4TROOPS, a new pop vocal group, is composed of United States combat veterans who served on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan: former Captain Meredith Melcher, former Sergeant Daniel Jens, Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Ron Henry and former Sergeant David Clemo. While they were overseas, music played a crucial and personal role in all of their lives. They sang at large military events and in more intimate settings; often, they would jam in their bunk after a long day in the field and try to reclaim a piece of home. They also used their voices at somber occasions such as memorial services, when they sang to remember those who had been lost. As 4TROOPS, these veterans share their experiences as a voice for troops — honoring the sacrifices of soldiers and military families in song and creating awareness of their needs.
4TROOPS: LIVE FROM THE INTREPID is the group’s debut performance special and features an inspirational repertoire of well-known patriotic and pop hits. All of the songs take on a special meaning when performed by four combat heroes. The concert begins with “For Freedom,” an uplifting soldiers’ tribute written by Matt Moran for his grandfather, a WWII veteran. Jens sings and plays acoustic guitar on “Galveston,” written by Jimmy Webb and popularized by Glen Campbell. Country star Toby Keith gave his blessing for 4TROOPS’ new version of his popular and controversial post-9/11 hit, “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue,” with lyrics revised to reflect a 2010 outlook.
Other emotional performances include Melcher’s rendition of Sarah McLachlan’s “Angel,”; Lonestar’s “I’m Already There,” reinvented as an evocative military homecoming; the inspirational ballad “You Raise Me Up”; and Henry’s interpretation of Luther Vandross’ “Dance With My Father,” featuring an emotional dance by Melcher and her father, three-star Lieutenant General (Ret.) David Melcher. Broadway Inspirational Voices, a gospel ensemble composed of theatre actors, joins 4TROOPS for a solemn tribute to fallen soldiers set to “Amazing Grace” and accompanied by a bagpiper; a patriotic medley featuring “Grand Old Flag” and “America the Beautiful”; and the celebratory finale, “Raise Your Glasses,” by Kiss and Holly Knight, which brings audience members to their feet, clapping and singing along.
“4TROOPS gives our veterans a face. We wanted to make viewers more conscious of those who willingly serve our country, and celebrate those service men and women,” said Laura Savini of WLIW21, a co-producer of the program. “Music connects people. With this concert we hope that PBS audiences will appreciate these performers and consider our troops and their service.” The concert was filmed March 15, 2010, at the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum in New York City, one of America’s leading historic, cultural and educational institutions. Opened in 1982, the museum is centered on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Intrepid, one of the most successful ships in U.S. history and now a national historic landmark.
witf will air 4TROOPS: LIVE FROM THE INTREPID as part of our TV pledge drive on November 30 at 9:30 p.m., December 1 at 3 a.m. and December 10 at 3 p.m.
During the show, we'll be offering special 4Troops themed thank you gifts for your donation to witf. For your gift of $60, you'll receive the "4Troops” CD. For your gift of $90, you'll receive the "4Troops Live from the Intrepid" DVD. For your gift of $125, you'll receive both the CD and DVD.
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