KISS & Motley Crue Rock Out for Veterans

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Legendary rock bands KISS and Motley Crue teamed up to help U.S. military veterans win the battle against unemployment, giving a $250,000 donation to Hire Our Heroes during a free concert in the D.C. area the night before launching The Tour.

"Without veterans, there's no tonight," said Paul Stanley. "There is no freedom. There is no rock 'n' roll without these people."


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The collaboration with the hiring program came about after KISS and Motley Crue hired Military veteran Paul Jordan, who's been a rock 'n' roll fan since the age of four, to be a roadie for The Tour. Jordan admitted that he had "one of the greatest nights of [his] life" when he got to watch the rockers run through a full rehearsal on the stage that he helped put together.

"This is something that all companies should be doing -- reaching out," said Gene Simmons. "They don't want any charity; they don't want parades; no money. Just give them a chance to support their families."

So far, Hiring Our Heroes has helped more than 10,400 veterans and military spouses find employment.

"We are grateful and excited about the generous gift from KISS, and Motley Crue," said Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Schmiegel (Ret.), executive director of the U.S. Chamber's Hiring Our Heroes program. "This donation will allow us to hold hiring fairs around the country, as well as refine them to offer transition assistance workshops, ultimately helping us make even a greater difference on the critical issue of veteran and military spouse unemployment."