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(Photo courtesy operationsas.org)

During a recent phone interview from Nashville, Tennessee, country music star Lee Greenwood said it's always been a passion of his to help the military.

Best known for his number 1 hit, "God Bless the USA," Greenwood has been a part of 30 USO tours. He also serves as spokesman for Operation Never Forgotten, which is a nonprofit organization supporting soldiers. Through those duties, Greenwood will serve as emcee for an upcoming 5-day event for veterans suffering from both physical and mental wounds.

Operation S.A.S (Sports, Afield, and Stream) is the name of the 5 day excursion. It starts at Big Sky on January 7th. The trip will allow the soldiers to participate in "winter adventures, sportsman's workshops, snow sports, leisure time," and introduce them to "new mentors," reads the event's website. It is all offered for free to the veterans, and attendees will be outfitted for the trip with applicable prosthetics like mono-skis or ski-legs.

Greenwood spoke about a hypothetical amputee in explaining why he thinks the event is important. He said after the amputee returns home, he does his best to reintegrate six months after his injury. People are gracious and courteous and offer accommodation and transportation when necessary.

"That's not what he needs, he needs pride in himself," Greenwood said. "Many of these soldiers were trained to do extraordinary things. Their bodies were trained to do so. And when they feel they're not whole anymore, whether it's physically or mentally--it has an affect on how the rest of their life will go."

He said ‘Operation S.A.S' allows the injured soldier to pick up a new set of skills, without being in the spotlight.

"Feel more whole like a soldier should and like a civilian will--we're giving them that chance," he said.

Operation S.A.S runs January 7-11, 2011. It kicks off with a banquet at 5 PM on the 7th, at Big Sky Resort.

Related Links:

Operation SAS website

Operation Never Forgotten website