In August of 2003, Pfc Tom Bounds of the 720^th MP, attached to the 4^th Infantry Division was sent to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Upon his departure, his dad, Jim Bounds wrote a poem for his son.

Jim brought the poem to me after many of his friends assured him the message needed to be shared with others. From this poem, the “Soldiers In The Sandbox” album was born. In light of the unselfish sacrifice made by many soldiers who have paid the ultimate price for our continued freedom, we decided to take this another step.

In an effort to further salute and honor the Americans who have been killed in action during the Afghanistan War on Terror and Operation Iraqi Freedom, we are committing ourselves to the “Soldiers In The Sandbox” FREEDOM TOUR. I am so honored to be a part of presenting this important message.

The “FREEDOM TOUR” is a ‘grassroots’ effort to create awareness and community involvement. We believe there are many Americans who are proud of our military and will welcome the chance to openly show support for our soldiers. Our prayer and our hope is that the creation and distribution of “Soldiers In The Sandbox” can contribute in a manner that will pay tribute and honor to all our Armed Forces at home and around the world.

With this mission in mind, 50% of all proceeds from CD sales will be donated to the families of those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives during these two wars.

Many individuals, organizations and communities have already pledged their support of this endeavor by purchasing CDs, donating their time and effort and spreading the story. We have released the song, “Soldiers In The Sandbox” to over 1250 radio stations in the United States and over 300 around the world.

In each town we are asking for one business, civic group or organization to sponsor the FREEDOM TOUR as the Host Sponsor. In addition to the Host Sponsor, we need at least five supplemental sponsors to help cover printing, on-sight supplies and incidental expenses.

1-10 Belton, TX • 123 Penelope at the RMK Gallery - 2 p.m.
Host Sponsor: Extraco Bank

1-15 Copperas Cove, TX • Extraco Bank 1003 E. Hwy 190 - 2 p.m.
Host Sponsor: Extraco Bank

1-21 Gatesville, TX • Coryell County Courthouse Square - 2 p.m.
Host Sponsor: Extraco Bank

1-27 Bartlett, TX • City Auditorium - noon to 2 p.m.
          Host Sponsor: Jackson Hewitt Tax Service
2-4   Temple, TX • Santa Fe Depot - noon to 2 p.m.
      Host Sponsor: Extraco Bank

2-18 Lampasas, TX • Holiday House 908 E. 4th Street
Host Sponsor: Rollins Brook Community Hospital
2-22 Liberty Hill, TX • Liberty Hill Marketplace Hwy 29 (West of Liberty Hill) - 2 p.m. Host Sponsor: Liberty Hill Marketplace

2-28 Salado, TX • Salado United Methodist Church
Host Sponsor: Hidden Springs at Salado Creek - 2 p.m.

3-4 McGregor, TX • McGregor High School Auditorium
Host Sponsor: First National Bank of McGregor - noon to 2 p.m.

3-11 Killeen, TX • Amphitheater - 2 p.m. Host Sponsor: Jackson Hewitt

3-24 Hamilton, TX • Hamilton County Courthouse Square - noon to 2 p.m.
4-13 Harker Heights, TX • 331 Indian Trail Host Sponsor: M. Bryon Barnhill
5-1 & 2 Central Texas Air Show • Temple, TX
5-15 Bellmead Civil War Reenactment • Bellmead, TX Host Sponsor: City of Bellmead