All Blog Posts (526)

This is my Dad, Salvatore Paonessa, who was a veteran of World War Two!

Hello Folks, My name is Nancy Paonessa and I am from Niagara Falls New York and I would like to tell you about my Dad, Salvatore Paonessa Jr. My Dad passed away from complications of congestive heart failure on Good Friday in 2001 at the age of 77, he was a good man who retired from the Niagara County Sheriff''s department where he worked as a deputy for over 20 years. Because of him, both my brothers followed in his footsteps and are currently working in law enforcement. My one brother, Nick,… Continue

Added by Nancy Paonessa/Nancymunchkin on November 8, 2009 at 1:11pm — 5 Comments

My Favorite Meet and Greet

One of my favorite videos is a tape made from old "reel film" circa 1945. It is of my father and me having a "tea party." It is the only tangible evidence I have of meeting my father for the first time. Having been conceived during the war and with my father on ships throughout the Pacific, we did not "meet” until I was almost 3 years old. Letters from home keep him informed about "his baby girl" and I have all the letters he sent and those he received in a suitcase. I read them sporadically,… Continue

Added by mouser on November 8, 2009 at 11:30am — 7 Comments

Veterans of the streets...

The role of the National Guard has changed drastically since the civil rights struggles of the 60s. Then, they were the military presence at home. Now, they are deployed around the world.

My husband was in the first National Guard unit that was sent into the Detroit riots in the 60s. He was there again after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King. Even several miles away, I was under a nightly curfew. After a time, I was allowed to visit him. It was a… Continue

Added by Sandy L. on November 8, 2009 at 10:32am — 6 Comments

What Matters Most-James' Story

It was a chance encounter. I was grabbing a burger at Hardees, and the older gentleman (named James) at the table beside me, (like myself dining alone), began our conversation by asking the location of the nearest stores. He explained that he had come to town to visit the local Veterans' Hospital for some treatments, realized that the town had changed and needed to kill time before his appointment.

Intrigued (and knowing about this availability here) I pursued the veterans' topic… Continue

Added by Rhonda on November 7, 2009 at 4:44pm — 5 Comments

Generations of Service

I had to think long and hard about what to say regarding my family's history of service in the U.S. Armed Forces. Most of them have served in peace time situations, a few have experienced the ugliness of war. I wanted to make sure as I'm writing this blog I was giving the men in my family the proper respect they most certainly deserve. So with that in mind, let me introduce you to them.

Four generations of men in my family have served in the military, starting with my grandfather in… Continue

Added by Denise Hill Barlow on November 6, 2009 at 3:00pm — 8 Comments

Corporal Brad W Willis, USMC!!

“AN OPEN LETTER TO MY MARINE”

The 12 hours of labor was nothing compared the pain I felt when you told me you would be joining the MARINES, but the worst of it was that the president had just declared war on Iraq. The 3 months you spent training at Paris Island only made my worst fears a reality. After a short stay at Camp Lejune, off you went to Iraq. Now, from that moment on every waking hour of my days were in front of any TV I… Continue

Added by Karen Emory on November 4, 2009 at 8:16pm — 6 Comments

#taylorhicks

I started to write a long essay, but scrapped it instead for this picture of my Smilin' Jack:

He comes from a long line of sailors yet surprised us when he entered OCS after earning his BA in music and then his MBA.

He lost his leg in a boating accident in March and is fighting his way back. His sunny attitude has never wavered. His desire to serve has never waned. I am confident that Ensign TJ Stecker II will earn his wings in… Continue

Added by crazymomelon on November 3, 2009 at 7:00pm — 7 Comments

The Highest Honor

I have so many stories over the 20+years I have been involved with the USO and Navy League of the USA. One recent memory that holds a space I will never forget happened about 2 summers ago. I was on my way home after seeing Taylor & his band play in Maine and New Hampshire. I was at Manchester Airport waiting for my flight which they had just announced would be delayed for about an hour. Everyone grumbled as usual, until we saw the reason for the delay. From the cargo hold came a flagged… Continue

Added by Barbieflausa on November 3, 2009 at 6:30pm — 4 Comments

Veteran's Day

My brother, Bob is not a veteran of any famous war and was never a war hero, but he is a hero to me.

He was injured while performing training tank manevers in the army.

The tank rolled over on top of him, crushing him beneath, if not for the muddy field he would have died instantly.

Turn's out, that accident will probably eventually lead to his death anyway. There were radioactive packets on that tank and they exploded when the tank crashed.

Bob's body was saturated with… Continue

Added by Patty Rardin on November 2, 2009 at 10:21pm — 12 Comments

To honor our Vets (Part Two: A Vet's Voice)

Part Two: A Vet's Voice

Lieutenant Parks, who was our supply officer, ordered Corporal P. Gerald Barbato to pick up supplies for the 24th Signal Company, which were waiting for us at the beach. Knowing how precise the military was in the requisitioning and allocation of provisions, the lieutenant had simply referred to the necessary supplies as “our stuff.” Commandeering a three-quarter ton truck from the motor pool, Barbato drove, as he was told, to the appointed spot on the… Continue

Added by kaitlin45 on November 1, 2009 at 10:50am — 5 Comments

Taylor, this is a blog to honor our Vets (God bless you)

Obviously, this is not my story. This is but one story of WWII written by my boss' dad, Thomas Petruzzelli, Sr. I did edit and enhance it, as my boss had asked me to do, for its first appearance on the writeonnewjersey.com site. But the story is Tom Sr.'s, who wrote it several months ago, as you'll see. I don't know how long a story this blog will allow so I will post it in two parts.

