Gala Stars Pay Tribute to Wounded Troops in Song, Art

Country music star LeeAnn Womack performed several songs for the troops and their families at the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes Gala Gratitude Tribute to Veterans in Orlando, Fla., on Dec. 9. She concluded her performance with her hit "I Hope You Dance." Photo by Samantha L. Quigley   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available.

Irish Tenor Ronan Tynan -- himself a world-class disabled athlete -- kicked off the gala with an inspiring performance of "God Bless America" and later performed a selection from the musical "The Man of LaMancha."

James Vandenheuvel said country music wasn't his thing, so he wasn't particularly excited about the rest of the entertainment on the schedule. However, after country music star LeeAnn Womack finished her concert with her hit "I Hope You Dance," Vandenheuvel had a change of heart. "It's pretty damn good," the soldier said.

Womack was a hard act to follow, judging by the thunderous applause as she concluded her performance. Country star Toby Keith, however, stepped up to the plate and hit a home run with the veterans and their families.

And artist Michael Israel didn't disappoint, coming to the stage three separate times and painting a canvas on the spot with great flair in time to music. His technique is unusual, but the results, it was unanimously agreed, were fantastic.

Even after the Gala officially ended, the festivities weren't over. Keith, Tynan and Israel posed for pictures and signed autographs for anyone and everyone who wanted one. The overall impression among the veterans and their families was that the evening was terrific.

"Fantastic," said Sgt. 1st Class Loren Sturm, 1st Battalion, 162nd Infantry, Oregon National Guard. "Words can't express the feelings that we have for these wonderful people who can sit here and give back to these (disabled veterans)."