“We don”t see much being done for our troops on the Federal level for personal recognition. “I will only wait for my turn to speak and do it respectfully as we could only imagine the emotional trauma these beautiful people may have had to contend with. I would never pry or even ask specific questions,” Farner said. “There aren”t many vets whom I have spoken with personally who were all that willing to share personal stories about their military involvement. While entertaining the troops, Farner has had opportunities to meet many veterans. “Every time I would make a move the turrets would turn and three highly skilled tank drivers would follow me closely!” The spotlights for the stage were target lights on the barrels of three tanks setting out in the field in front of us, pointing directly at you know who,” Farner said. “The stage was made up of two flatbed trailers backed up to each other. There were 10,000 troops and they also sold tickets to civilians.

It”s an honor to be with brave people.”įarner also enjoys sharing the story about doing a Grand Funk Railroad show for the troops in Schweinfurt, Germany. It was a theater turned into a huge night club and it rocked! Other veteran benefits and shows where we were able to entertain and speak to those who are personally responsible for the preservation of freedom. “The first ”Guitar Army” show put on by and for Vietnam Vets at Harpo”s was in Detroit. Some of my friends from school didn”t make it back from Vietnam and I miss them” Farner said.įarner has been entertaining troops since the 70s. My mother was the first woman to weld on Sherman Tanks at General Motors Fisher Body plant in Flint Michigan. “My father was a World War II veteran, a tank driver in the Seventh Armored Division.

It”s no secret that his inspiration to lend a hand to veteran causes is true and deeply heartfelt. Grand Funk”s lead singer, songwriter and guitarist, Mark Farner, has been doing his part to appreciate America”s veterans and troops for many years, by tirelessly giving his time and music to appreciate and celebrate our veterans. With songs like “We”re an American Band “or “Some Kind of Wonderful,” their concerts were legendary. You knew it was going to be a great beach day when you could hear Grand Funk Railroad playing on the radio. In the 1970s, it was a popular site for families, surfers and for anyone who just loved going to the beach. Sunset Beach sits 16 miles south of Santa Cruz.

Mark farner some kind of wonderful