Nashville, TN – Viral sensation and country singer Karen Waldrup celebrated Jim “Pee Wee” Martin’s 100th birthday by performing at the Jump Fest in Xenia, OH over the weekend. Martin, a Toccoa original, was a member of the “Screaming Eagle” 101st Airborne Division, some of the first Allied soldiers to set foot into occupied France. Martin was given the nickname “Pee Wee” during training for his small stature. He served with G Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment (PIR), 101st Airborne Division. In addition to parachuting into Normandy, Martin also participated in Operation Market Garden and the Battle of the Bulge.
“When I was asked to sing for the Pee Wee’s 100th Birthday Jump Fest, I felt so lucky,” exclaims Waldrup. “Lucky to be in the presence of history. To support these heroes and thank them for allowing me the opportunity to live my dreams in music freely here in the US. I always love to support our military, but this one is something special! Special to get to sing for them, be a part of their journey and thank them through music for a life well lived and a country well served! Thank you for including me in such a rare historical event and special thanks to McClards to making this possible!”
“Jim “Pee Wee” Martin jump fest is complete and it was a resounding success. We had thousands of folks – veterans, children, and international visitors came to Skydive Greene County to celebrate Pee Wee’s 100th birthday and thank him, his colleagues, and the rest of the ‘greatest generation’ for their collective efforts more than 75 years ago that resulted in victory in WW2,” says Commissioner Rick Perales of Greene County, Ohio and Veteran Liason. “Along with Pee Wee were Screaming Eagles Bon Izumi (97), Tom Rice (99), Dan McBride (97), Dick Klein (98), and Vincent J. Speranza (96). God bless these great Americans and their sisters and brothers in arms who have departed. The rain on Saturday didn’t dampen the spirit of the event – it was a joy to participate in this event and see all the excited visitors. Thanks to many people including the 82nd and 101st Airborne, Golden Knights, and C-47 crews. “Karen Waldrup’s heart warming music helped to make this a memorable event.”
Waldrup’s performance was made possible by a donation from McClards.