“John Ondrasik’s love for our military families and devotion to the welfare of our men and women in uniform comes through again in this fifth album,” said Amy Palmer, Chief Operating Officer for Operation Homefront, a co-producer on the album series, said in a statement. “All of the talented artists who have lent their voices to ‘CD for the Troops V’ have shown their support for our military in an incredible way.”

Service members or their spouses with valid military ID can order, at no cost, the CD at CDfortheTroops.com. The albums are not available for sale to the public.

“It’s all about the troops and their families”, says Ondrasik, “They are the heart and spine of our nation. As for the CD for the Troops going platinum, it’s a powerful statement of support for those whose sacrifice secures or our freedom.”

“CD for the Troops V” includes music by Ondrasik of Five for Fighting fame, Chicago, Train, Sara Bareilles, REO Speedwagon, Shaggy, Matt Nathanson, Brett Dennen, Jack’s Mannequin, Mayday Parade and The Civil Wars.

The Five for Fighting singer/songwriter is teaming up with celebrated ‘Wicked’ songwriter/lyricist Stephen Schwartz for ‘Someone Like Me,’ a new, music-driven drama for ABC, according to Variety:

[The show] explores the lives of two sisters. One is a singer-songwriter legend, the other forever in her shadow; their worlds collide as adults, sending their family and friends spinning — especially a 17-year-old girl whose own talents are exploding.

Ondrasik and Schwartz will write original music for the series, which was initially conceived by the songwriters along with Dawn Soler, senior VP of music at ABC.

Ondrasik and Schwartz will serve as executive producers along with Richard B. Lewis (‘August Rush’) and Karen Janszen (‘A Dolphin Tale’), who will also write the script.

‘Footloose’ might be underperforming at the box office, but a television show fusing music and drama makes total sense. ‘Glee’ cornered the market on Karaoke-style numbers, but here’s betting Ondrasik and Schwartz have something far more ambitious up their sleeves.

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On a couple of occasions, I’ve had the privilege of seeing Ondrasik play live and his ability to mesmerize a crowd using nothing but a piano and his voice is something you never forget.

There are more tribute performances at the Five for Fighting website and for those of you who don’t know, Ondrasik is a tireless supporter of our military men and women.

Big Hollywood caught up with Ondrasik to get the latest on his new military-themed release, “CD for the Troops IV” and how we works with artists who might not fully support the military’s mission at any given moment.

Big Hollywood: Any unifying themes to the new album that might not be apparent on a first or second listen?

John Ondrasik: We have some younger artists on IV like Ingrid Michaelson and Mat Kearney to go with the established artists such as Matchbox 20, Wynonna and Barenaked Ladies. There’s a wide range of styles as well from Brandi Carlisle to Finger 11. As in previous compilations I try to provide something for all musical tastes.

BH: Do the contributing bands select the songs they donate, or is it a collaborative selection process between you and them?

JO: It’s collaborative, but I push for the artists’ biggest hits and, to their credit, usually win out. From the beginning I wanted popular songs, not B-sides, as that would make a statement on the gesture itself, and it’s what most folks want. One exception is if the artist has a patriotic or military-related song they would like to include.

BH: Has it been hard to get such major artists to contribute songs to these discs, or is it getting easier now that you have an established track record?

JO: Every effort you need a big name in before the dominoes start to fall. On the first CD once I had Melissa Etheridge and Billy Joel we had no problem filling out the line up. In similar respects, once we had Adam Sandler on the comedy CD, all his buds were cool coming in. This round I have to credit Rob Thomas kicking us off with the Matchbox 20 hit (“If You’re Gone”). This far into the project we have developed a credibility that helps going forward, and though we have had some who have passed, we get more yeas then neas.

BH: Was there a particular singer on the new album you were particularly eager to include – and why?

JO: I always like to include an unsigned band or someone who is out supporting the troops in an organic way. That’s why I included Gary Sinise’s LT Dan Band on CDFT I and why I chose John David Kahn’s “American Heart” for this project.

This whole effort was kicked off when I was asked to contribute music to a compilation of local independent artists who were sending music to Iraq on their own dime. I wanted to keep that purity of spirit as part of each CD.

BH: Talk about your first experience with the USO and what impacted you the most about it?

