Foundation can be heard sharing Austin's story of service to the United States during his deployment in Afghanistan. 'I want to tell you a story about this American hero — and tell you what he did for our freedom,' the announcer told the crowd. He explained that Austin was 'injured severely from shrapnel wounds when his convoy was attacked' in Afghanistan. 'Because of that, he also suffered severely from TBI, and PTSD,' the announcer said. 'We're gonna say thank you in a very, very, very special way,' he added. 'We're gonna give this hero a beautiful home!' READ MORE: Pics: US Air Force vet released from Venezuelan detainment In the video, Strait can be seen presenting a huge key to the Purple Heart recipient as the announcer shared that Austin would be receiving a new home from the Military Warriors Support Foundation in partnership with the legendary country singer. Following the announcement of the gift, the Military Warriors Support Foundation representative honored Strait for his partnership with the organization and for helping give homes to U.S. military veterans. The Military Warriors Support Foundation representative noted that Strait's gift to Austin marked the 124th home the country singer had helped give away. 'George, it's about $61 million worth we've given away together,' the announcer said. According to the Military Warriors Support Foundation's website, Strait has partnered with the organization for almost 14 years in 32 different states to give away over 120 homes to Gold Star Families and veterans who were wounded in combat. 'As a veteran himself, George Strait has long supported American military personnel,' the website states. 'During his sold-out concerts, George Strait stops his performance to recognize and honor our country's combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star spouses. These Heroes are brought on stage to meet George and are celebrated by thousands in the crowd as they are presented with a mortgage-free home. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these Heroes and their families.'
Fox News
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Country star Phil Vassar says he was 'blasted' back to life by first responders after he died twice
Phil Vassar is embracing every moment after he was given a second chance at life. The country star detailed his miraculous recovery after he "dropped dead" twice, suffering a heart attack and stroke, while on tour. Vassar, 62, told Fox News Digital he nearly forgot how to play the piano until he was given the musical instrument during his year in rehab. "It was definitely slow… learning how to walk again and getting back… on the treadmill," Vassar remarked. "They brought a piano in my room at rehab and I just sat and looked at it for a while… they said, I just started playing… it kind of came back, and I was very, very, glad to have that happen." WATCH: COUNTRY STAR PHIL VASSAR DETAILS THE FIRST THING HE REMEMBERS AFTER HIS STROKE Vassar's medical emergency occurred in 2023 during a Christmas tour with Deana Carter. First responders shocked him 11 times and "cracked some ribs" in the process. "The lifesaving crew, these guys… what they do is just amazing," Vassar praised the medical team. "They could have given up… but they just kept going. They blasted me back to life." Vassar had previously opened up to Taste of Country about his health battle, saying, "I dropped dead. I was dead for 30 minutes a couple of times. No heartbeat. No heartbeat at all." The "Last Day of My Life" singer recalled not remembering the moment it happened. WATCH: PHIL VASSAR SHARES HOW HIS OUTLOOK ON LIFE HAS CHANGED AFTER HIS NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE "I wish I could tell you more about it, but I don't know," he explained to Fox News Digital. "I just remember I wasn't feeling well and… just something wasn't right." Following his stroke, Vassar said the first moment he remembered was when he found himself in a wheelchair. The life-altering experience came as a big surprise because the country star lived a healthy lifestyle. However, after his heart attack, Vassar decided to switch up his fitness routine. "I'm just getting back into the working out. Do more bike riding and walking, get into the weight room a little bit," he said. "But I really thought I was in shape. I just didn't feel well. I had 3% body fat when I dropped dead." Vassar went into cardiac arrest after he discovered he had a genetic heart disease. On his intense road to recovery, Vassar was in rehab for more than a year. He said that with plenty of exercise and hyperbaric chamber treatments, he was able to "heal quicker." Vassar is now gearing up for his comeback tour, "25 Years of Paradise," celebrating the 25th anniversary of his hit song, "Just Another Day in Paradise." The country star told Fox News Digital he plans to "take advantage of every second" of life. WATCH: PHIL VASSAR'S RECOVERY INCLUDED HYPERBARIC CHAMBER TREATMENT, YEAR OF REHAB The multi-platinum singer-songwriter largely credited his faith for helping him through the toughest moment in his life. "I'm very blessed to be alive. God has blessed me immensely," he said. "Especially these times you really count on your faith to kind of pull you through. I don't know how many times I was sitting in a room, in the dark, or not knowing what was going on and… you pray." WATCH: PHIL VASSAR EMBRACES EVERY MUSIC MOMENT SINCE HIS MEDICAL EMERGENCY "You come out on the other side with a different view on life for sure.… I feel great, I feel physically wonderful, and mentally I'm just kind of getting back to normal." Vassar's "25 Years of Paradise" tour will kick off March15 with dates through July, and he's set to perform in states such as Kentucky, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Nebraska.
