Country music legend Craig Morgan reenlisted in the Army at age 59 and was sworn in on stage at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on Saturday.
You’ve got a heart of stone if the video of Morgan reenlisting doesn’t make you ball your eyes out. The former veteran was joined on stage by Gen. Andrew Poppas, Sgt. Maj. Todd Sims, and Republican Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn, and sworn in in front of a sold-out crowd, according to Stripes.
Apparently, Blackburn was a big part of the reason Morgan made the decision to reenlist. During a conversation over the Army’s low recruitment numbers in 2022, Morgan said he wanted to sign back up. He’d previously served 17 years for his country, ten of which were spent on active duty.
The only problem was Morgan’s age. He was 58 at the time, and the mandatory retirement age for the Army is 62. That’s when Blackburn stepped in and made sure Morgan’s dream came true.
View this post on Instagram
“I realized that there’s so much that I’ve missed — the friends, the feeling of the sense of accomplishment,” Morgan said of his decision, Stripes reported. “I realized that I’ve missed it so much and I truly believe that I still have more to give.”
Morgan will now hold the rank of Staff Sergeant and Warrant Officer, and he plans to continue recording, releasing, and touring with his music, Fox noted. (RELATED: Country Music Legend Gives Heartfelt Performance To Troops In Freezing Temperatures)
Having seen Morgan perform up here in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina, I can honestly say this move doesn’t surprise me. I’ve never met someone with more respect, faith, and passion for his country and his fellow countrymen.
America is better for men like Morgan. You can listen to his song “Soldier” here: