via: The Giant Killer · U.S. Army Ranger Captain Kris Kristofferson: Country music legend and Army vet Kris Kristofferson has a list of accomplishments so long, it might be faster to list off things he hasn't done. He was an Army brat and brother to a naval aviator, so it was only natural that Kristofferson would find himself in the military. But his life both before and after the military has been more than interesting -- it's downright legendary. In his younger years, Kristofferson was an accomplished athlete, skilled at rugby and American football. He also was a Golden Gloves amateur boxer. Pretty much anything that required giving or taking a beating, he was up to it. For anyone who might be thinking he was a dumb young jock-turned country star, think again. Kristofferson studied literature at California's Pomona College, where he became a Rhodes Scholar. He carried on his literature studies at Oxford's Merton College, where he continued boxing. Upon graduating from college, he joined the U.S. Army. Joining the Army in 1960, Kristofferson earned his Ranger tab before becoming a helicopter pilot, which was critical in getting his country music career off the ground (more on that later). He would reach the rank of captain during his service. In the meantime, he was making music and formed his own band while stationed in Germany. Kristofferson was offered the prestigious position of teaching literature at West Point in 1965, but turned it down and left the Army. It was a move that caused his family, full of veterans, to disown him. His first wife divorced him four years later, which is some prime country music songwriting fodder. It was finally time for Kristofferson to focus on music. He moved to Nashville, where he worked as a janitor and flew helicopters for oil rigs. He also worked in construction and fought forest fires in Alaska, anything he could do to keep focused on the music. It also was good experience from which to draw country music inspiration. As he turned 30 years old, he was still moonlighting as a janitor in Nashville recording studios, strategically dropping demo tapes onto desks and hoping they would get into the hands of some of the biggest names in country music. ... also at Johnny Cash's house. By now, we know Kristofferson learned to fly helicopters in the Army and ran into financial trouble while trying to make it in country music. In a big gamble, he stole a helicopter, flew to Cash's house and landed on the Man in Black's front lawn. In retrospect, Kristofferson admits he's lucky Cash didn't try to shoot him down with a shotgun. Instead, the icon listened to his demo for "Sunday Morning Coming Down." Cash liked it so much, he recorded it, and Kristofferson took the first step toward becoming a country music legend. Now "lifted from obscurity" (as Kristofferson puts it), he wrote some of his biggest hits, including "Vietnam Blues," "Help Me Make It Through the Night" and "Me and Bobby McGee." Later, he would form The Highwaymen, a country music supergroup comprised of himself, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings and Johnny Cash. There are few country music stars that Kristofferson hasn't worked with or influenced during his career, even to this day. His music fame led him to the silver screen, where he appeared in 119 roles, including the "Blade" trilogy, the third remake of "A Star Is Born" and the History Channel miniseries "Texas Rising." Kristofferson was inducted into the songwriter's Hall of Fame in 1985 and has earned more than 48 different BMI Country and Pop awards. In 2004, he was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame and received the Veteran of the Year Award at the American Veteran Awards in 2011, with fellow country legend and vet Willie Nelson presenting the honor. #usarmy #Militarylife #kriskristofferson #countrymusic #Army #Military

Today, we want to shine a spotlight on the incredible Bill Mauldin, a legendary cartoonist and journalist known for his work during World War II. Mauldin's characters, Willie and Joe, first appeared in the 45th Division News in 1940 and later extended to the Mediterranean edition of the Stars and Stripes in November 1943. Mauldin's honest and raw depictions of soldiers resonated deeply with both the troops and civilians. During his time in the military, Mauldin fearlessly called it as he saw it, sometimes leading to confrontations with military brass. One of the most famous encounters was with General George Patton. In 1944, while technically AWOL in Paris, Mauldin met with Patton, who criticized his portrayal of soldiers as scruffy and lacking respect. Despite their differences, Mauldin left the meeting feeling that he had neither convinced Patton nor been convinced himself. Mauldin's dedication to capturing the realities of war extended beyond his cartooning. He spent time with K Company, his fellow infantrymen, and even earned a Purple Heart at Cassino when he was injured by a German mortar fragment. His experiences on the front lines allowed him to bring an authentic perspective to his work. We invite you to visit our museum and explore the extraordinary cartoons, photographs, and writings of Bill Mauldin. Discover the impact he made and the stories he shared through his art. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the world of one of the most iconic figures of World War II. #BillMauldin #WWII #Cartoonist #StarsAndStripes #History #MuseumExhibit

