FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CMA OF TEXAS & SGT. 2STEP FOUNDATION TO HONOR U.S. ARMY VETERAN JOHN “SWAT” SWANTNER
Iraq War Veteran to be honored October 14 at the CMA of Texas Awards Show at Dosey Doe — The Big Barn
THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS — The Sgt. 2Step Foundation, in partnership with the CMA of Texas, is proud to announce that U.S. Army Veteran John “Swat” Swantner will be honored during the CMA of Texas Awards Show on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at Dosey Doe — The Big Barn in The Woodlands, Texas.
Swantner served on active duty in the United States Army from 2004–2008. A Corporal who served in the 92Y supply field, he was stationed at Fort Stewart, Georgia, and completed two deployments to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, including deployments in 2005–2006 and 2007–2008.
But for the Sgt. 2Step Foundation, this recognition is about more than John’s military record.
It is about what he has chosen to do since coming home.
SERVICE AFTER THE UNIFORM
Music is an important part of the Sgt. 2Step Foundation’s mission and programs. The Foundation creates meaningful connections between Veterans, families of the Fallen, Gold Star families and survivors, using music as a therapeutic outlet and a way to build relationships, community and continued support.
John “Swat” has gone above and beyond in becoming part of that mission.
He did not simply lend his name to a cause or offer words of support.
He jumped in. He stayed. He cared.
John has given his time, his music and his heart to the Foundation’s programs and the people we serve. He has helped build genuine relationships between Veterans and families who understand service, sacrifice and loss in ways that can sometimes be difficult to put into words.
Most importantly, his commitment has continued.
“John is someone who didn’t just tell us he cared—he showed us,” said Tracy 2Step, Founder and President of the Sgt. 2Step Foundation. “When we bring Veterans together with our Gold Star families, families of our Fallen and survivors, those relationships matter. John jumped in, became part of our programs and stayed. That’s the kind of service we want to recognize. Music is a universal language, but it can also be therapeutic, build bridges and remind someone they are not alone. We could not be more grateful for John and his commitment to this mission.”
CMA OF TEXAS & SGT. 2STEP FOUNDATION PARTNERSHIP
The Sgt. 2Step Foundation extends its heartfelt gratitude to Mary Minter and the CMA of Texas for providing a place within the Texas music community where service, sacrifice and the people who continue making a difference through music can be recognized.
“Mary, thank you for believing in the Sgt. 2Step Foundation and opening the door for this partnership,” Tracy 2Step said. “Thank you for understanding that service, sacrifice and music belong together and for giving us an opportunity to recognize someone like John while standing alongside an extraordinary group of people being honored by the CMA of Texas.”
The Sgt. 2Step Foundation also congratulates all of the CMA of Texas honorees who will be recognized during this special evening. We are honored to celebrate alongside the artists, songwriters, musicians, broadcasters and members of the music community whose dedication continues to keep music alive.
[VIEW THE COMPLETE CMA OF TEXAS HONOREE LIST]
JOIN US — CMA OF TEXAS AWARDS SHOW
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Awards Show: 6:00 PM
Dosey Doe — The Big Barn
25911 Interstate 45
The Woodlands, Texas 77380
Join us as we celebrate John “Swat” Swantner and an incredible evening honoring music, service and community.
[PURCHASE CMA OF TEXAS AWARDS SHOW TICKETS]
ABOUT THE SGT. 2STEP FOUNDATION
The Sgt. 2Step Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to serving Veterans, families of the Fallen, Gold Star families, survivors and communities through programs centered around connection, healing, opportunity and music.
Music is a significant part of the Foundation’s mission. Our programs bring Veterans together with families of the Fallen and survivors, provide music and therapeutic outlets, support independent artists, and create lasting relationships within communities affected by military service and sacrifice.
The Foundation’s work also includes family retreats, sibling and youth scholarships, instruments and music lessons, artist emergency support, equine therapy, school partnerships and additional programs designed to provide meaningful, long-term support.
For the Sgt. 2Step Foundation, our mission is not simply to say “we remember” or “we support you.”
Our mission is to show up—and keep showing up.
MEDIA CONTACT
Tracy 2Step
Founder & President, Sgt. 2Step Foundation
Tracy2StepMusic@gmail.com
512-470-3485
sgt2stepfoundation.org
Service doesn’t always end with the uniform. Sometimes it simply finds a new mission.
