On Monday, May 25th our country will celebrate Memorial Day, and although it might look a little different on this one… there’s never a shortage of beer, barbecues and get-togethers. As we’re celebrating the “unofficial start of summer” with street and backyard festivities, let’s make sure to remember why we take this day off – To remember our fallen and the Flag draped coffin.
Derek Johnson is no stranger to sacrifice. The Alabama native, who just made his debut in the Top 50 (#47) on Billboard / Hot Country Songs with “Real Cool Kinda Hot,” wrote his name into history by joining the less than 1% that have served our nation, and becoming the first Wounded Warrior to hit Billboard Top 50. Serving in the United States Army, making him a son of the Revolution (with a family member serving in every conflict since the Revolutionary War) from 2012-2015 (Air and Missile Defense) Derek, was looking to make a career in the service, but it was cut short due to multiple severe injuries that required extensive rehabilitation. He has overcome many obstacles and found a new way to serve beyond his oath.
While we remember our fallen, it’s equally important to remember those who take their own lives and the mission to bring awareness to this Mission 22 is an organization dedicated to help curb the statistics in which they get their name from, 22 Veterans a day. They assist with PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injuries and create social impact to bring awareness with ‘the real mission starts after service.’ A walk that Derek and several of his comrades know too well and battle this mission daily.
Derek’s next mission: His brand new single “Right Beer Right Now” is set to release to Billboard Memorial Day week, looking to become his second Top 50 and first Top 20 (fingers crossed)! It would be my honor to set up an interview with Derek to tell his cool story and accomplishments and thank him for what he’s doing to be an inspiration to other Veterans and all of us that appreciate their sacrifices!
For more information, visit www.derekjohnsoncountry.com.