Already on a tour to promote his recently released CD, “Just Charlie,” which includes the No. 1 hit single “You Are” that has been at the top of Billboard’s Urban Adult Contemporary Chart for eight weeks, the Grammy-nominated singer is taking a detour for his third trip to Iraq and Kuwait to visit U.S. troops.
The Jive Records artist also has created a website where people can post messages of support for troops in the region.
“I performed for the troops in 2009 and 2010 and found it to be one of the most rewarding experiences in my career,” Wilson said in a statement. “It is a privilege to go and bring a little bit of home and love to the young men and women in our armed forces who honor us with their dedication.”
Wilson knows all about the benefits of support. After a stretch of time, including a period that included drugs, homelessness and rehab, Wilson made a strong comeback, working with R. Kelly and Snoop Dogg, with Kelly penning the hit “First Name Charlie, Last Name Wilson.”
Wilson later overcame a bout with prostate cancer and now works with the Prostate Cancer Foundation, spreading the message through his concert tour for black men to get tested. Last year, he relied on family – especially his wife, Mahin – following the death of his brother Robert, a bassist for The Gap Band, of an apparent heart attack.
In addition to the Middle Eastern concert tour, Wilson has created a microsite and is inviting the public to post messages of love and inspiration to the troops.
The site also allows visitors to post videos or links to videos, as well leave as a personal message to a specific soldier or general comments of support.
“Our troops are away from home and family, and I thought this would be a good way to bring them personal messages from home,” Wilson said. “You can leave a message for a loved one serving our country or just a message of thanks for all the sacrifices our troops are making for our country. It’s important that we let them know that we respect and support them.”
