The response to Gene's newest CD, "Soldiers In The Sandbox," has been so overwhelming Gene has committed the 2004 to do a FREEDOM Tour.

The 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.

Songs on this CD are based on a poem Jim Bounds wrote to his son, PFC Tom Bounds who is currently stationed in Iraq.

The CD also contains Gene's recitation of Jim's poem and an editorial Gene wrote for this CD.

50% of all proceeds will go to the families of the American service men and women who have paid the ultimate price for freedom since the start of war in Iraq in 2003.

Click here to:
Read Jim's poem
Read Gene's Editorial
Purchase the CD

Click here to listen.

My friend, Jim Bounds wrote a poem deep from his heart to his son, Tom, who is stationed in Iraq as this is being written.  The poem is pure and simple and expresses the feelings of many families who have soldiers serving today.

This poem brought reflection on the history of mankind and how through the years, several events have marked history in such a way the future makes a turn that is out of our control.

First, in the Garden of Eden, woman and man chose to be disobedient to God.  Sin and death entered the world.  Man has tried for thousands of years to change that first turn in history to no avail.

God parted the waters of the Red Sea and Israel took possession of the “promised land.”  The world has tried to change that event in history to no avail.

There are many other turning points in history that were completely out of the control of mankind.  We are currently faced with the events of 9-11 and the steps taken both by the forces of good and evil.  As we are surrounded by today’s current events, people may feel this country or that leader is charting the path of our destiny.  The radical Muslim groups are calling for a “Holy War.”  I think they better be careful what they ask for.  Our God may very well allow their god to answer their prayer.

Once again, this turn in history is not ours to control.  The conflict that has been raging since sin and death entered the world continues today.  The line is being drawn in the sand.  We must choose on which side we will stand.  “As for me and my house…we will serve the Lord.”   What about you?  Revelation has foretold,…the War Has Already Been Won.  There is Victory In Jesus!

Pray for “Our Children In The Sand,” and thank God for the “Soldiers In The Sandbox.”

God Bless and Keep You,
Gene Snow

“LAY IT ON THE LINE”
Written by Jim Bounds to PFC Tom Bounds, his son

In my mind…he still runs and plays…with good memories…of yesterday…and what’s in his future will come what may…and my little man grew up too fast, today.

At times I wonder why it has to be this way…we all grow up…and some folks have to change.  Soon in life his mother took my son away…and with her…is where he had to stay.

Now I get to see him on my scheduled time…The way I deal with this …is I remember that he’s mine.

You know what we do…really needs to last…because kids grow up…way too fast.  Before you know it…they got plans of their own… and there’s no telling…where they might roam…

At his age now…some say he looks a lot like me…you can definitely tell he’s from my family tree.

He’s got a place in my heart each and everyday…I want to see good things go his way…and now he’s gone to college…to get his degree…so he can have a piece of…the American Dream.

After two years…he had a change in his plan…he dropped out of college…and said, I hope you understand.

You see today he had a meeting…with our Uncle Sam…and now his future is in the palm of his hands.

For his basic he was sent…to Camp Fort Leonardwood…it didn’t take long…before he understood…why this is your weapon, and this is your gun…this is for fighting…and this is for fun.

Now his Army picture sits beside the TV stand…he said…when I get back we’ll toast to playing in the sand…But, first we got a job…that has to be done…just a little bit of pay back…for 9-1-1…In his eyes I see a determined young man…he’s working and training to defend our promised land.

His commander told his unit…we got our orders for a fact…we’re going to be stationed somewhere in Iraq…so get your things in order…and your gear in tact…because after this week…We won’t be looking back.

I was there when his unit marched into the night…they departed Air Field…on a red eye flight…all I could do was fight back the tears in my eyes…to see my son leave with the rest of those guys.

He called the other day from Tikrit, Iraq…he said (Dad, could you send me some goodies boxed in a care pack?)

You see the enemy I fear…has no concept of life…for the last 30 years has been tyranny and strife…but freedom and democracy…is coming real soon…now I watch to see him…on the six o’clock news.

Fighting for freedom was not what I planned for my son…he made up his mind…to be with an Army of one.

Somewhere he’s patrolling the streets in Tikrit, Iraq…and I always say a   prayer for him… before I hit the sack.

How do you find the courage…to do a job like that?…to be judge and jury when your under attack.

Our neighbor that lives just seven houses down…their son-in-law was killed in an Iraqi town…his wife was at the corner store the other day…she just said hi and went on her way.

The paper said…for bravery while under enemy fire…for his valor…he was awarded the bronze star…but the second metal…was the purple heart…he was killed in action…while doing his part.

This country should be proud to have men and women like that…they lay it on the line…and may not ever come back.

The next time you see one…wearing their uniform…just say thanks…for keeping us out…of harm.

When the fighting settles…and the terrorists are put down…he wants to go to the VFW in our hometown

His Grandpa would have been proud…of the courage that he’s shown…I hope Dad’s watching over him until he comes home.