Howie Mandell signs a poster for soldier after performing for the Spirit of America Tour at Fort Huachuca, AZ |
LOS ANGELES- Howie Mandell in the West and Charlie Daniels in the East both helped the Spirit of America Tour celebrate seven years of providing stateside entertainment free of charge to military personnel and their families. The Spirit of America Tour, funded by the Robert and Nina Rosenthal Foundation, has sponsored 100 shows since 9-11.
Howie Mandell treated soldiers at Fort Huachuca, Arizona to a well deserved round of laughter on August 23rd. Perennial singer and musician Charlie Daniels headlined the Spirit of America Tour concert September 14th at the Naval Submarine Base; New London, Ct.
Retired businessman Robert Rosenthal founded his Spirit of America Tour (http://e2ma.net/go/1317025479/1196855/42252666/goto:http:/www.spiritofamericatour.org/ fueled by a desire to offer something back to America after the tragedy and stunning events of 9/11. Robert and his wife Nina sat numb, as did the world. He decided he had to do something to mend our nation's broken spirit. When our brave troops were sent off to fight, the spark was lit. Thus, The Spirit of America Tour was born.
Nina Rosenthal, a native of England, remembered fondly her family hosting US soldiers during WWII. With this in mind, Rosenthal created his own version of hospitality towards our Armed Forces with this vision. Rosenthal's extraordinary, long-term commitment has shown his true, red-white-and-blue colors by personally underwriting stellar state of the art concerts at US military bases across the country. It's his way to honor the outstanding men and women serving our country.
The Spirit of America Tour features major names in music, about 15 times per year, on various US military bases. All shows are completely free to base personnel and their families. He has brought in Clint Black, Jodee Messina, Josh Gracin, Dan Miller, Carrot Top and more to entertain the troops and their families. Most shows are standing room only.
Viewed as the premiere sponsor of entertainment for American stateside military bases, The Spirit of America Tour accepts no government funds or corporate donations. Robert's guidelines are specific; these shows are totally free to military personnel and open to soldiers' and their families ONLY. No civilian tickets are available. These shows are full-blown productions and provide a "time out" for over quarter of a million of our nation's military families including active, reserve and National Guard. Though all artists donate their time to do these shows at America's Military Bases, the Spirit of America Tour pays all their expenses so that these patriotic entertainers are not out of pocket. Robert calls it "businessman's patriotism."
The Spirit of America Tour is one way that major entertainers help boost and maintain the morale of America's Armed Forces and their families. It demonstrates both the humanness and compassion entertainers feel towards our service men and women, and is also a positive display of the patriotism they feel for our country.
