VETERANS DAY 2019: Reggae Icon and U.S. Marine Gulf War Veteran Shaggy to be Recognized During Boston Veterans Day Dinner, November 7

BOSTON, MA – Grammy Award-winning artist Shaggy will be among those recognized for his service and advocacy of fellow veterans at the Veterans Day Dinner, hosted by Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program.

Presented by Hanscom Federal Credit Union, the November 7 fundraiser event at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum will honor the service of military families – past and present – and recognize Home Base’s most passionate supporters for their service and dedication to the non-profit’s mission.

All proceeds from the event will directly support the vital mental health and wellness programs available at Home Base to treat the invisible wounds for Veterans, Service Members and their Families – which include post-traumatic stress (PTS), traumatic brain injury (TBI), anxiety, depression, co-occurring substance use disorder, and family relationship challenges.

“For nearly two decades we have sent young American men and women to war. Nearly 7,000 of these patriots have made the ultimate sacrifice to secure this nation. Tragically, we have lost more than 100,000 veterans to suicide during this same period. We, as a nation can and must do better,” said Home Base’s Executive Director, Brigadier General (ret.) Jack Hammond. “With the support of a grateful Nation, Home Base has provided care and support to more than 20,000 wounded and injured warriors and their families over the past decade – all at NO COST to them.”

Emceed by WCVB-TV anchor and U.S. Air Force Veteran Randy Price, the event will feature the presentation of the Major General Joseph Warren MD Award to an organization and individual who embodies Warren’s legacy in providing world-class medicine to our Veterans and Families and carries forward the ethos and mission of Home Base.

It will also feature a live performance by songwriter and recording artist James House; a live discussion with Shaggy about his illustrious music career, his military experience and support of Veteran causes moderated by Home Base Nation podcast host Dr. Ron Hirschberg, followed by a formal recognition of the reggae icons’ contributions to Home Base and Veteran community.

“Our success is the product of a grateful nation, and the ripple effect of the collective actions of individuals committed to the greater good,” added Hammond. “We are humbled to have the opportunity to recognize those who have provided significant contributions to the development of Home Base and its initiatives through their own support or significantly facilitating the support by others.”

“My military experience helped shape me into the person that I am today.” said Shaggy. “I am honored to be associated with such an important event and cause and look forward to continuing a friendship with Home Base for years to come.”

Over the past decade Home Base has impacted 100,000 people through its programming – more than 21,000 Veterans and families through direct clinical care. The corporate partners, community allies, and advocates who support Home Base at the 2019 Veterans Day Dinner will help ensure the bright future of Home Base by making it possible to continue and expand upon those successes.

Proceeds from this year’s event will strengthen Home Base’s ability to serve Veterans and Military Families throughout the nation, by supporting operational costs and directly funding the clinical and services offered by Home Base that are provided at no cost to the Veteran, Service Member or Family Member.

Tickets and table reservations for Home Base’s Veterans Day Dinner are available starting from the $5,000 level. Individual tickets are available for $500, subject to availability. For more information, please contact Home Base’s Senior Director of Signature Events and Development Communications Steve Monaco and smonaco@partners.org or (617) 643-0457.

About Home Base: Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Program, is dedicated to healing the invisible wounds for Veterans of all eras, Service Members, Military Families and Families of the Fallen through world-class clinical care, wellness, education and research. As a National Center of Excellence, Home Base operates the first and largest private-sector clinic in the nation devoted to providing life-saving clinical care and support for the treatment of the invisible wounds to include post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, depression, co-occurring substance use disorder, family relationship challenges and other issues associated with training and deployment. Since its inception, Home Base has provided care and support to more than 21,000 Veterans and family members and trained more than 73,000 clinicians, educators, first responders and community members – all at no cost – ensuring a brighter future for the 21st century warrior and military family. Serving Veterans and Families from all over the world, Home Base is headquartered in the Charlestown Navy Yard in Boston, MA with a satellite location in Southwest Florida, which as a nonprofit organization, operates predominantly on the philanthropic generosity of a grateful nation. For more information please visit www.homebase.org.

About Shaggy: The Jamaican-born and based artist was in his early 20s when his 12-inch single “Oh Carolina” exploded out of the New York dancehall underground and topped the UK pop charts in 1993. Unleashing his gruff vocals over a raw and uncut rhythm track straight the former U.S. Marine and Desert Storm veteran soon had a rocketing crossover hit and a major label record deal.

Shaggy has sold over 30 million albums to date, racking up no fewer than eight singles in the Billboard Hot 100, including two that went to No. 1, as well as seven albums on the Billboard 200, with four in the Top 40. And the smash records keep on coming, from the certified-diamond 2000 album Hotshot, which boasted not one but two No. 1 singles, through to last year’s 44/876, a collaborative project with British rock icon Sting, which clocked millions of streams, entered the Top 40 in 14 different countries, has remained atop the Billboard Reggae Album chart for over 4 months, and earned Shaggy his second GRAMMY Award win and the seventh nomination of his career to date.

At this point it’s safe to say Shaggy’s music is timeless. How the hell does he do it? It might have something to do with military discipline, a serious work ethic, and a God-given gift for crafting pop melodies. “You’ve got to come with something disruptive. Something that’s lyrically stimulating,” says the reggae and dancehall icon, now 300 Records’ label mate with cutting-edge artists like Migos, Young Thug, and Rich the Kid.

Shaggy’s latest project is his solo album Wah Gwaan?! – a collection that embodies the musician’s Jamaican roots, global reach, contagious joy and introspective side. He will also star as Sebastian in The Wonderful World of Disney presents The Little Mermaid Live! which broadcasted November 5 on ABC.

As a proven hitmaker, Shaggy has also been using his platform to help his community and beloved home, Jamaica. His Shaggy & Friends charity concerts have raised millions for Bustamante Children’s Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica. Throughout his successful career, he has been committed to bringing joy and musicality to his audience. Now, more than ever, the world seems to need his contagious optimism and joy.