JO: When I first spoke with the USO I asked them to send me where nobody wanted to go. I figured it would be Iraq or Afghanistan but ended up in Gitmo! My first show I played for 200 National Guard at a small bar called Club Survivor. Club Survivor is literally under the flood lights of the prison, (detention center), twenty yards off the Cuban shore. We had to get through three military check points to this 10 by 20 concrete block (stage) and 20 beat up wooden benches (theater). Waiting for me at sound check was a Guardsman who was a fan of mine. We started chatting and I found his unit was at the end of their 18 month, six day per week, 12 hour shift tour and therefore was not allowed to drink that night. It seems troops go no alcohol before we send them home for leave. As I had some time we went to his lodgings (temporary housing with sheets as dividing walls since the prison (detention center) is technically temporary). This particular soldier was torn as his unit was being sent to Iraq and he had fulfilled his commitment. He had not seen his kids in 17 months but was worried about his other “kids” going to combat for the first time. I noted he had a small copy of the Constitution on a table bedside.

John Ondrasik

That night, playing my song “Freedom Never Cries,” there was an American Flag silhouetted by the moon above Club Survivor. In the far back round you could see the lit Cuban guard tours and fence surrounding Gitmo. For years I had sung this song that speaks of the cost of Freedom and in the faces of the Guardsman, and the landscape of Gitmo it all hit home. That reality I wish all Americans could experience.

Oh, and I saw my new Guardsman friend at a different gig a couple days later. I asked him what he did today, and he said, ‘I re-enlisted.’

He smiled when I teared up.

BH: Entertainers today sometimes get a bad rap from the Right for not being more supportive of the troops. What’s been your experience with projects like the “Troops” CDs? Have the albums helped open your fellow entertainers eyes about the work the soldiers do, or do you find they’re generally eager to help in any way they can?

JO: The reality is, like Hollywood, most non-country artists are liberal. (See the Obama’s campaign arena rock show.) Still, there is a vein of anti-military sentiment throughout the industry – many work with the USO and though they “don’t support the mission, support the troops.” My main goal from day one was to make a cultural statement with high-profile artists from both sides of the political spectrum reinforcing that view. I understand that some may find it cynical but thinking back to Vietnam, it was celebrities that were part of the slander and disgrace that our soldiers were subject to. Whether we like it or not, culture drives opinion, both domestic and international. The more high-profile names I get on record supporting the troops the better, in my opinion.

BH: Artists often speak out on behalf of social causes – but some are criticized for either not doing enough or not following through to see if the funds raised are going to the right places. Talk about your approach to charitable work and did anyone give you advice along the way that made doing the right thing more effective?

JO: I had no clue about the red tape I’d have to cut through to make this happen, or I probably wouldn’t have jumped in the pool. Sadly, because of past abuse, setting up one’s foundation for philanthropy is crazy expensive and prohibits charitable efforts. Just this year the rules changed so we couldn’t pay our one expense (legal bills to clear the songs) though the California Community Foundation. Why our government makes it so hard for people who want to do good works is beyond me.

One piece of advice is to find great partners. I’ve been blessed to have amazing cohorts in Triwest Health Care, Operation Homefront, Sony Manufacturing, Aware Records, and the Army Air Force Exchange.

In the big picture the causes I’ve worked for have provided personal inspiration, wonderful relationships, amazing experiences and great example/perspective for not just me but my children as well. It has been the true gift of my career. On that note, check out Augiesquest.org.

BH: What’s on your plate next? CD for the Troops V? More work with the USO? Work on a new Five for Fighting album?

JO: I’m thinking of going Classic Rock for CDFT V…What you think?

In my book every day is Veterans Day, and the soldier provides the ongoing Thanksgiving that is our America. I’d like to thank my partners Operation Homefront, Triwest Healthcare, Sony Manufacturing, AAFES, and all the artists and labels behind this effort.

To our troops and their families:

We owe you a debt that can never be repaid. For you may these songs be a piece of home, an inspiration, an escape from the daily grind. From us, let each tune represent a Thank You and an example of the free expression you provide.

The CD will be available for free download to active duty servicemembers, veterans and their families worldwide with a valid military ID at www.shopmyexchange.com. An additional 200,000 hard copies of the CD will be sent to military bases, USO centers and other locations across the nation and overseas, courtesy of TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Operation Homefront. 

I’m excited to launch CD “For the Troops IV” with a new roster of fantastic artists and great songs. This year’s CD has a bit more pop and a few surprises, but at its core is a thank you to those whose sacrifices secure our freedom and that of our children.

Here’s the lineup: 

1. Matchbox 20 – “If You’re Gone”
2. Wynonna – “What the World Needs”
3. Mat Kearny – “Nothing Left to Lose”
4. Brandi Carlile – “Before It Breaks”
5. Five for Fighting – “Note to an Unknown Soldier”
6. Our Lady Peace – “Paper Moon”
7. 12 Stones – “We Are One”
8. Ingrid Michaelson – “Mountain and the Sea”
9. Barenaked Ladies – “Four Seconds”
10. Gavin DeGraw – “Free”
11. Rocket Club – “One Beautiful Thing”
12. Finger 11 – “Gather and Give”
13. Ryan Star – “Last Train Home”
14. John David Kahn – “American Heart”

Love and Respects…John Ondrasik/Five For Fighting

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In 2008, John composed and recorded the song “Brothers in Arms” for Jake Rademacher’s award winning documentary, Brothers at War.  He is also the one responsible for putting together CD for the Troops which is currently in its third incarnation.

