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  • Country music artist and Jefferson County resident Brittany Clarke performed at the Mt. Vernon City Wide Cleanup in May, and this week will be performing before thousands of military members and their families during the Organization Day, this Friday at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. SUBMITTED PHOTO

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August 5, 2009

Clarke to perform in nation's capital

By TESA CULLI

tesa.culli@register-news.com

WASHINGTON, D.C. — For many years, residents of Jefferson County have been enjoying watching Brittany Clarke's Country music career grow from local talent shows to a recording contract which was signed in December.

Now, thousands of military personnel and their families will get to hear the Bluford resident's unique vocal talent when she performs this weekend at the Organization Day event at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C.

"I was very honored to be asked," Clarke said. "This is one of the most prestigious things I've gotten to do in my career. These are people who put their lives down for our country and fight for our freedoms. This is just one way to make a little difference in their lives and show I appreciate what they do."

According to information from Walter Reed, Organization Day is an "appreciation day" for the community work force, military, civilians and their families.

The medical center has a rich history, going back even as far as the Civil War. According to Walter Reed Historian Sherman Fleek, the property was a battlefield during the only serious armed threat to Washington, D.C. during the Civil War, on July 11, 1864 and July 12, 1864.

"This year marks Walter Reed's 100th year of medical excellence," Col. Norvell Van Coots stated. "We are celebrating the legacy of Maj. Walter Reed and those physicians and staff that made the dream of this medical center a reality. Although Walter Reed Army Medical Center will transform into the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in 2011, our remarkable past and continued passion to provide the best medical care possible will keep the torch of excellence burning for decades to come."

Clarke said she and her mother, Sandy will be making the trip to Walter Reed, while her father, Scott remains back in Jefferson County. It will be a quick trip for Clarke who will be returning home this weekend.

In addition to performing for her biggest audience, Clarke will also be experiencing another first — her first airplane ride.

"I'm excited about that too," Clarke admitted.

After her return home, Clarke will be getting ready for another first — opening for Country music artist Craig Morgan on Sept. 2 at the Du Quoin State Fair.

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