Brian Kelley surprised a 12-year Army National Guard veteran during his Surf Post Sessions on July 17. Kelley took the time to thank veteran Michael Monk during his sold-out show.
“So we’ve got a special guest tonight,” Kelley told the crowd during the Jul. 17 show, according to a video posted to his TikTok account. “[He’s] a 12-year Veteran, Army National Guard. I’d like to bring up Mr. Michael Monk,” he said before inviting Monk to join him on stage.
@briankelley had the honor of surprising 12 year veteran in the Army National Guard, Michael Monk, on Sunday during our Surf Post Sessions. Want to say thank you to all of our service members, this ones for you. #americanspirit #vacation
“I just want to say thank you for service and just thank you for all that you do for all of us and your family and all the sacrifice man. It means the world to all of us here and all of us around the world and country. I just wanted to take a second to salute you and just say thank you. Thank you. We’ve got these prints I signed for you,” he continued.
Brian Kelley Dedicated His Performance Of “American Spirit” To The Veteran During His Show
The crowd echoed Kelley’s sentiment, cheering and thanking Monk for his service before erupting into a loud “USA” chant before Kelley dedicated his performance of “American Spirit” to him.
“It was so special to have Michael [Monk] and his family join us. I felt honored to be able to dedicate ‘American Spirit’ to him and thank him for his 12 years of service,” Kelley added. “You can look one time in Michael’s eyes and know he means what he says, and that nothing will ever shake what he stands for. He’s a great man, and I look forward to getting to know him more!”
Kelley hosted his first-ever Surf Post Sessions in Grayton Beach, Florida in the backyard of the Tribe Kelley Surf Post, according to a press release from Sweet Talk PR. The sessions are sponsored by 30A Blaze, a veteran-owned small business based in Florida that helps plan beach bonfires, the release also indicated. Kelley added the Jul. 17 show to his lineup due to high demand. Kelley and his wife Brittney run the Tribe Kelley Surf Post, which features clothing items, coffee mugs, and other merchandise from Brittney’s Tribe Kelley line. In addition, the surf post also sells Kelley’s official Beach Cowboy merchandise.
Kelley was previously one half of the country duo Florida Georgia Line before launching a solo music career. He released his first solo album Sunshine State of Mind back in June 2021.
“American Spirit” Is Brian Kelley’s First Release On Big Machine Records
More recently, Kelley released his song, “American Spirit,” on July 1 of this year via Big Machine Label Group. The song is a tribute to service members and first responders, including Kelley’s grandfather and uncle.
“‘American Spirit’ is a tribute to my Poppy and Uncle Mike who both served, and to all of our service members and first responders who keep us safe and free, past, present, and future,” Kelly said of his latest release. “I love our great country and will always support our brave defenders.”
Kelley co-wrote “American Spirit” with Jake Rose, Blake Redferrin, and Canaan Smith. Kelley and Rose also produced the track.
Kelley shot a music video to accompany his new track during the annual 4th of July parade at Grayton Beach.