Part One: A Vet's Voice

As we approach the 64th anniversary of the official end of… Continue

Added by kaitlin45 on November 1, 2009 at 10:48am — 3 Comments

Chat Room Etiquette

Hi all-

Just a friendly reminder that the chat room is a public viewing space, visited by Taylor fans of all ages. We ask that you keep conversations clean, appropriate, and fun. If moderators come across content that is inappropriate, we will have to take action. Thanks for being a huge part of this site's success!

Management

Added by Taylor Hicks on October 28, 2009 at 1:17pm — 11 Comments

High Noon Saloon (Madison, WI) - Dec. 11th TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW!

Taylor Hicks will be performing an acoustic set with his band at the High Noon Saloon in Madison, WI on December 11th. Tickets are now available at the following outlets:

* Coliseum box office

* High Noon

* All Ticketmaster outlets

*… Continue

Added by Taylor Hicks on October 22, 2009 at 12:22pm — No Comments

Eat to the Beat Concert Series - Nov. 1 and 2 (Disney/Epcot)

Time to get the Mickey ears out, pack the suitcase and book your trip to Disney for November 1st and 2nd. Epcot Center 's America Gardens Theatre will be hosting its annual "Eat to the Beat Concert Series," featuring Taylor Hicks. Enjoy music and tasty cuisine at this star-studded event.

Location: World Showcase at Epcot America Gardens Theatre

Show Times: Daily — 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m. and 7:45 p.m.

Please note that theme park admission is required.

For more… Continue

Added by Taylor Hicks on October 7, 2009 at 12:15pm — 10 Comments

Taylor Hicks featured on "Profiles" with Wendy Garner

With his arrival in Birmingham, there will be a number of media appearances for Taylor. We're kicking off the week with his feature on Alabama Public Television. Reporter Wendy Garner spent an afternoon with Taylor, visiting local stomping grounds and revisiting the chapters in Taylor's career. The program will air September 22nd on APT IQ at 9:00pm CST. For more information on how to view the program, please visit… Continue

Added by Taylor Hicks on September 21, 2009 at 5:30pm — 7 Comments

Twitter Contest for Workplay Gig on September 26th!

Just in time for Birmingham! You haven't bought tickets yet for Taylor's show at Workplay Theatre on September 26th? Well we're giving away two (2) tickets via Twitter to two random lucky winner.

Here's the deal - Starting Friday, September 18th, all you have to do to enter is retweet (RT) Taylor's message regarding the contest and include @taylorrhicks in your tweet.

For example, your tweet would be: "RT @taylorrhicks - Twitter ticket giveaway for the 9/26 Workplay show… Continue

Added by Taylor Hicks on September 15, 2009 at 7:14pm — 1 Comment

TAYLOR HICKS LIVE VIDEO CHAT

The wait is over!!! Taylor has been able to dedicate time on Thursday, September 10th at 5pm CST for a LIVE video chat. That's right, he will be here at taylorhicks.com answering questions and updating you all with stories from the road. Spread the word, and make sure to save the date!

Event: Live Video Chat with Taylor Hicks

When: Thursday, September 10th

Time: 5PM Central Standard Time / 6PM Eastern Stand Time

If you'd like to submit questions for the chat,… Continue

Added by Taylor Hicks on September 4, 2009 at 5:00pm — 160 Comments

Taylor Hicks Live Chat Update

Hey all-

Please stay tuned. We will nail down a concrete day/time for the live chat with Taylor over the next couple of days. We're making sure that all technical issues are covered, to make sure that this experience is successful. Thank you all for your patience...I know you're anxious to be part of this!

Thanks!

Mgmt

Added by Taylor Hicks on September 2, 2009 at 9:47pm — 8 Comments

Houston - Warehouse Live Gig - September 14

Hi all!

Taylor will be in the big ole' state of Texas for the next two and a half weeks for Grease. While in Houston from September 8-20, he will also be performing an acoustic set at Warehouse Live. We can use all of your help with spreading the word about this show. If you're on Twitter, you can "Re-Tweet" Taylor's messages regarding the show, or post up a link directing people to the page that displays show information.

Link to Warehouse Live show page:… Continue

Added by Taylor Hicks on September 1, 2009 at 8:20pm — 7 Comments

Live Video Chat Next Week

Happy Saturday everyone!

Now that we're up and running with the new site, Taylor wants to become an active member. We'll be launching a live video chat with Taylor next week (exact time TBD). Taylor will be logged onto the site, reading questions from the chat board, and answering them live! Get those questions ready, and stay tuned for more info on the exact date/time.

-Team Taylor

Added by Taylor Hicks on August 29, 2009 at 1:04pm — 25 Comments