Mark Wills and Children's Miracle Network and USA Cares

Before I wrote this article, I only knew Mark Wills as a country music star. However, from the first moment I spoke to him, it became clear that he is just a good ol’ boy who happened to make it, doing what he loves. We talked about our dogs, the kids’ activities and all the normal bustle of day-to-day life.
He has a passion for life and a spirit of giving. In addition to being a husband, father and singing great songs, he devotes his time to community service and several social causes. Mark swells with compassion and pride when he talks about his years working with the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN). His first project with CMN was in 2005.

Then, he simply applauded them and their mission of raising funds and awareness for hospitals and foundations who serve children. Now, he has met (and stays in touch with) many of the children who are helped by Children’s Miracle Network; he is a proud father, and helping these children and their families is more meaningful than ever. Mark has certainly made a difference for CMN. When fans purchase a copy of his latest CD, Familiar Stranger, a percentage of the profits are automatically donated to the Children’s Miracle Network. The proceeds benefit over 170 hospitals around our nation that help sick and injured children.
Mark’s passion for giving is also very evident in his work with the United States Armed Forces. Being the granddaughter of a World War II bomber pilot and the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, I was humbled when I learned of Mark’s dedication to helping the military. He has taken several trips with the USO to Iraq and Afghanistan; and he has performed for our men and women of the Armed Forces here in the U.S. Mark is also the child of a Vietnam veteran and feels it is his duty to do what he can for those who put their life on the line for our freedom. What does he do for the troops? In Mark’s own modest words, “I just provide some music and entertainment for these brave people.” Then ask one of the many troops who have met Mark. In the words of Mike, an Army soldier who served in Iraq, “Mark is one in a million. He is real. One of the most patriotic men I know.”
Mark’s commitment to the military also includes helping the families of our troops through his work with USA Cares, an organization that helps post 9/11 military families bear the burdens of service with financial and advocacy support. Its mission is to help military families with basic needs during a financial crisis; and, to assist combat injured Veterans and their families in preventing home foreclosures and evictions.

Mark is very proud to be a friend of USA Cares and he boasts of the achievements of this organization. In five years, USA Cares has received more than 17,000 requests and distributed more than $5.5 million in grants. Last year, Mark donated a portion of every sale of his album, 2nd Time Around, to USA Cares. As with his other social causes, Mark is too humble regarding his efforts to assist USA Cares but they are truly proud to boast of Mark. USA Cares Founder Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Roger Stradley states, “The fact that a nationally recognized talent like Mark would lend his name and image to our organization honors and humbles us… He is the real deal and there is a genuine passion for our troops and families that can not be faked… He has all the attributes of a great man that lives it and does not just say it.”

Mark is a star in the world of country music. More importantly, he uses this stardom to help those in need - he is caring, humble and defines the meaning of worthy. He gives his time, he gives his resources, and he is honored to serve others.