Free Concert In McKinney To Benefit Veterans This Weekend

MCKINNEY (CBSDFW.COM) – A musical Memorial Day tradition hosted by the Smiles Charity will benefit veterans Sunday, May 24 at 4:30 p.m.

The non-profit's founder, Dr. Jennifer Buchanan started raising funds to build homes for veterans 15 years ago.

"Our men and women come back from overseas with debilitating injuries that effect them for life. I want to give peace to our veterans by blessing them with a place they can call home adapted to all their needs." said Buchanan.

Buchanan and her volunteers expect tens of thousands of people to attend. Rock star Bret Michaels headlined the family-friendly event last year. Country music singer Rodney Atkins will host this weekend's event.

The concert takes place in the Adriatica area of McKinney at 6595 Virginia Parkway.

Even thought the concert is free, Dr. Buchanan encourages attendees to try their luck by purchasing raffle tickets to win a 2015 Cadillac CTS as the grand prize.

"Only 2,000 tickets will be sold so your chances are really good to win," said Buchanan.

Other prizes include diamond necklaces, signed guitars by George Strait and Rodney Atkins, a signed cowboy hat by Little Big Town, and many more.

The money raised goes back to the organization to build homes for deserving veterans. Several years ago, one of Dr. Buchanan's patients was killed in action 2 weeks before his 21st birthday. Since then, it has been in her heart to give back to local veterans.

"It is an honor and blessing to be able to give back to those who sacrificed so much for us," said Buchanan.

This year's recipient will be SGT. Michael Beeson (Ret.) of the US Army. Michael joined the United States Army on June 16, 2003 and a year later found the person who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. With his wife by his side, Michael started as a paralegal and later became a great Supply NCO (Non Commissioned Officer)/Armorer. He deployed to Iraq in early 2009 with the 576th Engineer Company/ 4th Engineer Battalion.

Once in country SGT Beeson was attached to the 4th Brigade 1st Calvary, this was as the war was winding down in Iraq but still in full swing in Afghanistan. Only a few days in Iraq, SGT Beeson and his unit were tasked to convoy out of Iraq and transfer into Afghanistan attached to the 25th Naval Construction Regiment. Michael's deployment experience was filled with aiding his troops and ensuring that all had what they needed to do their jobs effectively and efficiently, SGT Beeson himself was also tasked as a route clearance trooper. Route clearance ensures that all routes taken by convoys and security teams are cleared of all UXO's (Unexploded Ordnances). On April 28th, 2009 a mortar fired by insurgents hit the living quarters where SGT Beeson was staying. SGT Beeson was assessed by the medics and was cleared to return to duty.

It wasn't until later that SGT Beeson and his command realized that his injuries were internal. This prompted him to return to the states and begin the healing process and face the reality that he and his family had a great deal of work to do.

Michael was medically retired by the Army on June 16, 2011. In those years of trial and error, Michael and his family found a way of ensuring that not only will their family survive, but also they can thrive. Michael does ministry work with his family and other fellow veterans to show those around them that trauma is a factor of life and not only can it be managed but used as a stepping stool.

Beeson's home is the tenth home the Smiles Charity has built with support form the community.