Our Story
The poem, the song, and the place to honor their sacrifice.
Twang Thang Country announces that multi-award winning country music artist Richard Lynch, (www.richardlynchband.com) of Waynesville, Ohio has recently established the non-profit Love Tattoo Foundation to raise awareness and financial assistance for wounded veterans. The singer of, “The Last of A Dying Breed” believes that as we enjoy our freedoms we must always remember those who have sacrificed so much. Through their service, dedication and valor, our Veterans have earned our respect and support. Many Veterans bare the marks of their service with physical and emotional scars and we have an obligation to assist them wherever possible.
The name Love Tattoo was inspired by a poem written by law enforcement officer Chuck Brisbin to honor a Veteran who returned home from Afghanistan severely disfigured. Chuck brought his heartfelt poem to Richard and asked if it could be put to music and perhaps used in a way as to assist our wounded heroes. After working on the song and feeling the emotion it generated, Richard knew it was destined to take on a life of its own, and the Love Tattoo Foundation was born, (www.lovetattoofoundation.org). This foundation recognizes that the horror of war and military service do not end with a tour of duty. Countless Veterans tell stories of ostracism and further wounding when they return home. Many feel they have nowhere to turn, and that is unacceptable.
A primary beneficiary from the Foundations activities will be the unique WilWin Lodge in Trout Lake, Michigan (www.wilwin.org). Previously used as a lumbering operation, WilWin sits on 600 beautiful, wooded acres with over ten miles of groomed trails for hiking, riding, four wheeling, and biking. The property consist of a lodge, which will accommodate fifteen guests, a pavilion and caretakers cabin. A full commercial kitchen is also available in the conference/recreation center. Veterans with physical and emotional disabilities along with their families will be warmly welcomed for rest, relaxation and some quiet rehabilitation.
The official launch of The Foundation comes with the world wide radio release of “Love Tattoo”, which is available for download at all major digital stores. The release will be followed by a major Michigan Legion Riders ride in and Richard Lynch concert in July 2015 at the Kewadin Casino in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan to benefit The WilWin Lodge.
Promotional and other considerations provided by Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan and The American Legion Department of Michigan. LOVE TATTOO is a 501(3)(C) charity, gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by state and federal law.
For further promotional details or information contact info@twangthangmusic.com
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From The Ludington Daily News 8-8-17
Country singer hosts concert on 'my kind of land'
By DAVID L. BARBER
Special to the Daily News
CUSTER – Embroidered into a patchwork of forest and farmland, sewn beneath a setting sun and starry starry night, Richard Lynch's “Keepin' It Country” concert was all that Saturday evening, and more.
The Kentucky born farm boy and acclaimed country singer delivered an All American benefit concert at the 1,183 acre Michigan American Legion's Wilwin at Cygnet Cove.
Located in central Mason County fives miles southeast of Custer, the nationally recognized facility is a safe haven “... for hope and healing; recovery and renewal; education and inspiration; sharing and support,” and offers up a naturalistic comforter to the U.S. veteran.
“This is beautiful, this is what it's all about,” the 54-year old singer/guitar player said as he sat at a picnic table and looked out at the 60-acre Woodruff Lake that was just a stone's throw away.
“This is so-o-o peaceful. The farms, the forests, this is my kind of land.”
Wandering here and there with his wife, Donna, to meet with veterans and other concert goers two hours before he plucked his first guitar string, Lynch shared his personal stories, and listened to the personal stories of those who were there to listen to him.
“We're here for you, thank you for your service,” Lynch said to one elderly gentleman who was wearing a “U.S. Army retried” baseball cap. The frail framed soldier of the '70s eyes misted over as he slowly walked away, shaking his head and politely declining to talk any further.
Beverly Ruttkofsky, 68 and operations coordinator of the Wilwin facility, said the silver-haired Vietnam veteran is typical of others who seek solitude at the calming campground.
“Some of them still don't talk much about their service, and what they went through,” she said. “We deal with a lot with veterans who have PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
“This free concert tonight is intended to tell all those who support our cause, and this facility, 'thank you.' We are so fortunate and thankful that Richard and his band came here to help us out. His music is just wonderful.”
Lynch and his five-man band opened and closed their three-hour, 30-song concert with their signature “We're American Proud,” a stirring anthem laced with threads of red, white and blue quilted images of dirt under their nails factory workers, plowed farmlands, God and country, and a poetic pledge to keep our “soldiers in mind.”
Early on the powerfully-voiced crooner delivered his emotional “Love Tattoo,” an all-too-real message about the wounds – physical and emotional – soldiers suffer in combat. Seated on lawn chairs and at picnic tables, wearing cowboy hats, baseball caps, flannel shirts and t-shirts, his audience responded with a whistling, cheering appreciation.
And that's the way much of the night went for the Ohio farmer and country star who's played county fairs and concert halls in 18 states in recent months, and who's released a small, but pleasing library of albums which contain mostly his original music.
Other songs Lynch sang at Wilwin included “Cut and Paste,” “Last of a Dying Breed,” “The Race is On” by George Jones and many others.
Early on Lynch showed his entertainment versatility, and talk host sense of humor, by serving as an auctioneer for many items – cross country skis, a camping tent, bicycles and more – to raise funds for the Wilwin camp.
With a large American flag serving as a backdrop, and several small flags and red, white and blue ribbons decorating the edge of his stage, Lynch talked about the person who most inspired him – his dad, Woody.
“Man, Dad could sing,” Lynch said, smiling. “He was country through and through, worked an honest day and he loved to sing.
“I was born into country music. We try to keep our music true to our heritage – that's the way I write and sing. It's been incredible, absolutely incredible.”
Pausing between songs, Lynch told his audience: “There is a seriousness to us, we really want to help our veterans.”
Throughout his concert Lynch wore his large white cowboy hat, a trademark of all good cowboys who ride from venue to venue to help others, and to champion Americana causes.
“Nothing humbles me more than to have a veteran come up to me and shake my hand, and say 'thank you,'” said Lynch. “I tell them it's me that should thank them. We all should.”
Before Lynch and his band took center stage, the gathering crowd was entertained by the three-man band “Tangle Eye,” of Scottville.
And showing his swag for being a country gentleman, Lynch, himself, was the first to walk to the edge of the stairs and shake hands with the three young local musicians when they finished.
