[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 122 (Thursday, July 24, 2008)]
[Senate]
[Page S7277]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PRAISE FOR THANKSUSA AND TENNESSEE SONGWRITERS

 Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, today I praise the efforts of 
ThanksUSA and two of Tennessee's outstanding songwriters, Leslie 
Satcher and Monty Holmes. This weekend, these parties will join 
together to perform a charity concert for our country's Armed Forces.
  ThanksUSA is a nonpartisan charitable endeavor to encourage Americans 
of all ages to ``thank'' the men and women of the United States Armed 
Forces by providing academic scholarships for their children and 
spouses. ThanksUSA offers two interconnected programs: the national 
treasure hunt and the military family scholarship program. The treasure 
hunt raises awareness and money for the scholarship program.
  This weekend's charity concert would not be possible without the 
talent and performances of Ms. Leslie Satcher and Mr. Monty Holmes. In 
the traditional Tennessee spirit, Ms. Satcher and Mr. Holmes have 
volunteered to perform their own country music hits to entertain the 
attendees.
  With dreams of making it big in country music, Satcher moved to 
Nashville to put her song writing skills to the test. After a church 
friend encouraged her to show her work to Larry Strickland and Naomi 
Judd, Satcher's career in country music officially began, and her 
dreams became a reality. Leslie is no stranger to charity concerts as 
she is frequently found on stage performing for benefits with other 
country music celebrities.
  Another gifted songwriter and performer, Monty Holmes, will join 
Satcher in the evening's benefit concert. At a young age, country music 
was instilled in Monty Holmes. With a grandfather who played the 
fiddle, guitar and piano, Monty grew up with a love of music. As a 
young adult, Holmes moved to Nashville and quickly gained a reputation 
for both his voice and his words. Writing songs for some of country 
music's greatest artists, Holmes quickly earned a prominent place in 
country music.
  It is a privilege to serve in the Senate on behalf of Tennesseans 
such as Leslie Satcher and Monty Holmes, who personify the voluntarism 
and patriotism of Tennessee. Leslie and Monty have shared many stories, 
memories, and inspirations through the mouthpiece of country music. I 
thank them and ThanksUSA for their efforts. I cannot think of a more 
valuable way to express our gratitude for our troops than with the gift 
of education.

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