This last weekend, I went to see the The Blind Side and, as the credits rolled on this wonderfully uplifting film, I heard a very familiar voice and smiled.  It’s Five for Fighting’s single, “Chances”, that plays at the end of the film.  I decided to reconnect with John, ask him about his new album, Slice, about the tour and find out a little bit about what makes this guy tick.  He was kind enough to play along.

J.R. Head:  John, it’s great to talk to you again. Thanks for taking some time to chat with me.

John Ondrasik:  My pleasure.

JRH:  You’ve been a supporter of first responders and our military as long as I’ve known you.  Did that start with The Concert for New York City or does it go back further?

JO:  I’ve always had great respect for our emergency workers but since the concert for N.Y., I’ve had the opportunity to get up close and spend time with firefighters, police officers, and first responders across the country.  These are great folks who do more than just protect us every day.  The firefighters do amazing work for the MDA and we’re just getting ready to launch Crime Stoppers with the L.A.P.D.

The same goes for the military.  Though I have no military in my family I’ve always appreciated the American soldier.  When the war started in Afghanistan I started receiving e-mails from troops on the ground that were listening to my music.  That began various correspondences that continue to this day.  I started working with the USO, which guaranteed many post gig, over a beer, conversations.  This time with our soldiers has only validated my initial sentiments.  From the 18-year old National Guardsman down in GTMO to the Medal of Honor Recipient, these people continue to astound me daily with their courage and humility.  The only people I hold in higher esteem are their families, who are the backbone of our freedom.

JRH:  Many of your songs deal with those themes.  I know that the song “Two Lights”, off the album of the same name, has a very interesting story.  Would you share it with my readers?

JO:  Believe it or not, I was with a buddy up in No Cal who asked me if I’d like to go hang with Victor Davis Hanson.  We met in a coffee shop, (I had a smoothie) and after a chat VDH invited us to have lunch with a former student who was shipping out to Iraq that week and the student’s Vietnam vet father.  Spending time with the Dad gave me an insight into both the pride and fear parents have for their kids going to war.  I tried to reflect that reality in “Two Lights”.

[There is a video that cannot be displayed in this feed. Visit the blog entry to see the video.]

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JRH:  Also on that album was “Freedom Never Cries”.  You made a video for the song to benefit Operation Home Front.  It’s got close to a million hits at your charity site.  How did that come about?

JO:  Triwest Health Care was doing a Gala honoring Medal of Honor recipients and their CEO Dave McIntyre had seen the reaction to “Freedom Never Cries” at a few USO gigs.  They asked if they could make a video for the Gala and I jumped at the chance.  They did a fantastic job and allowed me to post the video on whatkindofworlddoyouwant.com for Operation Home Front and Fisher House.  I get a kick that that video has more views than all the Five For Fighting videos put together.  Don’t tell the record company.

JRH:  CD for the Troops has been a huge success.  It’s amazing that you were able to get so many great artists from across the musical and political spectrum to contribute their music for our men and women in uniform.  Who is on the latest one?  What’s next for this venture?

JO:  I’m thrilled with the line up for the CD for the Troops III (Stand up for Troops).  This year I decided to mix it up and reach out to comedians.  Check out this line up…

Chris Rock, Dennis Miller, Adam Sandler, Jeff Foxworthy, Ray Romano, Dana Carvey, Matt Iseman, Kevin Nealon, Kevin James, and more…

The bits are hilarious!  It took a bit of creative editing to get it through the military firewall, though. (laughs)

It’s been rewarding to see all the artists over the years contribute their work for free to a project that is apolitical and a simple thank you to our troops and their families.

JRH:  Military personnel can download the album, right?

JO:  As always the CD for the Troops is free for all military members at AAFES.COM and 200,000 hard CD’s will go overseas to theatre and military hospitals.

JRH:  That’s awesome.  Now, “Brothers in Arms” was written specifically for Jake Rademacher’s film, Brothers at War.  I think I heard you wrote that in, like, five minutes or something?

JO:  I wish all songs came that fast.  I saw Brothers at War in an early incarnation.  I was inspired, went home and wrote and recorded a demo that night.  A few months went by and I happened to play it for Gary Sinise as he’d invited me to the screening.  Fast-forward and that demo (with a few strings added) became the end title for Jake’s film; an honest look at the military family.

