Craig Morgan spent nine-and-a-half years serving in the U.S. Army, and then remaining in the reserves for more than six years. The Grand Ole Opry member left the military to pursue music full-time, but he is still an ardent supporter for those who serve. So it was an easy decision for him to be part of Circle Network’s new show, Inside the Base, pairing country artists to train with active-duty troops.
“I got to go back to Fort Bragg and instill in those young service members that they need to be careful. Us older service members can still whip their butt,” Morgan tells Everything Nash with a laugh.
All kidding aside, Morgan was grateful to join the troops, and relive that part of his history, if only for a day.
“I run and exercise and bike, and do all this stuff,” the 58-year-old says. “So I felt like I would do well at that. It was cool for me because they geared some of the stuff towards my job, my occupation in the military as a forward observer. And so I was doing things that even some of them didn’t know, even though should have. But in their defense, they did bring back some older equipment that was relevant when I was active. But little things like calling for fire, and some of the tasks that we had to do in between the running and all that stuff, it was fun.”
Morgan has been able to meet, and become friends with, some of entertainment’s biggest stars, and has performed all over the world. But for him, there’s nothing quite as meaningful as being around those serving in the armed forces.
“It was a whole lot of fun and it was special for me, ’cause I love being around those people,” Morgan says. “I think our military service men and women are some of the greatest people in the world. They truly are the heart of this country.”
Morgan just released the deluxe version of his 2020 God, Family, Country album, which includes his current single, “How You Make A Man.” Although the song was written by Megan Conner, Skip Black and Michael Walton, Morgan recorded the song because it had a message that he believed in, and felt compelled to share with others.
“I think it’s something that our society, our people need to hear these days,” Morgan says. “I’m so fed up with, ‘Oh, I can’t do this,’ or ‘I’m not gonna do that. I might get hurt.’ We just turned into this bit of a weenie. And I think people need to know — and please don’t think that I’m belittling anyone — but people need to understand that our strength and our character is built on hardships. It’s a fact.
“It’s in difficult times that we get smarter, we get more creative, and it’s a broken heart that heals, that becomes the loving heart,” he adds. “You’ve gotta experience those things. And that’s what that song is all about. it’s what makes us better and stronger, and I do believe more compassionate and more kind.”
Morgan also just released his God, Family, Country memoir as well. Find music and tour dates, and purchase the book, at CraigMorgan.com.
Inside the Base airs on Saturday nights at 10:30 PM ET on the Circle Network. Other artists participating include Michael Ray, Lauren Alaina, Travis Denning and more. Find more information here.
