Real Taps for Real Heroes

About this campaign

“As a dedicated bugler for over 25 years and founder of Real Taps for Real Heroes, I’ve seen firsthand how a live performance of “Taps” brings dignity, reverence, and personal honor to our veterans’ final farewell — something a cold electronic recording can never match. In Alabama alone, the number of active volunteer buglers has dropped from over 80 to just 26. Too many families of fallen heroes are left with an impersonal recording instead of the solemn, live tribute their loved one earned through service. That’s why I’m launching the 30 Days of Real Taps campaign this September: to recruit 30 new volunteer buglers in 30 days at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.

Our broader goal is to grow Alabama’s volunteer force to 100 buglers within the next year, ensuring every veteran buried there — and across the state — receives the live “Taps” they deserve at 4:30 PM each day.  Funds raised will support outreach, training, travel for volunteers, and awareness efforts to inspire the next generation of young trumpet players and musicians to serve their community and honor our heroes.

This cause is deeply personal to me. Whether playing at the Alabama National Cemetery in my own backyard or at sacred sites like the Normandy American Cemetery, I’m committed to preserving this essential military tradition so no veteran is forgotten and every family feels the respect their sacrifice commands.

Your support will help bring real Taps — real honor — back to our veterans. Together, we can keep Old Glory flying high and ensure America’s heroes are remembered with the dignity they earned.”