Tim McGraw, Dierks Bently, Gary Allen, Billy Ray Cyrus, among country music stars joining together to support military families
Washington, DC (February 3, 2014) – To show their support for military families and encourage those who need it to seek help with mental health concerns, Tim McGraw, Dierks Bently, Gary Allen, Billy Ray Cyrus, and many more country music stars come together for “This Country Cares” PSAs.
“This Country Cares” is a partnership between The Creative Coalition, Blue Star Families, HealthNet, Inc., The Nashville Film Institute, Uncharted Mind Productions, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (T.A.P.S.), volunteers, and country music’s finest. The PSA was written by The Creative Coalition member and writer Peter Mattei.
Last year, the U.S. lost more troops to suicide than to combat. On average, 18 American veterans take their own lives every day. Annual surveys by Blue Star Families consistently show that 92 percent or more of American military families believe that the country does not understand or appreciate their service and sacrifice.
“This Country Cares” reminds military family members that the nation cares and appreciates their many sacrifices. “This Country Cares” directs military family members to the National Suicide Hotline for help. The PSA will air on broadcast television, radio, and the internet, and will be shown on military and veteran installations.
“We sincerely appreciate Country Music’s assistance in letting our service members and their families know how grateful our nation is for their service and how concerned we all are for their well-being,” said Kathy Roth-Douquet, Chairman of Blue Star Families.
“The Creative Coalition is extraordinarily proud to partner with Blue Star Families on this effort that allows artists and the arts to spotlight this country’s bravest women and men who serve our nation,” said Robin Bronk, CEO of The Creative Coalition.
“This Country Cares” is available online, staring Tim McGraw, Dierks Bently, Gary Allen, Billy Ray Cyrus, Autumn Letendre, Billy Dean, Rachel Farley, Darryl Worley, Buddy Jewell, Mark Cooke, Mark Collie, Ira Dean, Ty Stone, Rachel Farley, and Ryan Weaver.
The Creative Coalition and Blue Star Families created the first of this series of PSAs featuring leading actors and actresses. For more information visit http://bluestarfam.org/preventsuicide.
The script for the “This Country Cares” PSAs is as follows:
This Country Cares
In the military you learn to care for the troops on your left and on your right.
Your families learn to care for themselves and for each other.
You serve us every day.
Let us honor your service.
Sometimes everyone needs help, even you.
We want you to know that this Country cares about you, and we care about your families.
You are not alone.
If you need someone to talk to, please call this number.
There’s help. It’s confidential and it’s free.
You have taken care of us,
now let us take care of you.
About The Creative Coalition:
The Creative Coalition (www.TheCreativeCoalition.org) is the premier nonprofit, nonpartisan social and public advocacy organization of the arts and entertainment community. Founded in 1989 by prominent members of the creative community, The Creative Coalition is dedicated to educating, mobilizing, and activating its members on issues of public importance. The Creative Coalition uses the power and platform of the arts and entertainment communities in award-winning PSA campaigns, mentoring programs, and arts advocacy initiatives on the federal, state and local levels. Actor Tim Daly serves as the organization’s President.
About Blue Star Families:
Blue Star Families is a national, nonprofit network of military families from all ranks and services, including guard and reserve, dedicated to supporting, connecting and empowering military families. With our partners, Blue Star Families hosts a robust array of morale and empowerment programs, including Books on Bases, Blue Star Museums, Operation Honor Corps, Blue Star Careers and Operation Appreciation. Blue Star Families also works directly with the Department of Defense and senior members of local, State and Federal government to bring the most important military family issues to light. Working in concert with fellow nonprofits, community advocates, and public officials, Blue Star Families raises awareness of the challenges and strengths of military family life and works to make military life more sustainable. Our worldwide membership includes military spouses, children, parents, and friends, as well as service members, veterans and civilians.
To learn more about Blue Star Families, visit http://www.bluestarfam.org. Join us on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Media Contact
Barbara Horvath
The Creative Coalition
BHorvath@TheCreativeCoalition.org
646-717-9907
Stephanie Himel-Nelson
Stephanie@BlueStarFam.org
703-472-6292
AnnaMaria White
AMWhite@BlueStarFam.org
917-579-4716
@white_am