The American Warriors Entertainment Association was founded by Terry Span in 2005 while living in South Korea.

The primary motivation for forming this organization was to address complaints from the solders that they didn’t really care for the bands that would perform on post. At the same time, MWR couldn’t understand why they weren’t keeping the soldiers on base to watch the acts they would bring over from the states instead of watching the bands playing down range.

Having completed seven overseas tours, six for Armed Forces Entertainment and one for the 8th Army MWR South Korea, it was felt that close dealings with both AFE and MWR Korea could be used to address the complaints of both MWR and the soldiers and make both parties happy.

When the September 11, 2001 tragedy occurred, a benefit concert was organized in Terry’s home town of Canton Ohio to help the victims of the tragedy. After meeting with the mayor, permission was given to use the 5,000 seat Canton Memorial Civic Center. Local media sources were solicited for promotion of the event through radio interviews and television commercials.

As a result of Mr. Spans dedication, devotion and passion for the U.S. Military, he received citations from Ohio State Senator Kurt Schuring, Ohio Governor Bob Taft, Canton Mayor Richard Watkins and Bob Patt, the director of the Canton Memorial Civic Center.

In 2008, Terry organized the 1st Annual American Warriors "Thank You!" concert to the Men and Women of the U.S. Military in Canton Ohio. The same media sources were used to publicize and promote the event. Celebrity participants included Kelly Garni, former bassist for Quiet Riot, and Kelle Rhoads, accomplished keyboard player and brother of the late Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Randy Rhoads.

For the “Thank You!” concert, Mr. Span was recognized by Congressman Ralph Regula and Ohio State Senator Kirk Schuring. Terry has also received letters of commendation from Raymond Girth of 8th U.S. Army MWR Korea, Major Denise Hollywood U.S.A.F, and Captain William Rosser U.S.M.C. Letters of endorsement were recieved from Dean Zelinsky, founder of the Dean Guitar Company and Rudy Sarzo, bassist for Dio and former bassist for Quiet Riot, Ozzy Osbourne, and Whitesnake.

As long as the Military does what they do, we, the American Warriors Entertainment Association will do what we do. Let them know that they are not forgotten and how important they are by the quality of entertainment we send.