“Countless Veterans tell stories of ostracism and further wounding when they return home.
Many feel they have nowhere to turn, and that is unacceptable.” – LoveTattooFoundation.org
With a career that spans 30 years, traditional country singer Richard Lynch has earned accolades from the Independent Country Music Association, Academy of Western Artists and the Josie Awards. He’s collaborated with Rhonda Vincent and Ronnie McDowell and performed with Jimmy Fortune and Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul & Mary). However it is his giving heart and love of Country that perhaps makes the Waynesville, Ohio native’s authenticity stand out.
Several years ago Lynch was approached by Law Enforcement Officer Chuck Brisbin with a poem he had written to honor a Veteran who returned severely disfigured after his tour in Afghanistan, hoping it could be put to music and used to help our wounded Vets. The inspiration Lynch felt from the poem gave him purpose to create an outlet for our Vets that “recognizes that the horror of war and military service do not end with a tour of duty.”
That outlet became the Love Tattoo Foundation.
Founded in 2014, the Love Tattoo Foundation is a non-profit that helps raise awareness and provide financial assistance to our wounded Veterans. The Foundation’s mission statement, as noted on their website, states: “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 scares and we have an obligation to assist them whenever possible.”
Lynch released the poem-turned-song “Love Tattoo” in 2015 and in January 2017, he re-recorded it with Ronnie McDowell. A digital download and physical CD single are available for order online with all proceeds donated to the Love Tattoo Foundation.
A majority of the monies raised is donated to the Michigan American Legion Wilwin Lodge in Trout Late, MI. The lodge helps provide our disabled and handicapped Veterans a facility in a relaxed atmosphere paired with the necessary therapeutic care by licensed professionals. The 600 acres of property allows returning war veterans and their families to reconnect after long deployments and provides a visitation place that all veterans can use for special occasions, events, or retreats.
To purchase a download or CD single of “Love Tattoo” click here.
For more information on the Love Tattoo Foundation, visit their website: www.lovetattoofoundation.org
To made a donation, visit: https://lovetattoofoundation.org/pledge-or-donate-in-memory-of-a-loved-one
For more information on Richard Lynch, visit his website: www.richardlynchband.com