Tulsa, Oklahoma – The Hannity Freedom Concert tour continued this weekend and it was the first time for a Freedom Concert in Tulsa. “It was a big success and a teriffic audience,” said Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon. “Oklahomans could not have been more hospitable. This is a great place to hold a patriotic celebration.”
In addition to the show’s regular performers, two of Oklahoma’s favorite sons joined appeared at the Freedom Concert. Former Congressman J.C. Watts and former Oklahoma University football coach Barry Switzer spoke the audience and each paid tribute to the men and women of the armed forces for their service and contributions to our country.
Several of Freedom Alliance’s scholarship students appeared as well.
Maria James is beginning her Junior year at Purdue University. She is the daughter of Army Lieutenant Colonel Leon James who died on October 10, 2005, at Walter Reed Army Medical Center due to injuries sustained in combat.
Three weeks earlier, Colonel James and other members of his convoy were struck by an IED – an Improvised Explosive Device. He suffered a massive head trauma and a severe loss of blood, which caused a stroke and swelling of the brain. He survived the transport to U.S. medical facilities in Germany and later to Walter Reed, but died – surrounded by his family – shortly after his arrival in the states.
Maria is proud that her scholarship is not only a help to her financially, but a tribute to her father and his service. Once she graduates from Purdue, she plans to attend law school.
Chrissy and Elsa Smith are the daughters of Robert Smith, a Marine Captain who is permanently disabled as a result of service-related injuries.
Chrissy is a Junior at Ohio State University and has already completed an Associates degree is Dental Hygiene. Elsa Smith is a Senior at Ohio State and will enter the nursing profession upon her graduation.
“The students who were introduced to the audience tonight,” explained Tom Kilgannon, “are the daughters of American heroes. It’s an honor to be able to help them with their college educations and to pay tribute to their parent at the same time.”
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