With AUSA’s senior leadership and many others in attendance, country music artist Mark Wills performed at a free concert Tuesday night at the Association of the U.S. Army Annual Meeting and Exposition.

The concert took place in the main ballroom at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C., and was sponsored by Veterans United, a lender specializing in veterans’ home loans.

“This is a very special event – a great partnership between AUSA and Veterans United,” said retired Sgt. Maj. of the Army Ken Preston, AUSA vice president for NCO and Soldier Programs.

“Tonight, we’re all here to support soldiers and their families,” Preston added.

The U.S. Army Band Downrange, which plays popular music including rock, pop, country, R&B and patriotic tunes, opened for Wills.

Wills, who frequently performs at military-related events, broke into the music business in 1996 with the release of his first album. In 1999, he received the Academy of Country Music award as top new male vocalist. His big singles include “Jacob’s Ladder” in 1996, “Don’t Laugh at Me” in 1998, “Almost Doesn’t Count” in 2000, “Take it All Out on Me” in 2008 and “You’re My Home” in 2015.

--Luc Dunn