Wilmington, OH (November 17, 2016) – In honor of Veterans Day, award-winning bluegrass group Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers facilitated a charitable donation to the Dayton National Cemetery Honor Squad (DNCHS) this past weekend during the fall production of their Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival, an event held each March and November at the Roberts Convention Centre in Wilmington. The DNCHS is comprised entirely of volunteers whose goal is to ensure that all Veterans buried in the cemetery receive full military honors, including a rifle salute, during committal services.
The Dayton National Cemetery Honor Squad received over $3,000 in contributions from generous festival guests and community supporters. This gift was made possible through donations of a Martin guitar by JD Music Company in Bentonville, AR, and a Cherrybend guitar courtesy of Cherrybend Pheasant Farm in Wilmington, OH. A $5 donation allowed guests to enter a charity raffle to win either instrument with all proceeds benefiting the DNCHS. Preceding a special Friday evening All-Star Veterans Tribute, Ben Erickson, Music Minister for Bible Baptist Church of Wilmington, presented a check in the amount of $1,000 to Bob Perry, a representative of the DNCHS. The All-Star Veterans Tribute incorporated patriotic performances by each act of the day including the “Queen of Bluegrass” Rhonda Vincent & The Rage. The tribute finale was a performance of “The Last Parade” by Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers. “The Last Parade” is a powerful, chart-topping song written by Steve Bonafel in honor of Staff Sgt. Nicholas Carnes of Dayton, KY, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2007.
Saturday night, the raffle concluded and the donations from Jim Holcomb of Xenia, OH, and Mike Newkirk of Franklin, OH, earned them the Martin and Cherrybend guitars, respectively.
“I am so thankful for the generosity of the audience at our music festivals. With the assistance of our sponsors and the gracious giving of our attendees, we were able to help some great Veteran volunteers,” stated Joe Mullins.
"I want to thank the Southern Ohio Music Festival fans for their support of the Dayton National Cemetery Honor Squad. This was a very enlightening experience for us. We know now we have the support of the bluegrass community for the dedication we provide for our fallen brothers and sisters. For that support, we are truly honored and will be forever grateful. Special thank you goes to the Bible Baptist Church of Wilmington, Cherrybend Pheasant Farm and JD Music Company for their charitable donations," stated DNCHS representative Bob Perry.
For more information on Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers and their philanthropic efforts for the Dayton National Cemetery Honor Squad, please visit www.radioramblers.com.
For more on the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival, visit www.somusicfest.com.
For more information on Classic Country Radio, visit www.myclassiccountry.com.
For more information on the Dayton National Cemetery Honor Squad, visit www.dncs.org.
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About the Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival
The Southern Ohio Indoor Music Festival is held twice annually in March and November. It features nationally known acoustic music groups, including pioneers of bluegrass music, as well as a sampling of up and coming bands. The goal is to feature bluegrass, old-time, and gospel music, combined with family fun and educational opportunities in an entertaining, smoke and alcohol-free environment. The festival is presented by Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers and Classic Country Radio.
About Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers
Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers (JMRR) provide an energetic mix of quality bluegrass and gospel music, and have maintained a national demand due to their professionalism and successful, heavily played recordings. They have toured full-time since 2011, including headlining the 2015 National Folk Festival in addition to dozens of bluegrass festivals nationwide. In May, JMRR made their first European tour in Switzerland and the UK. They have released six successful recordings, all earning global airplay and exposure. Their newest recording, an all-gospel album, Sacred Memories, was released in April 2016. They are now regular guests on the Grand Ole Opry, appearing consistently since 2013. A contributing factor to JMRR’s success is their active marketing capabilities, due to Mullins’ network of radio stations in the Midwest, including a 24/7 webcast.
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