ODENVILLE —
An Odenville family celebrates July 4 with a cookout, concert from a country music singer and time with their soldier.
Denise Gann submitted a story for the Rick and Bubba Show and Bryan Foods contest about her son, Sgt. Matthew Owens, being deployed to Afghanistan. She wrote she wanted to have an event for his friends and family to spend time with him, and that is exactly what she won.
Gann, Owens, friends and family came together Saturday behind Odenville United Methodist Church and enjoyed hot dogs, ribs, potato salad and other Southern foods – along with a concert.
“It’s wonderful,” she said. “It’s been so special to have everyone here.”
Owens did not know his mom entered the contest until she told him she won, but he was happy she did.
“It’s nice to see everyone,” Owens said.
Kevin Phillips, Bryan Foods senior brand manager, said they wanted to celebrate families, and “this is a beautiful family.” Phillips said the company also wanted to have a country music star at the event, and Jimmy Wayne was the perfect match.
Wayne, with songs like “Do You Believe Me Now” and “I Love You This Much,” is walking across America to raise money and awareness for teen homelessness, something he experienced. However, Wayne wanted Saturday to be about Owens and his family.
“Walking across America is nothing compared to what this guy is doing,” Wayne said. “There’s not a better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than by doing this. I’m very humbled by it.”
Wayne took pictures of the event before performing a private concert. “It’s a small gathering, in a church yard, with sweet tea,” he said. “It’s the perfect picture of ‘Sweet Home Alabama.’”
Owens, who was originally leaving July 17, will now be deploying to Afghanistan on August 24. His wife also is in the military and will be deployed to Afghanistan shortly.
“It’s going to be hard,” Gann said. “They know what it’s all about.”
Gann said, as a mom, it has been hard knowing her son would leave, but she is trying to be strong.
“I can’t let it consume me,” Gann said. “I just have to pray for God to take care of things.”
Local News
Related Photos
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Sgt. Matthew Owens and his mom Denise Gann. Owens, a resident of Odenville, will be deploying to Afghanistan on August 24. Lauren Heartsill/The Leeds News
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