Craig Morgan, the renowned country music artist, is known for his remarkable military service. Before pursuing a successful career in the entertainment industry, Morgan dedicated over a decade of his life to serving his country in the United States Army. Rising through the ranks, he served as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division and later as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. Today, Craig Morgan continues to significantly impact military organizations through his advocacy and support for veterans’ causes.
The Early Years of Craig Morgan
Born on July 17, 1964, in Dickson County, Tennessee, Craig Morgan spent his early years immersed in the rural landscapes of the American South. Raised amidst rolling hills and open fields, Morgan’s childhood was a testament to hard work and community values. Influenced by the sounds of classic country music, he developed a passion for storytelling through song.
During his teenage years in the early 1980s, Morgan began honing his musical talents, picking up the guitar and writing songs. His soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics quickly captivated local audiences.
Alongside his budding music career, Morgan felt a strong sense of duty. In 1986, inspired by a desire to serve his country, he decided to enlist in the United States Army. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Morgan’s life.
From Country Stages to Military Ranks: Craig Morgan’s Enlisted in the U.S. Army
In 1986, at the age of 22, Craig Morgan made the pivotal decision to enlist in the United States Army.
Assigned the rank of Private, Morgan underwent rigorous training in the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division, immersing himself in the demands of military life, and he emerged as a disciplined and skilled soldier.
In 1989, Morgan’s military career took him to new heights as he joined the ranks of the renowned 101st Airborne Division, known as the “Screaming Eagles.” Stationed at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, he underwent specialized training and preparation for the challenges that lay ahead.
Throughout his service, Morgan rose through the ranks, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant promotable to E7 as he demonstrated exceptional leadership and skill.
During his time in the Army, Morgan served as a 13 Fox Fire Support Specialist, providing crucial artillery and mortar support to ground troops. In 1990, as tensions escalated in the Persian Gulf, he found himself deployed to the region as part of Operation Desert Storm. Stationed in the heart of the desert, Morgan faced the harsh realities of combat with courage and resilience.
In his journals, Morgan reflected on the challenges of war, writing, “The desert stretches endlessly before us, a vast expanse of sand and uncertainty. Yet, amidst the chaos of battle, there is a sense of camaraderie among us, a bond forged in the crucible of war.”
In 2001, after over a decade of service, Morgan made the difficult decision to retire from the military. Reflecting on his time in uniform, he remarked, “My years in the Army were some of the most challenging and rewarding of my life. They taught me the true meaning of sacrifice and service, values that continue to guide me to this day.”
Even after leaving the military, Craig Morgan felt a deep urge to continue helping those in need. In 2017, he traveled to Thailand with the nonprofit organization Exodus Road to rescue children from human trafficking. His commitment to service remained strong. In July 2023, at 59 years old, Morgan chose to re-enlist in the Army Reserve.
“That for me is more natural than the country music singer thing,” he told Fox News Digital, highlighting his enduring dedication to service.
Craig Morgan’s Returned to Military Service
On July 29, 2023, during a memorable performance at the Grand Ole Opry, country music star Craig Morgan made a surprising and heartfelt announcement. “I’m excited to announce that I have accepted a commission into the U.S. Army Reserve as a warrant officer. I’m proud to wear the uniform again and to serve my country in a new capacity,” Morgan declared, his voice filled with pride and determination. This decision marked a significant moment in Morgan’s life.
Morgan’s decision to return to service was driven by a powerful sense of duty and a desire to give back to the military community. In an interview, Morgan explained, “I’ve always felt a deep connection to the military. The values, the camaraderie, the mission—it’s all a part of who I am. This is my way of continuing to serve and support those who sacrifice so much for our country.”
His return has been met with widespread admiration and respect. According to a poll by the Military Times, 85% of respondents expressed high regard for Morgan’s choice, seeing it as a testament to his character and commitment to the nation.
Returning to military service has not been without its challenges. Morgan has had to spend considerable time away from his family and navigate the demands of both his music career and military duties. However, the support of his family has been unwavering. In a social media post, Morgan shared, “My family has always been my rock. Their support means everything to me, and they understand how important this mission is.”
Morgan’s return to service is more than just a personal decision. It is a powerful story of patriotism and commitment. His actions have inspired many, showing that dedication to one’s country can take many forms. Whether through his music or his military service, Morgan continues to make a significant impact, proving that true service knows no boundaries.
The Impact of Craig Morgan’s Military Service on His Life and Music
Craig Morgan often speaks about the profound impact of his military service on his life and career. He frequently highlights how the lessons he learned during his time in the Army have shaped him as both an artist and a person.
“The military taught me discipline, and that has been crucial in my music career,” Morgan shared during an interview. He emphasized how the discipline he gained from the Army helped him navigate the challenges of the music industry, including the rigorous touring schedules and demanding recording sessions. This discipline has been a cornerstone of his enduring success in country music.
In 2006, at a USO event, Morgan expressed his deep respect and gratitude for military personnel with another heartfelt quote: “Performing for the troops is the least I can do. They are the real heroes, and I am honored to bring a piece of home to them.” His performances for the troops aim to boost morale and provide a sense of comfort to soldiers stationed far from home, reinforcing his ongoing commitment to the military community.
Reflecting on his nearly 17 years of service, Morgan said, “Serving in the Army was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. It taught me about sacrifice, honor, and the value of teamwork.” These life lessons continue to influence his personal and professional life, underscoring his songs with genuine emotion and authenticity.
