4TROOPS: Live From the Intrepid, Directed and Produced by Shelley Ross, Perfect DVD for the Holidays

Shelley Ross, three-time Emmy award-winning producer, produces and directs 4TROOPS: Live from the Intrepid, a DVD from Sony Masterworks featuring 4TROOPS, the musical group of four U.S. combat veterans who have recently appeared on ABC's Good Morning America and Nightline, CBS' The Early Show, Larry King Live, Fox & Friends, Huckabee, PBS, the World Series and were the opening act for Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert's October Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear.

"This is the perfect holiday gift for anyone who wants to honor soldiers and their families. It is for anyone who's ever experienced the pain of separation or the joy and challenge of returning, There is also a moving tribute to the fallen, and those who were left behind,"says Ross.

The DVD, features a repertoire of uplifting, emotional, patriotic and spiritual hit songs performed by 4TROOPS. The group's members, Former Cpt. Meredith Melcher, Former Sgt. Daniel Jens, Staff Sgt.(Ret.) Ron Henry and Former Sgt. David Clemo, all served in either Iraq or Afghanistan or both.

Each songs takes on a new meaning when performed by combat veterans, beginning with "For Freedom," a rousing opening number written by Matt Moran for his grandfather, a WWII veteran. Throughout the song, the cameras shift from 4TROOPS to the original WWII aircraft on The Intrepid to black and white vintage film of those who served, along with those who were buried at sea.

"Bless the Broken Road," originally by Rascal Flatts, becomes a tour d' force performance by soloist David Clemo after he introduces himself and says, "My father served in Desert Storm, both my grandfathers were in the military, so we all know the broken road."

When we first meet Daniel Jens, the audience offers unbridled support when he says, "Hi, my name is Daniel Jens and I joined the U.S. Army after the events of 9/11." His solo, "Galveston," first popularized by Glen Campbell is considered one of the top country songs of all time. Recently, it's hall of fame songwriter, Jimmy Webb, was moved to tears when speaking of Jens's performance.

Country star Toby Keith gave his blessing for 4TROOPS's new version of his post-9/11 hit "Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue."

Other emotional performances include Melcher's rendition of Sarah McLachlan's "Angel"; Lonestar's "I'm Already There," reinterpreted as an evocative military homecoming as is Henry's interpretation of Luther Vandross's "Dance With My Father," featuring a spotlight dance by Melcher and her father, three-star Lt. Gen. (Ret.) David Melcher.

A bagpiper joins 4TROOPS for a solemn tribute to fallen soldiers in "Amazing Grace" which is followed by a patriotic medley featuring a Broadway choir backing up 4TROOPS in "You're a Grand Old Flag," "America the Beautiful" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic." The celebratory encore, "Raise Your Glasses" brings audience members to their feet, clapping and singing along.

Frank Filipetti, best know for producing albums for Barbra Streisand, Luciano Pavorotti and James Taylor, is their music producer. David Lai (Broadway's Phantom of the Opera) is music director.

"This is an inspirational and moving performance, a perfect gift for the holidays as Sony Music is donating 50 cents from each sale of the 4TROOPS album in the United States to organizations that support veterans and their families," said Ross. Proceeds are split equally among The American Legion, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America IAVA), Intrepid Fallen Heroes Fund (IFHF) and the USO." Last week, 4TROOPS won an additional $50,000 for their four charities on the television game show "Don't Forget the Lyrics."

4TROOPS
To purchase the 4Troops: Live from the Intrepid DVD, go to http://www.sonymusicdigital.com/4troops/details/5684406