Craig Morgan surprised the audience at the Grand Ole Opry by enlisting and being sworn into the U.S. Army Reserve during his set on the Opry stage on July 29. Morgan, who was inducted as an Opry member in 2008, became a newly sworn in Staff Sergeant and Warrant Officer candidate.

Morgan took to the Opry stage in civilian attire, performing a trio of his hits: “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” “Redneck Yacht Club” and “Almost Home.” Then after briefly exiting the stage, Morgan returned in his military uniform for the swearing-in ceremony, officiated by General Andrew Poppas, commander, US Army Forces Command.

Morgan followed the swearing-in ceremony with a performance of his song “Soldier,’ telling the crowd: “It’s been awhile since I’ve sung in uniform.”  Several members of Morgan’s family and many of Morgan’s military colleagues were present at the Opry; his colleagues joined him onstage during the swearing-in ceremony.

Morgan previously served 17 years in the Army and Army Reserve with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions as an E-6 Staff Sergeant and Fire Support Specialist. He includes Airborne, Air Assault and Rappel Master among his certifications. Morgan is also a recipient of the Army’s Outstanding Civilian Service Medal and the USO Merit Award, as well as a member of the U.S. Field Artillery Hall of Fame.

Morgan will continue touring and releasing new music in his civilian career while simultaneously serving in the Army Reserve. Morgan will go to warrant officer school for six weeks in November, and then will fulfill his Army Reserves commitment one weekend per month, and two weeks per year, alongside his music career commitments.

Editorial credit: Kathy Hutchins / Shutterstock.com