For a singer born in Mount Olive, Alabama, it all started with a song he wrote for himself! King Hiram "Hank" Williams was born, September 1923 in rural Alabama, very rural. Never one much for attending school or "book learning", a young Mr. Williams was on the road to being a country music entertainer in his early teens. With his Mother's help and blessing, a very young Hank Williams played beer joints, "skull orchards", and various types of other night clubs of, shall we say, “dubious repute”. Hank Williams also started writing songs when he was in his teenage years. As a teenager, Mr. Williams won a talent contest in the late 1930's performing a song he in fact wrote, one called the "WPA Blues". A young Hank Williams was also a regular guest and performer on local country radio stations as well. At one point during World War II, Mr. Williams, growing tired of the struggle of trying and trying to become a successful country music singer and musician, briefly worked at a shipyard. His mother could tell, and realized the young Hank was unhappy, discontented and unbeknownst to the young Hank, his mother booked him a couple of months of shows causing Hank to tell his mother she had made him “the happiest boy in the whole wide world”. After getting married to a beautiful young lady named Audrey, Hank Williams' wife, the Ms. Audrey pushed him to audition for Acuff-Rose publications of Nashville, Tennessee in 1946. Fred Rose and his son Wesley were playing ping pong one day at lunch when Ms. Audrey and Hank Williams showed up. After sitting, listening and hearing a few of Hank's songs, they quickly signed him to a songwriting contract. Then, quickly placed his songs with the then-popular Molly O'Day on the Columbia Records label. When a small record label in New York City, the Sterling Records label, wanted to make some country music records, Acuff-Rose Publishing placed Hank Williams and the Oklahoma Wranglers (better known today as the Willis Bros.) with this small record label. Hank made 4 records for them and while they were not officially hits, they paved the way for a better, more lucrative contract with the new MGM Records label. Hank's 1st record, "Move It On Over" was an immediate hit. The record climbed to #4 on the Billboard music charts in the fall of 1947. 3 more hits followed before Hank Williams hit #1 in early 1949 with the mega hit “Lovesick Blues". “Lovesick Blues” was #1 for 10 weeks and stayed on the country music charts a remarkable 42 weeks! It’s a really good chance that we think all of you know the Hank Williams story from there!!!! Hank Williams placed 42 singles on the Billboard Music charts between 1947 and 1999. 33 of those songs came during his lifetime with the last 9 posthumously. They included a produced, “electronic" duet in 1999 with his son, Hank Williams Jr. “There's a Tear In My Beer", a song written for Big Bill Lister. Mr. Lister found the original demo in his attic, forwarded it to Bocephus and the rest is history as they say! #Legendary #hank The iconic, the bigger than life, the legendary Hank Williams scored 37 top 10 records with 11 of those hitting #1. Hank Williams passed away in the back of his Cadillac in the early morning hours of January 1st, 1953 on the way to a live engagement. His death, at the highest peak of his popularity, left many to wonder what his career could have been had he lived. Most fans of real, traditional, classic country music pause and reflect on the life and career of Hank Williams, Sr. at the end of each year. January 1st marks 71 years since his death but let not your heart be troubled, without a doubt, Hank Williams continues to be a major influence on so many in the country music industry and the country music community! And it all started with a song he wrote about being in the dog house!

Good Saturday Everyone, just wanted to share this today : Life is a journey filled with ups and downs, but it's how we navigate through the challenges that truly defines us. Today, I want to remind you that you possess an incredible strength within you – a strength that can move mountains and conquer any obstacle that comes your way. Remember, success is not measured by the absence of failure, but by the courage to rise every time we fall. So, don't be afraid to take risks, to dream big, and to chase after your passions. Believe in yourself and your abilities, for you are capable of achieving greatness. In the words of the legendary Maya Angelou, "You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it." So, let go of self-doubt and embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead. Surround yourself with positive energy, inspiring individuals, and never forget to be your own biggest cheerleader. Remember, you are capable of achieving anything you set your mind to! Today, I challenge you to take that first step towards your dreams. Whether it's starting a new project, pursuing a new hobby, or simply taking care of your well-being, know that every small step counts. And as you embark on this journey, always remember that you have a community of supporters cheering you on. Let's make this day count, my friends! Together, let's inspire, uplift, and empower one another to reach for the stars. 💫✨" #Inspiration #Motivation #BelieveInYourself #DreamBig #RiseAbove #YouAreCapable #NeverGiveUp #Community #Support #MakeItCount