For the Troops
John Ondrasik says ‘thank you’ with free CD

When John Ondrasik appeared on the cover of G.I. Jobs magazine in March 2008, the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter was promoting “For the Troops,” a CD compilation of songs by well-known artists that was offered free to members of the U.S. military.

In November, Ondrasik, who performs under the stage name Five for Fighting, released yet another album to say thank you to the nation’s military. “For the Troops IV” features 14 artists who have donated a song to the CD, which is available for free download to active duty service members, veterans and their families worldwide with a valid military ID at www.shopmyexchange.com.

“I’m excited to launch CD ‘For the Troops IV’ with a new roster of fantastic artists and great songs,” said Ondrasik, who spearheaded the CD’s development. “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 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. Ondrasik asked each artist to donate their best material to show their appreciation for the troops. He received best-selling hits from most of the artists, and the others wanted to include a patriotic or military-related song.

In addition to the downloadable CD, 200,000 hard copies of the album were sent to military bases, USO Centers and other locations across the nation and overseas, courtesy of TriWest Healthcare Alliance and Operation Homefront.

Ondrasik released the original “For the Troops” compilation in 2007, followed up by another in 2008. A comedy version in was released in 2009. More than 1 million tracks featured on the CDs have been downloaded, and another 800,000 CDs were delivered to service members and veterans worldwide.

Tracks on “For the Troops IV”
Matchbox 20 – “If You’re Gone”

Wynonna – “What the World Needs”

Mat Kearny – “Nothing Left to Lose”

Brandi Carlile – “Before It Breaks”

Five For Fighting – “Note to an Unknown Soldier”

Our Lady Peace – “Paper Moon”

12 Stones – “We Are One”

Ingrid Michaelson – “Mountain and the Sea”

Barenaked Ladies – “Four Seconds”

Gavin DeGraw – “Free”

Rocket Club – “One Beautiful Thing”

Finger 11 – “Gather and Give”

Ryan Star – “Last Train Home”

John David Kahn – “American Heart”