KISS Takes Time Off Tour To Visit Vets

Prior to last week, Cpl. Donnie Earls wouldn’t have considered himself a fan of the rock band, KISS.

“Now I’m a big fan,” said Earls, a Marine who is currently receiving treatment at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center’s Active Duty Rehab Unit. Earls saw the group in concert in Atlanta on Oct. 26 and then met band members on Oct. 28 when they visited the Wounded Warriors.

On the other hand, Spc. Patrick Tefft has been a KISS fan for more than two decades. Wearing his KISS Tshirt, he waited in the active duty gym on Oct. 28 to meet band members.

“It was amazing to get the chance to see them,” said Tefft.

Three band members, lead singer/guitarist Paul Stanley, guitarist Tommy Thayer and drummer Eric Singer visited the service members prior to flying out to make a concert date in Nashville the same night.

Hospital staff thought the band members would be signing autographs and had a table set up for them; however, band members wanted to mingle with the service members crowded into the unit. They posed for photos, signed autographs and spoke with the service members.

“I’m honored to be here,” Paul Stanley, 57, a founding member of the band, told the service members soon after arriving. “We can’t do enough for you. I’m not usually at a loss for words. Wow, you are heroes.”

Earls said he was very impressed that band members would take the time out of their schedule especially when they had a concert later in the evening.

“I think it’s awesome. There are a lot of famous people, but few go back into the community. It stands out,” he said.

Another newly converted KISS fan was Pvt. Randy Laird. He’d never been to a concert prior to the one at the Phillips Arena in Atlanta. Wounded Warriors sat about 40 feet away from the stage, and they said the band put on quite a show.

What impacted him more was their visit to the hospital. “I’m amazed for them to even consider coming. I know they must be completely exhausted,” he said.

Source Link