Country music’s Atkins learns about MTSU veterans center

When MTSU’s Keith M. Huber met country music entertainer Rodney Atkins for the first time Thursday (Feb. 16), they discovered they had much in common.

Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives at MTSU, served nearly 40 years in the military, retiring as a lieutenant general. Atkins has entertained for troops with the USO in Iraq and Afghanistan.

They both know legendary entertainer Charlie Daniels: Huber through Daniels’ gifts totaling $125,000 for the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center and Atkins through Daniels’ mentoring that began in 2006.

Atkins’ scheduled visit to meet Huber included a visit to the Daniels Veterans Center on the first floor of Keathley University Center. And the Curb Records singer wound up staying two hours.

“He came here to see what we do for our veterans and is receptive to getting involved with our veterans,” Huber said of Atkins’ visit.

Some of the songs by the singer/songwriter, a native of Knoxville, Tennessee, include “If You’re Going Through Hell,” “It’s America,” “Watching You,” “Honesty” and more.

Including family members, MTSU has a student veteran population of about 1,000.