Veteran wins chance to rock and roll all night
Published: May 23, 2012
WASHINGTON – The one thing the Kiss Army has lacked in recent years is personnel with actual combat experience in Iraq and Afghanistan. Thankfully, members of the hard rock band have now fixed that problem.
During an appearance on the “Today” show Wednesday morning, Kiss frontman Gene Simmons announced the winner of the band’s “Hiring Our Heroes” contest: Army veteran Paul Jordan, a wounded warrior who served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan before retiring two years ago.
Jordan will serve as a roadie (with full-time pay and benefits) during the band’s 2012 concert tour, which starts in July. The band received about 1,900 applications for the position, but Simmons said Jordan’s enthusiasm and military experience (and the tattoo of Simmons that Jordan has on his chest) set his apart from the rest.
Jordan, who said he has been having trouble finding a job since leaving the service, called the announcement a dream come true.
“I’ve been a fan since I was 4 years old,” he gushed after the announcement. The band’s effort was part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce initiative to spur veteran hiring. Officials did not disclose whether Jordan will be required to work in full stage makeup as part of his duties.
Full video of the announcement is available on the band's web site.
