Jared Ashley Launches Flight Deck Veterans Group

Courtesy Blaster Records

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (August 5, 2015) – Blaster Records recording artist and former Navy veteran, Jared Ashley launches the Flight Deck Veterans Group, a national fraternal non-profit organization. Before releasing his debut single “Last Train to Memphis” and gaining national recognition for his talents as a singer-songwriter, Ashley served four years in the United States Navy aboard the USS Independence and USS Kitty Hawk aircraft carriers serving two tours in the Persian Gulf.

“I created Flight Deck Veterans Group with the mindset that flight deck veterans are a rare breed, it's a brotherhood like no other,” explains Ashley. “It's who I am and it's a cherished part of my history. I'm learning that our members have this constant urge to serve, whether it be locally in their communities or with fellow veterans.”

Shellback Caribbean Rum recently announced a partnership with Ashley, who will serve as an ambassador for the brand. Named for the brotherhood of mariners who have voyaged across the Equator, Shellback Rum is inspired by these sailors' sense of camaraderie and adventure. As someone who achieved the distinction of becoming a shellback on the USS Kitty Hawk in July 1999, Ashley will join Shellback Rum to honor this proud naval tradition and the spirit it represents. In his new role for the brand, Ashley will bring his music and vision to military bases around the country as well as events held by his new charity. The Georgia native has new single coming this fall and an album in early 2016. 

Flight Deck Veterans Group Mission Statement:

“The objective of the Flight Deck Veterans Group is to promote camaraderie between veterans of US Military Flight Deck Service. In doing so the goal is to support one another and pass on the history and legacy of our veterans and flight deck operations to each other and the public.” 

The new organization already boasts nearly 16,000 Facebook members, and has begun working to give back to various causes through events such as Operation Cherrybend: A Hero’s Hunt, a week-long pheasant hunt and songwriters event supporting wounded vets held on a 640-acre game preserve in Wilmington, Ohio set for October 7 -10, 2015. The hunt pairs five singer-songwriters with five wounded vets for a wonderful week of outdoor sportsmanship and song.

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