Country singer Lee Greenwood recalled being sent to Panama by then-President George H.W. Bush to entertain U.S. troops during the mission against Manuel Noriega. Greenwood revealed he came under fire before reaching Marines in the jungle.

Greenwood’s Mission

Greenwood said his band left first by Chinook helicopter, while a courier handed him a letter from Bush for Marines stationed in the jungle. He jumped in a jeep with a sergeant, and they came under fire, with bullets whizzing through the jeep. The sergeant driving the jeep was wounded, losing his index finger.

Greenwood said he was not hit and they got to the compound where the Marines were. He showed them where they were, and they went out and took out the enemy. Greenwood said the episode was one of many military visits that shaped his career.

Patriotism and Faith

Greenwood said his song ‘God Bless the USA’ was written out of love for the country and respect for those who died serving it. He remembered it was 140 degrees in the jungle and addressing 150 Marines that are about to go to war. Greenwood’s wife, Kimberly, said their relationship began through USO tours and service members, and that’s what they’ve done for their entire time together.

Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.