Rodney Atkins to Headline ‘Country for Our Country’ in Tyler

It's nearly time again for Country for Our Country. The annual event, now in its fourth year, will be Saturday October 6th at the Villa di Filicita. It is a night to honor past and present heroes, celebrate our freedom with live country music and to raise awareness and money to help our East Texas combat veterans and their families.

Mary Pennington, owner of the Villa di Filicita and event organizer said, "We are trying to help [wounded veterans] get back on track with their life."

This year to help they've got a great show lined up that includes Rodney Atkins, Heidi Newfield, Derek Sholl, Jaida Dreyer and Wayland Hicks and the Backroad Travelers.

Mary says of the live entertainment, "I think Rodney's a great fit" and of Derek Sholl, who's played every year, "[He] wrote a song for Country for Our Country, 'When They Come Back,' his heart's in the right place."

And she's very pleased to have Newfeld back. "This is her third year to come back and she'd come back every year too!" Mary said.

In addition to the live music, this year's concert will also feature a few special attractions, including: American Veterans Traveling Tribute -- which is an 80 percent scale replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall, a military parachute jump, live and silent auctions and a fireworks display.

The show has grown so much in the past four years. In its first year the concert raised a surprising and amazing $45,000. The second year it nearly doubled to an astounding $85,000 and last year East Texans raised $132,000 for our local wounded veterans. And Mary promises that "this year is gong to be bigger and better."

Of course, organizers expect all involved to have a good time. After all, it's a chance to celebrate our freedoms. But there's one thing Mary hopes everyone takes away from the Country for Our Country: "[To realize] their freedom, and know where they get it from. A solider, who paid a price."

Don't let our East Texas veterans fight their next battle alone. Secure your tickets or reserve a table now, click here.