Marines

Wounded warrior receives standing ovation at Country Music Awards

13 Apr 2009 | Pfc. Alisa J. Feliciano

Wounded Warrior and Marine veteran 1st Lt. Andrew Kinard received a standing ovation April 5 during “country music’s biggest night” at the 2009 Country Music Awards.

Kinard took the stage at the CMAs to introduce performer Trace Adkins, who sang “Til the Last Shot’s Fired” with the West Point Glee Club. But before Kinard could introduce the country star, audience members rose to their feet and gave him a standing ovation.  

Kinard, a native of Spartanburg, S.C., who was wounded in Iraq and lost both of his legs, said he was humbled by the experience.        

Prior to his live CMA performance, Adkins said it was a privilege to perform in support of the Wounded Warrior Project with such a distinguished choir and for the men and women in uniform.

Adkins’ song, “Til the Last Shot’s Fired,” also appears on his newest album and profits from digital downloads of the song on iTunes will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. The project is a nonprofit organization for U.S. service members with the mission to honor and empower wounded warriors through events, aid and awareness.

With his CMA performance now behind him, Kinard said he wants everyone to remember, “It’s not about the war, it’s about the warrior.”

Since retiring from the Marine Corps, Kinard has been accepted into Harvard Law School and will start classes this fall.  

For more information on the Wounded Warrior Project, visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org.


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