Morgan’s Memoir Explores Faith, Family, and Service
Morgan shares his story in a new memoir, “God, Family, Country: A Memoir,” co-written with Jim DeFelice. DeFelice is best known as the co-author of Chris Kyle’s “American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History” and Taya Kyle’s “American Wife: A Memoir of Love, War, Faith, and Renewal.” He has also collaborated with Army veterans Mark Nutsch and Bob Pennington on the 2022 book “Swords of Lightning: Green Beret Horse Soldiers and America’s Response to 9/11,” and with World War II veteran Ray Lambert on “Every Man a Hero: A Memoir of D-Day, the First Wave at Omaha Beach, and a World at War.”
“God, Family, Country,” Craig’s gripping new memoir, was released last fall in partnership with Blackstone Publishing. He details all aspects of his inspiring life, revealing never-before-heard stories, including how he worked alongside the CIA as a soldier in Panama, fought sex traffickers as an undercover agent in Thailand, forged his own path to country music stardom, and lives his life by the deepest values: God, family, country.
Craig Morgan: Awards and Nominations
Craig Morgan’s illustrious career in country music is complemented by his unwavering dedication to supporting U.S. soldiers and their families. Here is the list of Craig Morgan’s notable awards and nominations:
- USO Merit Award (2006): Craig Morgan was awarded the prestigious USO Merit Award in 2006 for his tireless support of U.S. soldiers and their families. The USO, a nonprofit organization, presented him with this honor in recognition of his exceptional dedication to boosting the morale of American troops. The award ceremony took place at a special event hosted by the USO, likely at a notable venue or military base.
- CMT Music Awards Nominations: Craig Morgan has been nominated for multiple CMT Music Awards throughout his career, showcasing his talent and popularity within the country music industry. While he hasn’t won, his nominations highlight his impact and recognition within the genre. These nominations typically occur annually at the CMT Music Awards ceremony, held at prominent venues such as the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards Nominations: Morgan has received nominations at the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards, one of the most esteemed ceremonies in country music. These nominations reflect his contributions to the industry and his standing among his peers. The ACM Awards ceremony is usually held at iconic venues like the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
- Country Music Association (CMA) Awards Nominations: Similarly, Craig Morgan has been nominated for awards at the Country Music Association (CMA) Awards, another prestigious event in country music. His nominations underscore his impact within the industry and among fellow country music artists. The CMA Awards ceremony typically takes place at renowned venues such as the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
In addition to formal awards, Craig Morgan has received recognition from various organizations and institutions for his philanthropic efforts, including his support for military veterans and charitable initiatives. These honors highlight his commitment to giving back to his community and making a positive impact beyond the stage. Award presentations and ceremonies for these honors may occur at various locations, depending on the organization presenting the award.
These awards, nominations, and honors collectively illustrate Craig Morgan’s multifaceted contributions to music, his country, and charitable causes, solidifying his legacy as a respected figure in both the music industry and the military community.
Craig Morgan: Сharity and Philanthropy
Through his active involvement in several prominent non-profit organizations, Morgan has made significant contributions to improving the lives of wounded veterans, military families, and children battling catastrophic diseases. Here are some of the key organizations he supports:
- Operation Finally Home (Founded in 2005): Operation Finally Home, established in 2005, is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing mortgage-free homes to wounded and disabled veterans, as well as the widows of fallen soldiers. Craig Morgan has actively supported this cause by participating in events and fundraisers aimed at fulfilling the organization’s mission.
- Wounded Warrior Project (Founded in 2003): On November 11, 2012, Veteran’s Day, Sunday, before taking the stage in Florida, Morgan made a $13,000 donation to the Wounded Warrior Project to support the organization’s mission to honor and empower wounded service members. The Wounded Warrior Project, founded in 2003, is a veterans’ service organization that provides various programs, services, and events for wounded veterans of military actions post-September 11, 2001. Craig Morgan has demonstrated his support for the Wounded Warrior Project through various initiatives and engagements over the years.
- Fisher House Foundation (Founded in 1990): Established in 1990, the Fisher House Foundation offers comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one receives treatment. Craig Morgan has been actively involved in fundraising efforts to support the Fisher House Foundation’s mission of providing a home away from home for military families in need.
- USO (Founded in 1941): The United Service Organizations (USO), founded in 1941, is a non-profit organization that provides programs, services, and entertainment to United States service members and their families worldwide. Craig Morgan has contributed to the USO’s mission by participating in tours and events to entertain troops stationed around the globe.
- St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (Founded in 1962): Founded in 1962, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a leading pediatric treatment and research facility dedicated to children’s catastrophic diseases. Craig Morgan has supported St. Jude through various fundraising events and charity initiatives aimed at assisting children battling serious illnesses, showcasing his commitment to making a difference in the lives of young patients and their families.
Read About Other Celebrities Who Served
As Morgan continues to balance his dual roles, he remains focused on making a positive difference. He plans to release new music inspired by his recent experiences and hopes to use his platform to advocate for veterans’ issues and support military families. In his own words, “Serving in the military and making music are two parts of my soul. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do both and to make a difference in any way I can.”.
If you enjoyed learning about Craig Morgan’s service in the military, we invite you to read the stories of other remarkable celebrities who served on our blog. In addition to our profiles of celebrities who served, we share military book reviews, veterans’ service reflections, famous military units and more on the TogetherWeServed.com blog. If you are a veteran, find your military buddies, view historic boot camp photos, build a printable military service plaque, and more on TogetherWeServed.com today.
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Glad to have him as a member of the militry family.