20 Who Count: John and Gail Russell

Dec. 21—Imagine a patriotic-themed event without a version of "God Bless America" to stir the soul.

In St. Joseph, you don't have to worry about it. The music plays loud and proud thanks to the behind-the-scenes work of John and Gail Russell.

"I think it adds quite a bit for people to hear the patriotic music before and after," Gail Russell said. "I think that does add a lot."

For about two decades, this local couple has provided a sound system for patriotic music at Memorial Day services, 9/11 remembrances, Marine Corps balls and a variety of other events to support the military. The Russells do it with little fanfare, free of charge, at events in Kansas City and St. Joseph.

Their contribution to those who served also includes the production of flyers to promote the events and an effort to send care packages to troops in Iraq.

They even gave out free hot dogs one year during the Fourth of July in St. Joseph. "It turned out really good for the vets," John Russell said. "Too many other people wanted to get involved."

But that didn't dim the enthusiasm of this couple, which has owned a medical uniform store called American Gipper for 25 years.

John Russell said he's always been interested in honoring and supporting veterans. He had a cousin who died in Vietnam and a nephew who was captured, tortured and killed in Iraq.

"We just love our country," he said. "We live in the greatest country in the world. It wouldn't be here if it wasn't for our military."

Greg Kozol can be reached at greg.kozol@newspressnow.com. Follow him on Twitter: @NPNowKozol.