Stephen Cochran Continues to Aid Veterans

st1\:* { BEHAVIOR: url(#ieooui) } @page Section1 {size: 8.5in 11.0in; margin: 1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin: .5in; mso-footer-margin: .5in; mso-paper-source: 0; } P.MsoNormal { FONT-SIZE: 12pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-parent: ""; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman" } LI.MsoNormal { FONT-SIZE: 12pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-parent: ""; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman" } DIV.MsoNormal { FONT-SIZE: 12pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; mso-style-parent: ""; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman" } A:link { COLOR: blue; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; text-underline: single } SPAN.MsoHyperlink { COLOR: blue; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; text-underline: single } A:visited { COLOR: purple; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; text-underline: single } SPAN.MsoHyperlinkFollowed { COLOR: purple; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; text-underline: single } DIV.Section1 { page: Section1 } Aria recording artist Stephen Cochran just returned from his second Iraq “tour,” and is headed to Tampa Bay’s Round Up club to perform songs from his hit debut album and to reach out to another deserving veteran to a live a better life.At his Round Up concert, Cochran will present an iBOT wheelchair to Sergeant Jeremy Goodman. Goodman, an infantry soldier, was wounded by a roadside bomb in Iraq.  Cochran will be auctioning off a U.S. battle flag, which flew over Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom, between sets. The auction hopes to raise money to purchase another iBOT wheelchair for another admirable  veteran.Cochran served as a Marine, himself, but was wounded severely when his light armored vehicle hit a landmine. He overcame paralysis and worked his way back onto the stage, sending a message to other veterans, much life himself, that they can still live their lives to the fullest. The singer/songwriter is becoming one of Country Music’s most promising acts.  But as his music career gains momentum, Cochran continues to go above and beyond the call of duty to support and honor his fellow veterans. Cochran may have swopped his rifle for a guitar, but he continues to return to Iraq to entertain the troops."The first time I came to this region,” Cochran said. “I was changed for life, and this is no different. As I left those brave men and women, I knew Iwas forever changed." In addition to his performances to the troops, Cochran serves as a board member of the Independence Fund, which is an organization that aids returning veterans. Cochran has dedicated his time as a board member to help purchase 19 iBOT wheelchairs, which cost $30,000 each. Cochran earnestly feels that the wheelchair-bound veterans will be able to live more mobile, productive lives with the help of an iBOT. "In my heart and soul, I'm still a Marine," said Cochran. "These men and women sacrifice so much. They are truly the best."In the coming months, Cochran will be returning to the studio to record his highly-anticipated sophomore album.For up-to-the-minute news and concert information, visitwww.stephencochran.com.