Honoring an elite ‘Crüe’

This article is regarding the presentation of a veterans award to the band Motley Crue:

Rock legends Mötley Crüe recognized for support of veterans

By Jeremy P. Amick

Their name often associated with the revelry of gritty lyrics and razor-sharp guitar riffs, the musicians in an American hard rock band possess a reverence of the nation’s veterans that has recently earned them a profound tribute.

‘Crüe’
Members of Mötley Crüe receive the 2014 Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA) Commendation during a recent ceremony in St. Louis. From left: Vince Neil, vocalist; Jeremy Amick, SSFOA; Nikki Sixx, bassist; and Mick Mars, guitarist. Courtesy/Tina Amick

In recognition of their support of the military community, Mötley Crüe was presented with the 2014 Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA) Commendation Award in a recent ceremony held backstage as part of the band’s final tour in St. Louis, Mo.

A non-profit based out of Clever, Mo., the SSFOA’s primary mission is to recognize and support veterans who are wounded, injured, or have acquired an illness related to their service in a combat zone—regardless of service branch or military conflict.

The commendation can be awarded to military or civilian personnel, departments or organizations who have positively affected the lives of wounded and ill veterans.

Previous commendation recipients include President George W. Bush, Gen. David Petraeus, Ann-Margret and Gary Sinise.

This year, the SSFOA founders selected Mötley Crüe to receive the honor for their “unwavering support of the military community by hosting veterans at their concerts and the donation of considerable funds to charitable organizations that assist returning service members,” as the award citation noted.

Steven Newton, founder and CEO of the SSFOA said, “It is pleasing to note that there are patriots in the music industry, such as Mötley Crüe, who appreciate the selfless enthusiasm demonstrated by our Armed Forces and use their resources and notoriety to support causes benefitting these great warriors.”

As part of the presentation, an SSFOA respresentative presented the band with a plaque, Silver Star Families service flags and coins.

Acknowledging the honor of receiving such an award, Nikki Sixx, the band’s bass player, exclaimed, “This is great!,” adding, “I plan on hanging the (Silver Star) flag in my tour bus!”

Jeremy P. Amick writes on behalf of the Silver Star Families of America. 

Jeremy P. Amick
Public Affairs Officer
Silver Star Families of America
www.silverstarfamilies.org
Cell: (573) 230-7456

Jeremy Amick

Jeremy Amick is one of the authors writing for WAR HISTORY ONLINE