Ondrasik organizes CD to thank troops

WASHINGTON, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- Musician John Ondrasik and 13 other artists are thanking U.S. military members for their service by offering their talents for a CD called "For the Troops IV."

Starting Wednesday, the album will be available for free download to active duty service members, veterans and their families worldwide with a valid military ID at shopmyexchange.com.

An additional 200,000 hard copies of the CD will be sent to military bases, USO centers and other locations across the nation and overseas, courtesy of TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Operation Homefront.

"I'm excited to launch CD 'For the Troops IV' with a new roster of fantastic artists and great songs," Ondrasik said in a statement Tuesday. "This year's CD has a bit more pop and a few surprises, but at its core is a thank you to those whose sacrifices secure our freedom and that of our children."

The artists who contributed songs to the CD are Ondrasik's band Five for Fighting, Matchbox 20, Wynonna, Mat Kearny, Brandi Carlile, Our Lady Peace, 12 Stones, Ingrid Michaelson, Barenaked Ladies, Gavin DeGraw, Rocket Club, Finger 11, Ryan Star and John David Kahn.

"We're thrilled that Mr. Ondrasik has chosen to partner with the Exchange once again to provide these free songs to the military community," said Exchange Chief of Staff Col. Virgil Williams. "With the holidays just around the corner, this is the ideal gift for any music aficionado."