Photo courtesy of BROKEN BOW RECORDS
County music artist Craig Morgan will take the stage for a benefit concert for the Mount Union Fire Co. No. 1 on Friday.

MOUNT UNION — When you look at Craig Morgan’s work outside of the music industry, you understand why the country music star is coming to Huntingdon County this week for a special benefit concert.

Morgan became an emergency medical technician at age 18. He also served on active duty for nearly 10 years in the United States Army as a member of the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions and remained in the Army Reserve for another six years.

While in the military, he took part in the U.S. Invasion of Panama in 1989. On July 29, 2023, Morgan re-enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve while on stage at the Grand Ole Opry. The oath of enlistment was administered by Gen. Andrew Poppas, commander of the United States Army Forces Command.

The Mount Union Fire Co. No. 1 will host the 61-year-old Morgan, a native of Kingston Springs, Tenn., at 6 p.m. Friday at the Huntingdon County Airfield in Shirleysburg. Proceeds from the event benefit the fire department, which wants to purchase a new fire engine.

“As a fire company, we are always looking towards ways to raise money. These firetrucks don’t roll down the street without funding,” Jimmy Conaway, fire company president, told reporters during a recent interview. “When thinking of ways to utilize the airfield, we thought what better than an outdoor summer concert.”

The fire company owns the airfield.

Mount Union native Chris Woodward and Shindiggin, and Gillian Smith will serve as the opening acts for the show.

“To me, they are true heroes,” Woodward said. “They put their lives on the lines to help folks in need. It’s always exciting.”

After Morgan’s stop in Huntingdon County, he heads off to Mount Vernon, Ohio, for another show then onto Mt. Vernon, Ky.

Morgan began his musical career in 2000 on Atlantic Records, releasing his self-titled debut album for that label. In 2002, Morgan signed to the independent Broken Bow Records, on which he released three studio albums: “I Love It” in 2003; “My Kind of Livin'” in 2005; and “Little Bit of Life” in 2006.

These albums produced several chart hits, including “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” which spent four weeks at the top of the Billboard country charts while also holding the No. 1 position on that year’s Billboard Year-End chart for the country format.

A greatest hits package followed in mid-2008 before Morgan signed to BNA Records and released “That’s Why” later that same year. After exiting BNA, Morgan signed with Black River Entertainment and released “This Ole Boy” in 2012, followed by “A Whole Lot More to Me” in 2016.

Morgan has charted 17 times on the Billboard country charts. Besides “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” six more of his singles have reached that chart’s top 10: “Almost Home,” “Redneck Yacht Club,” “Little Bit of Life,” “International Harvester,” “Love Remembers” and “Bonfire.”

Zimmerman said he expects 1,500 to 2,000 people, based on traditional ticket sales for Morgan’s shows. All tickets are standing only; lawn chairs are welcome.

Tickets are on sale at aftontickets.com. General admission tickets are $60 online and $70 at the gate. Parking is an additional $10. VIP tickets and early entry tickets are also available.

Parking will be available at 3:30 p.m., with gates opening at 5 p.m.

To find more information, visit the Mount Union Fire Co.’s Facebook page.