Local nonprofit leader brings singer to troops

John Blanchard, executive director of NASA Education Corporation, joined music legend Willie Nelson on his international tour in Norfolk, Va., on March 19.

NASA Education Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and current 2008 McHenry County Economic Development Corporation Special Recognition Business Champion.

Nelson chose to be interviewed for "Muster America," a local cable show that is hosted and produced by Blanchard. "Muster America" airs on Comcast cable at 7:30 p.m. every Monday.

In addition to the interview with Nelson and as a collaborative effort with Stardust Radio, www.stardustradio.com, Chatstar and Operation Firing for Effect national chairman Gene Simes, www.offe2008.org, Blanchard was able to connect his system directly into the entertainer's sound board and successfully provide a live broadcast of Nelson's concert to the troops in Iraq and Afghanistan so they could enjoy the live concert.

Reportedly several units enjoyed this special present from the multi-Grammy winner and had the opportunity to talk with loved ones during this live feed.

Blanchard said, "Bringing this special gift from Willie Nelson to the troops was a huge effort for everyone involved, but a small price to pay to bring enjoyment to our troops."

The interview with Nelson solidified his feelings on mandatory funding and veterans care in general.

The concert was sold out at the NorVa Theater.

Simes was asked by Nelson to start the concert with him on stage and announce to the audience that the concert was being simulcast to the men and women serving in the military.

After the announcement was made, the crowd erupted into applause, cheers and screams. When Blanchard was asked about the reaction from the crowd, he said "This is a military town, Norfolk, Va., and I served here for eight years.

"We support our own, we believe in the commander in chief and we respect American freedom and ideals. I'm not surprised that Norfolk supports our troops."

Throughout the concert and with every mention of the deployed troops by Nelson, the crown continued to erupt in a fanfare of support.

Blanchard, NASA Education and Project Fresh Start continue to support American troops, veterans and the prospect of mandatory funding for VA hospital medical.

Blanchard offered thanks to Dave Anderson, Nelson's manager, and Bobby Lemon, sound engineer, for being so accommodating and helpful before the concert.

"Muster America" focuses on veteran rights and benefits as they are applicable to the men and women who deserve them.

Blanchard is a strong activist for veteran rights, being an 8-year Navy veteran himself (Beirut).

There are several entertainment celebrities lined up for "Muster America," with Nelson being the first and perhaps the most outspoken.

Blanchard said, "The very fabric of our working class relates to Willie Nelson.

"He is very kind hearted, soft spoken and the epitome of Americanism.

"It was a pleasure interviewing and speaking to him, sometimes candidly and becoming friends with his crew and band members.

"Almost all of his band members have been with him since the beginning, which strongly relates to the military idealism that one signs on for the long haul, which these individuals have done.

"Most of his band and crew members have been with him 25 plus years, which shows the same loyalty and dedication that our military preserves."

Nelson's tour continues on in the U.S. and then in mid-April takes off to Europe returning back to the U.S. in mid-June.

NASA Education Corporation is in the planning stages of a tribute to all veterans by sponsoring a 3-day Veterans' Festival, slated for this fall.

NASA is looking for local and internationally known entertainers who would like to be a part of the festival.

Visit the Web site www.nasaeducation.org for details. NASA Education, a Crystal Lake company, has two major programs: Project Fresh Start, a comprehensive workforce and community reintegration program for U.S. veterans who are newly discharged, displaced, disabled, homeless or otherwise in transition; and the semiannual, two-day Stand Down for Veterans, which provided 110 veterans in need with services in October 2007.

The next Stand Down will be on March 31 and April 1 at YMCA Camp Algonquin, 1889 Cary Road, Algonquin, where more than 150 veterans will attend.

Forinformation about the 2008 Veterans' Festival, Project Fresh Start, the Stand Down for Veterans and NASA Education contact Amy Johnson at (866) 338-4968 or amy_johnson@nasaeducation.org.