Lee Greenwood, known for writing and performing the most recognized patriotic song of our time – “God Bless the U.S.A.” – will soon be garnering air miles to and from the nation’s capitol. Greenwood has accepted a Presidential appointment to the National Endowment for the Arts council and will serve a six-year term.
Appointed by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the Senate, the Nashville-based country singer is scheduled to be sworn in today, Nov. 17, as one of the 14 regular members of the National Council on the Arts. Council members advise the NEA chairman, and their portfolio includes reviewing and making recommendations on applications for grants from the $145-million-a-year federal agency.
“My appointment to the council of the National Endowment of the Arts is a great opportunity for me to be involved in searching out the best in art in our American culture & to lend a hand to help develop talented artists & artistic programs that would otherwise go unnoticed,” adds Greenwood.
Greenwood, who grew up on a farm near Sacramento, is the lone council member appointed by Bush who will serve throughout the four years of the Obama term. The other 13 slots are occupied by Bush appointees but will come due during the next President’s term.
