Welcome toWeThePeopleRemember.org
AMERICA’ S HERO
By
Rita Karnopp
I sat across the table from singer, songwriter, storyteller, patriot and veteran, Robert Perry, and wasn’t sure what to expect. I can tell you that I didn’t expect to be brought to tears at least four times in a two hour interview. I didn’t expect to be spellbound as this incredible man poured out his life…deep from his soul.
You might not have heard of Robert Perry. I hadn’t before this day. But I know one thing; I’ll never forget Mr. Robert Perry. What makes this one man special and why would you want to know him?
Let me share with you; he’s American born, Dayton, Ohio, 1953. He joined the US Marine Corps and proudly spent three years, six months and eighteen days serving in the Corps as a machine infantry gunner, receiving the Legion of Merit – Vietnam Veterans of America. Mr. Perry comes from a long line of veterans that have fought for our freedoms. Robert’s father, William C. Perry Jr. spent 30 years in the Air Force and served in three wars. Brother William B. Perry was a Green Beret in the Army. And brother Jim Doc Perry received two silver stars and six purple hearts, where he was a medic in Vietnam. Many of Robert Perry’s songs reflect his love, respect, pride, and great loss he feels for his brother, Jim Doc Perry.
Robert has written, performed and shared with America over forty songs. Each and every one of them tells a story about out men and woman who answered the call of their country. I want you to understand they are not aren't just songs about fighting and mayhem. They are songs about what is in the heart of a soldier or a nurse. They are songs about what war does to their souls. They are songs about wanting and needing respect and honor. They are songs reaching out for honor.
Robert Perry handed me a four inch binder and a stack of CD’s and said, “I’m just honored you listened to me.” I must share with you that this binder of memories is stuffed with typed and hand-written letters and cards of heart-felt gratitude, thanking him for “the special place he holds in his heart for those who have served their country in the Armed Forces.”
I must mention his much appreciated work with Toys for Tots, and his many trips and performaces in support of POW’s and MIA’s at Recognition Day events across the country. Tirelessly, Robert Perry gave of himself in support of ‘The Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall’.
I’m certain many remember his memorable performance ‘For Love of Life’ at the Jim Darcy Elementary School in Helena, Montana honoring the life of Jim Darcy, Warrant Officer, US Army 120th Assault Helicopter Company, 1st Aviation Brigade, Republic of Vietnam.
Robert Perry was invited to our nation’s capital to perform ‘In Loving Memory’ for the Memorial Day Storytelling at the Vietnam Woman’s Memorial, May 31, 1999, in tribute to the more than 10,000 nurses who served in Vietnam. He wrote this song because he was so moved by the story of 1st Lt. Sharon Ann Lane, who instead of fleeing the battleground stayed with the wounded. She was stitching up a soldier when a rocket hit, taking her life along with many of the wounded she so willingly tried to save.
I asked Robert what was the most important song he ever wrote. The struggle for that answer was written on his face. Finally, tears welling, he said, “The song I wrote for the first Medal of Honor recipient of Operation Iraq Freedom Sgt. First Class Paul Ray Smith. Above and Beyond tells what Sgt. Smith did. You see, there has never been a song written for our nation’s highest valor since WWII, which was ‘The Ballad of Roger Young’. We show great respect when we sing songs that honor their bravery and sacrifice.”
Robert Perry would be the last person to share he was nominated as VVA Member of the Year 1999-2000, for his dedication to the welfare of his fellow veterans. For his endless efforts to bolster the spirits of those who are down trodden. For his dedication of time and personal funds to the betterment of local and national veterans programs.
You must hear Robert Perry’s ‘Hometown Heroes’ inspired by a former Montanan’s heroic combat operations in Iraq. United States Marine Corps Sgt. Jonathan Ayersman, Bronze Star recipient.
Robert Perry was performing ‘Liberty Square’ at the Medal of Honor Liberty Square dedication May 20th 2006m Sunset Hills Burial Park in Canton, Ohio. In June of 2006 he performed a musical tribute to Lima Company, 3D Battalion, 25th Marines in Columbus, Ohio.
You’ll find Mr. Perry performing his songs live, free of charge, most every Tuesday from 9:15 AM until noon at Fort Harrison, Montana VA Medical Center in Helena, Montana. Why, you might ask? He says “I want to inspire veterans to turn negative news into positive actions through my music. It’s my goal to raise morale and show pride for US troops. I want to show veterans and all Americans that just because you have a medical disability, life can go on. Marine, if you need anything – let me know.”
Just recently a DJ from Springfield, Tennessee, Steve Ferrell the “Daddio on the Patio”, Station WSGI 1100 is playing Robert’s songs. He loves ‘America’s Hero’. You can check it out at www.wsgi.com. It looks like good things are in the future of this special song, ‘America’s Hero’
When I finished interviewing Mr. Perry, I wiped my eyes and swallowed hard. He touched my heart with his simple story. Few have taken the time to say “Thank you”. And few have taken the time to listen. He kept telling his songs were stories about America’s heroes. But as I walked silently from that restaurant a heavy binder and stack of CD’s in my arms, I knew I had just interviewed one of our finest American heroes.
If anyone would like to purchase a copy of the CD WE THE PEOPLE REMEMBER, you can go to Robert’s web site at www.wethepeopleremember.org . Feel free to contact Robert Perry and see how your Veterans Group can earn $5.00 for every CD you sell to help your cause.
Rita Karnopp is a freelance eriter and author. Feel free to check out her web site at www.ritaritr.com or email her at ritakarnopp13@yahoo.com
