Medal of Honor the story behind the artist, song and guitar...

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When Rob Powers of American300 called to ask Lucas to join the Wrangler National Patriot Memorial Day Tour, he didn’t even get to finish his sentence. Lucas was saying yes with a huge smile on his face. “My bag is already packed for the Wrangler National Patriot tour and it’s still a few weeks away, but that’s how excited I am.

Lucas will be traveling with the beautifully hand painted AcePro guitar specially painted for this particular journey. The “Medal Of Honor” guitar was painted by John Stewart and donated to Lucas by Acepro guitars owner Brian Crabb. “Once I heard Lucas sing that song, I felt like he needed a guitar to go with it”, says Brian.

The guitar’s first stop was Pueblo, Colorado. Pueblo is the only city in America with FOUR living recipients of our Nations highest award for heroism in combat, the Medal of Honor. Lucas was asked to perform his song “Medal of Honor” at the dedication of Home of the Heroes Memorial and Walk of Valor, followed by the Center for American Values Salvatore Giunta Portrait Unveiling. Lucas met Salvatore, Drew Dix and Pete Lemon that day and then performed his song. Salvatore, Drew and Pete all autographed the guitar that will now travel with Lucas on the Wrangler National Patriot Tour.

Lucas was inspired to write the song “Medal Of Honor” after spending tree weeks in Iraq, Kuwait and Kosovo in 2009. “This tour was the greatest experience in my life and I felt so inspired to share my gratitude the only way I know how, thru music. Medal of Honor is a medal that I cannot give, but I can show my appreciation for those in the military and their families, who go above and beyond each and every day. You can't wear this song on your chest, like the real medal, but I hope you can feel it in your heart, says Lucas".

The American300 Foundation has sponsored over 1,000 download cards of Lucas’s song “Medal of Honor” which Lucas will give to the service members he meets while over seas.

For more information about Lucas Hoge and to hear "Medal of Honor" visit LucasHoge.com

For more information about American300 Foundation visit: American300

Wrangler Launches Wrangler National Patriot Program… american300 supports with 'Wrangler National Patriot Tours'

GREENSBORO, N.C., Nov. 12, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- In honor of Veterans Day, the iconic American denim maker – Wrangler® Western Wear – is excited to announce the growth of the Wrangler® National Patriot™ program, a campaign raising awareness, appreciation and funds to support wounded or fallen American veterans and their families. With the help of both local and professional rodeos across the country, a country music superstar, and patriotic Americans everywhere, Wrangler announces that since May, more than $381,000 has been raised – with additional funds being reported daily.

To promote the program and in commemoration of the national holiday, the brand hosted several Wrangler National Patriot activities in Greensboro. By wearing Wrangler National Patriot merchandise and "Ask Me about the Wrangler National Patriot program" buttons, store representatives are raising awareness among shoppers and handing out prizes.

National, big-time western players, like the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and the Professional Bull Riders, joined in this year and continue to play a major role in the success of the program. Longtime Wrangler friend and fellow patriot George Strait is also featured in the brand's first ever public service announcement offering his support.

"We are more than grateful to all of our Wrangler National Patriot partners for the outpouring of support," said Phil McAdams, president, Wrangler Specialty Apparel. "When people come together truly dedicated to a cause, the outcome is sure to be a positive one and in this case is helping many deserving people defending our great country."

Launched Dec. 25, 2009, the Wrangler National Patriot program aims to ignite a sense of patriotism and unite the western community to support those who protect our country. The brand encouraged rodeos nationwide to contribute by creating their own promotions to support local charities or families of their choice. More than 20 Wrangler National Patriot events have already been hosted this year with more to come as the PRCA tour continues. The 2010 Wrangler National Finals Rodeo will host a Wrangler National Patriot Night where competitors will be asked to wear red, white, or blue Wrangler National Patriot shirts in Las Vegas Sunday, Dec. 5.

"As a veteran of the Vietnam War, the success of this initiative is extremely important to me for many reasons," said Joe Hertz, vice president of merchandising, Wrangler Specialty Apparel. "I'm confident once consumers hear about what we're doing to support the veterans, they'll want to get involved and help too."

For those interested in learning more about the Wrangler National Patriot program and its cause, please visitwww.wranglernationalpatriot.com or www.facebook.com/wranglerwestern. 

American300 Tours is the official producer of 'Wrangler National Patriot Tours' which feature world champion cowboys and cowgirls volunteering to travel around the world to share appreciation on behalf of the entire western industry.  Since 2010 American300 has conducted 7 Wrangler National Patriot Tours with the 8th occurring this Memorial Day. 'Five Years of Saluting Service' will feature champions visiting United States Coast Guard Units in the Pacific Northwest and Alaska regions.   No federal endorsement of sponsors of nonprofit is implied or intended.   Wrangler National Patriot Tours are salute and honor morale tours, no fund raising is implied or intended - American300.org 

For more on American300 Tours visit:  www.American300.org