Country music artist Brantley Gilbert to perform at WPAFB

Gilbert, 34, is an American country music singer, songwriter and record producer from Jefferson, Georgia.

A major supporter of U. S. troops, Gilbert partners with the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that helps veterans transition to civilian life.

He is also a partner with Pedigree, awarding service dogs to soldiers. Gilbert presented eight companion dogs to veterans during the spring of his 2018 tour.

“These dogs aren’t just good dogs; they’re trained to help their veteran – and new companion – cope with stress, memories and triggers people can’t see and provide them with a sense of solid grounding,” Gilbert said,

After the July 16, 2015, shooting of four Marines and one naval officer at a recruiting station in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Gilbert organized the Chattanooga Unite: A Tribute on the River. This event was not only a fundraiser for the families of the victims, it also focused on a renewed appreciation for those risking their lives to protect American freedoms.

This year, Gilbert made a surprise visit to Jacksonville, North Carolina, to help honor 13 year old Jaxson Jordan, Operation Homefront’s 2019 Military Child of the Year.

In 2011, Gilbert went to No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart with the singles “Country Must Be Country Wide” and “You Don’t Know Her like I Do.” Other No. 1 singles are “Bottoms Up” and “One Hell of an Amen.” He also wrote Jason Aldean’s singles “My Kinda Party” and “Dirt Road Anthem.”

He won the Academy of Country Music New Male Artist award in 2012 and the New Artist of the Year award in 2013.

His 2020 tour, “Fire’T Up,” starts Jan. 23 in London, Canada.

Gilbert married Amber Cochran, a schoolteacher from his hometown in 2015, and together they have a son, Barrett, born in 2017. The couple recently welcomed their daughter, Braylen, into the world Sept 9.

The concert at Wright-Patterson AFB, a USO-sponsored event, is open to active-duty members, Guard, reserves and retirees of all branches of service, including their spouses and dependents with a valid military ID card.

There will be a tailgate gathering at 5 p.m. open to everyone who has base access. A variety of food trucks, soft drinks and beer will be available from 5 to 7 p.m.

The theater snack bar will serve hotdogs, nachos, popcorn, box candies, chocolates, canned soda and bottled water.

For more information, contact 88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs at 937-522-3252.