Sunday, March 28, 2010

Walking Across America

Walking Across America was written for Armond Young and BambooTheWalk as he continues to walk across America doing acts of kindness in the names of fallen heroes. Please check out Armond Young and BambooTheWalk at http://www.myspace.com/BambooTheWalk and on his YouTube site at http://www.youtube.com/bamboothewalk Please support him in his journey as he continues to do great works in the name of others. You may contact Armond at 1-641-351-1082 to see how can help or where you may join him on his walk.

I am honored to be able to help in this great cause and to be able to have a friend with a heart as big as Armond's

Walking Across America




Walking across America was written by Don Mathews at the request of Armond Young


Friday, February 12, 2010

EMS veteran Don Mathews strikes new career note - by Patty Edwards Shaver

EMS veteran Don Mathews strikes new career note
Submitted by Patty on Mon, 02/01/2010 - 09:23 Career Management


By Patty Edwards Shaver
MCV Career Development Facilitator

Who said you must be under 30 and beautiful to make it to Nashville? That may be the criteria for American Idol contestants, but not for late bloomer, Don Mathews of Galesburg, Michigan, whose song Tribute to EMS (Emergency Medical Services) has become a counseling tool for emergency responders around the world.

“I was shocked when I first learned about this,” said Mathews. “I wrote Tribute to EMS because I had no one to talk to for counseling after a very traumatic call.” After 40 years in EMS it was difficult for Mathews to understand why he was not coping as time passed. He questioned God about his career choice and wondered if it mattered to anyone else. “I kept thinking about that call during church and when I went home I wrote the song Tribute to EMS. Once I started writing I couldn’t stop. The words just flowed from me.”

After sharing the song with other EMS personnel, Mathews was encouraged to record Tribute to EMS and make it available to others in the profession. Upon hearing how emergency response personnel in the New York City (NYC) area were having trouble coping with the tragedy of September 11, 2001, Mathews sent the song to the City of New York Fire Department’s Counseling Services Unit who sent a letter that said, “We send you our gratitude for your letter and song. We passed it around the office and had many people listen to it, counselors, staff and firefighters alike. It was a topic of great discussion and everyone sends their thanks for being able to express what many cannot.”

Mathews believes that because of his long EMS career he can relate to other EMS workers on a personal level. “Even though I’m not a licensed counselor, when someone is having problems I can listen and understand where they are coming from,” Mathews said. “Sometimes you just need to talk to someone who’s been there.”

Tribute to EMS has made its way across the United States resulting in thanks from EMS professionals in fire stations in Los Angeles to ambulance garages in Louisiana after Hurricane Katrina. Mathews has received e-mail from emergency responders in Bulgaria, New South Whales Australia, and Germany where the song lyrics have been translated to their own language for use in counseling sessions.

“I just wish I had a way to get it [Tribute to EMS] out to help all EMS workers. I hope that all of my music will help somebody some place."
Of all the letters Mathews has received, there’s one he treasures most: “I applaud your commitment to service.” Your efforts reflect the true spirit of our Nation.” It was signed by then President, George W. Bush.

Since December 2004, Mathews has written 50 songs, mostly from places he had been from Portland, Oregon to Raleigh, North Carolina. While staying in Raleigh last year, he performed at popular night spots like Deep South, Scooters and The Big Easy, just to name a few.

Mathews has also performed for Fire, EMS, and Military Personnel around the country at his expense to help with everything from stress relief to fundraisers including the 10th Annual POW/MIA Balloon Launch on Memorial Day 2006 in Milwaukee, Wisc., and the T.K. and J.P. Music Fest in Washington, D.C. July 17-19, 2009. He has written and sung songs for enlisted military men and women, prisoners of war and homeless veterans. "I have strong feelings about the plight of the homeless," Mathews said, "especially our veterans and I would love to raise money for them.

So far Mathews has three Nashville releases: Angels in an Ambulance, Sugar & Spice, and You're My Miracle. His first CD, Memories of You,, is available to purchase online through CDBaby.com, and donmathewsenterprise.com

Mathews said he would love to break the odds in the music business and to hear one of his songs hit the Top 40 on the radio. “I’d like to get labels to think outside the box and understand that people like me have a lot to offer if they will take the time to listen,” he said.

Mathews, a BMI licensed artist working with the Artist Development Network in Nashville, Tenn., is seeking a label. He uses his down time to travel with his wife Ruth and perform. Their goal is to raise awareness of the need for nationwide support and counseling services for all Emergency Response Service professionals. Become a fan of Don Mathews on Facebook and listen to a sampling of his music. To book Don Mathews, contact Chris Mathews by e-mail at broncoaudio@yahoo.com

Thursday, February 11, 2010

You're My Miracle out on I-Tunes

First Single "You're My Miracle" by Don Mathews out on I-Tunes and Amazon.com!