For A Greater Cause: The Inspiring Stories Behind Patriots Fest and Its Heroes (Part 1)

For A Greater Cause:
The Inspiring Stories Behind
Patriots Fest and Its Heroes
(Part 1)

Spotlight on Patriots Fest 🎶Music, Heroes, and Purpose

🎙️ In this special episode of the Marketing Boost Solutions Podcast, we revisit the Patriots Fest from May 2024—an event that goes beyond music to honor military veterans and first responders. We feature heartfelt interviews with distinguished veterans like Carl Krieger, a veteran drafted in 1966 who went on to serve as a drill sergeant, and Todd Smalenberg, a retired Marine Corps master sergeant who transitioned into a government role after 21 years of service. You’ll also hear from musicians Nate Venturelli and Creed Fisher, who both shared their passion for supporting veterans through their music 

With 100% of the net proceeds supporting military charities, this episode shines a light on the intersection of music, entrepreneurship, and community support. Listeners will gain insight into the challenges and triumphs in the music industry while exploring the importance of honoring those who serve our nation. Stay tuned as we dive into the inspiring plans for Patriots Fest 2025!

A Festival with a Mission

Patriots Fest is more than just a music festival; it’s a heartfelt tribute to the sacrifices made by military personnel. The festival aims to raise awareness and funds for military charities, ensuring that 100% of the net proceeds go directly to supporting veterans and their families. The event features a diverse lineup of musicians, including both established and emerging artists, who come together to perform and support the cause.

Upcoming Events

The festival is not a one-time event. Plans for upcoming events in 2025 indicate the festival's growth and continued dedication to its mission. This forward-looking approach ensures that the festival will continue to honor veterans and first responders for years to come.

Interviews with Veterans and Musicians

Carl Krieger's Military Journey

One of the highlights of the episode is the interview with Carl Krieger, a veteran with a rich military background. Carl shares his military career, which spans over three decades. He recounts his experiences, including his service as a military policeman and a drill sergeant, and reflects on the challenges he faced upon returning home from Vietnam.

Key Takeaways from Carl's Story:

• Mixed Reception: Carl shares a poignant story about his return from Vietnam, describing the mixed reception he received at the airport. This highlights the importance of honoring veterans and ensuring they receive the recognition they deserve.

• Advice for the Younger Generation: Carl encourages young men and women to serve their country in any capacity, whether through the military, law enforcement, or community service. He stresses the importance of being a good role model for younger generations.

Todd Smalenberg's Post-Military Life

The episode also features an interview with Todd Smalenberg, a retired Marine Corps master sergeant. Todd shares his journey from growing up in a military family to serving in Marine Force Reconnaissance and later transitioning to a government role.

Key Takeaways from Todd's Story:

• Continued Service: After serving for 21 years, Todd continued to serve his country in a classified capacity for an additional 18 years. His story demonstrates the ongoing commitment to public service that many veterans embody.

• Political Aspirations: Todd recently decided to run for state representative in northeast Michigan, showcasing his dedication to making a positive impact in his community.

Nate Venturelli and the Musical Aspect of the Festival

The episode wraps up with an interview featuring Nate Venturelli, a musician performing at the festival. Nate shares his background as a welder who plays music on the weekends and expresses his gratitude for the opportunity to support veterans through his music.

Key Takeaways from Nate's Story:

• Songwriting Approach: Nate focuses on blue-collar themes and real-life experiences in his music, rather than following mainstream trends. This authenticity resonates with audiences and adds depth to his performances.

• Influence of Upbringing: Nate reflects on how his upbringing in a family that appreciated country music influenced his musical style, highlighting the importance of personal experiences in shaping artistic expression.

Challenges in the Music Industry

Insights from Creed Fisher

Creed Fisher, another musician featured in the episode, shares his insights into the music industry. He discusses the misconceptions surrounding the industry and offers valuable advice for aspiring musicians.

Key Takeaways from Creed's Story:

• Opportunities for Independent Artists: With platforms like Spotify and YouTube, independent artists now have more opportunities to reach listeners directly. Creed emphasizes the importance of staying independent and managing one's own career.

• Financial Success: Creed reveals that he earns a significant income from streaming platforms, challenging the common perception that artists struggle financially in the current music landscape.

• Advice for Aspiring Musicians: Creed encourages young musicians to avoid accumulating student debt and to focus on building their careers independently. He stresses the importance of learning from mistakes and taking ownership of one's artistic journey.

The Significance of Patriots Fest

Honoring Veterans Through Music

The Patriots Fest not only showcases musical talent but also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by military personnel. The festival creates a space for healing and connection, allowing attendees to come together in support of a common cause.

Community Impact

The festival fosters a sense of camaraderie and support among veterans and the community. It serves as a powerful tool for raising awareness and funds for military charities, ensuring that veterans and their families receive the support they need.

This episode highlights the intersection of music, entrepreneurship, and community support. Through interviews with musicians and veterans, listeners gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of the music industry, as well as the importance of honoring those who serve in the military. The Patriots Fest stands as a testament to the power of music to unite people and make a positive impact in the world. As the festival continues to grow, it promises to inspire future generations of musicians and supporters alike.

🔗 Check and connect with them below:
Carl Kreiger https://www.facebook.com/carl.krieget
Todd Smalenberg https://electsmalenberg.com/
Nate Venturelli https://www.nateventurelli.com/
Creed Fisher https://creedfisher.com/