stephen cochran
Country Music Artist | Nashville, Tennessee
Stephen Cochran is an acclaimed country music artist and veteran advocate whose journey from the battlefields of Afghanistan to the stages of Nashville has inspired countless individuals. Serving nearly three years in the United States Marine Corps, Cochran was a Scout Team Leader with the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion and deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan. His military service was marked by resilience, particularly after a devastating back injury in Afghanistan left him temporarily paralyzed. Through groundbreaking surgery at the Nashville VA Medical Center, he regained his ability to walk, becoming a vocal advocate for veterans’ healthcare.
Transitioning from military service to music, Cochran released his self-titled debut album in 2007, featuring hits "Friday Night Fireside" and "Thinkin’ I’m Drinkin’." His work has always been deeply connected to his military experience, using his platform to raise awareness about veterans' issues.
As the official spokesperson for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Research and Development in 2009, he co-wrote and performed "Hope," a song dedicated to the mental health struggles faced by veterans. He continues to write and record songs about veterans including “Keep On” released in 2023.
Beyond his music career, Cochran co-founded the Stop22 Tour, a nonprofit initiative aimed at combating veteran suicide through storytelling and music. He has also done work with the Romans Warrior Foundation and is actively involved with the Independence Fund and the Semper Fi Fund.
ANDy wetzel
Battalion Chief, Elizabethton Fire Department | Elizabethton, Tennessee
Andy Wetzel is a dedicated public servant and community leader whose career reflects a steadfast commitment to service and leadership. Serving over 27 years in the United States Marine Corps, Wetzel rose to the rank of master sergeant, demonstrating exceptional leadership skills in various roles, including weapons platoon commander and company gunnery sergeant for Lima Company, 3rd Battalion, 24th Marines. His military service included deployments to Iraq and participation in Operation Sea Breeze 11 in Ukraine, earning him multiple commendations, including the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal and the Combat Action Ribbon.
Following his distinguished military career, Wetzel joined the Elizabethton Fire Department in 1998 and has risen through the ranks to become a battalion chief. In this role, he oversees critical emergency operations and supports firefighter training, demonstrating the same leadership and dedication that defined his military service.
“Everything that the Marine Corps stood for, I took that wholeheartedly and I have applied that to my life daily,” Wetzel said.
Wetzel’s commitment to honoring those who serve is also evident through his work with the Elizabethton Fire Department Honor Guard which he helped establish to recognize the service and sacrifice of local firefighters.
Beyond his roles in public safety, Wetzel is a successful entrepreneur and community advocate, with three sons who are also Marines. He owns the Stateline Drive-In Theatre in Elizabethton, a beloved local landmark that he and his wife Jenny have preserved and revitalized. As commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 2166 and a member of the Veterans War Memorial Committee, Wetzel continues to support fellow veterans and ensure their contributions are remembered.