JRH:  I think Hollywood missed a great opportunity this Oscar season.  I haven’t seen all the films or heard all the songs that are presently in the running but, if they wanted to win back a portion of the conservative audience, a nomination for either Jake’s film or your song would certainly have gotten some folks on the right to watch.

JO:  Ha.  Don’t get your hopes up.

JRH:  I just saw The Blind Side and really enjoyed it.  It was great to hear “Chances” come rolling out of those speakers as the movie ended.  Did you write that song specifically for the film or was that deal done later?

JO:  Nope, “Chances” is the first single off the new Slice record.  It was actually bouncing around a few films and I’m pleased, as a sports nut, that it landed in The Blind Side.

JRH:  There’s a song on Slice called “Note to the Unknown Soldier”.  Tell me a bit about that.

JO:  That song on it’s surface is a letter of appreciation to all American soldiers, past, present, and future.  Subtler, is the arc of awakening to that realization, as the tone gets more serious as the lyric moves forward.  I’m hoping that reflects itself in the culture.

JRH:  And what about “Tuesday”; a song about 9/11, right?

JO:  As you know 9/11 occurred on a Tuesday and the song is a plea to not forget the lessons learned in the 9/11 attack.  I wrote the song over 2 years ago and unfortunately I think some of my concerns have been realized.  With the upcoming trial of KSM and the country wavering on finishing the job in Afghanistan, I fear Monday is upon us.

JRH:  I’m sorry to say, I agree.  So, what’s next?  Any plans to head out to visit our troops?

JO:  This year’s been crazy with the new record and touring so I’m going to take a little Daddy time early 2010, do a spring Five For Fighting tour, and then I’m sure we’ll do some USO shows around the globe.

JRH:  John, thanks for spending some time with me.  I truly appreciate all you do for my brothers and sisters that are out there, fighting the good fight.

JO:  Team effort.

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Semper fidelis,

J.R. Head

This week’s Washington Times column:

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. | After spending two weeks on something akin to a fact-finding mission in depressed New York and depleted Washington, D.C., I found no answers to our nation’s mounting ills. I discovered that there is much to be angry about and unlimited reasons for deep concern. But on the evening after my return, the stars aligned on the outskirts of Los Angeles at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, and for a brief moment I felt safe again in America.

On Saturday, my wife and I were privileged to attend the second annual “Celebration of Freedom Gala.” We joined more than 1,000 others who, like us, were electrified to honor 43 of the 98 living Medal of Honor recipients. We also gave our thanks to former first lady Nancy Reagan, war hero and actor Charles Durning, and Gen. David H. Petraeus.

In between courses, we heard rousing patriotic vignettes. One was Steve Amerson’s refreshingly traditional and soaring national anthem. Another was a tear-inducing “Freedom Never Cries” from John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting. Scores of celebrities donning black ties and gowns mingled with our nation’s highest-decorated veterans and active-duty men and women.

Unlike at other awards shows, this star-studded crowd honored something bigger than themselves. I note this without taking anything away from the individual achievements of talented artists who have paid homage to every cause under the sun. But this event was different. The armed forces of the United States have fought and died to protect the freedom of expression that allowed these artists to ply their trade.

Before the program commenced at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, one prominent actor sang the praises of HBO’s “Taking Chance” to a Vietnam-era Medal of Honor recipient. The film is not just another Hollywood attack on the military. Quite the contrary. “I watched it with my son, and we both cried,” the well-known face from film and television told a true hero. “It is deeply respectful and not in the least bit political.”

The same could be said of the dinner. Partisanship was not on the bill as dozens of decorated veterans of unknown partisan stripe stood to accept the audience’s unconditional and rousing appreciation.

Tom Selleck presented the “Lifetime Achievement Award” to a frail yet still elegant Mrs. Reagan, who received the first extended standing ovation of the evening. The 87-year-old former first lady was making her first public appearance since fracturing her pelvis and sacrum in October. She summoned the courage to accept the award in front of a cross-section of people who have grown to admire her during her half-century in Hollywood and in public service.

Gary Sinise, a Presidential Citizens Medal recipient and the event’s co-sponsor, delivered the Bob Hope Award for Excellence in Entertainment to Charles Durning, whose courage and grit during World War II earned him the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Silver Star, the Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. The 86-year-old star of “The Sting” and “Dog Day Afternoon” received a hero’s welcome worthy of both his military and film career.

Mr. Sinise asked attendees to commit themselves to entertaining the troops and singled out one actor/singer who had done so in spades: Connie Stevens, who labored for 40 years for the USO. Miss Stevens, still beautiful and radiant at 70, accepted the extended and deserved standing ovation.

You can read the column in full here.