OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Music, patriotism, and support for wounded veterans took center stage at the Never Give Up on Country concert to benefit the Travis Mills Foundation on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025. Held at Sheltair at the Ocala International Airport, the event brought together fans, veterans, and music lovers for an unforgettable evening.

The concert, headlined by country artist Chris Janson, attracted an enthusiastic crowd. Local Navy veteran and country artist Chris McNeil opened the show with a powerful performance, including a stirring rendition of the National Anthem. His performance was highlighted by a breathtaking flyover from the Humble Squadron flying team and an American flag parachute drop by the AVG All Veterans Group.

Chris McNeil performs during the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert for the Travis Mills Foundation at Sheltair at the Ocala International Airport on Jan. 31, 2025. The event raised funds to support wounded veterans.
Chris McNeil performs at the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert for the Travis Mills Foundation at Sheltair at the Ocala International Airport on Jan. 31, 2025. Proceeds support wounded veterans.
Chris McNeil performs during the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert for the Travis Mills Foundation at Sheltair at the Ocala International Airport in Ocala, Fla., on Jan. 31, 2025. Proceeds support wounded veterans.
Fans enjoy Chris McNeil’s performance during the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert for the Travis Mills Foundation at Sheltair at the Ocala International Airport in Ocala, Fla., on Jan. 31, 2025. Proceeds support wounded veterans

Among those enjoying the show was recalibrated veteran Marc Owens, accompanied by his loyal service dog, Bacca. Owens and many other veterans in attendance were honored by the Travis Mills Foundation, an organization founded by retired U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills. Mills, who lost both arms and legs to a roadside bomb in Afghanistan in 2012, created the foundation to support recalibrated veterans and their families.

Travis Mills talks with concertgoers during the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert at Sheltair at the Ocala International Airport on Jan. 31, 2025. The event supports wounded veterans through the Travis Mills Foundation.
Wounded veteran Marc Owens and his service dog, Bacca, enjoy Chris McNeil’s performance during the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert at Sheltair at the Ocala International Airport on Jan. 31, 2025. The event supports wounded veterans through the Travis Mills Foundation.

Special guests, midday radio host Lewis Stokes from 93.7 K-Country and morning news anchor Kristin Chase from WCJB-TV20, took the stage to introduce performers and announce the winners of three exciting prize drawings: a Mission BBQ gift basket with dinner for 25, a Travis Mills Foundation swag bag, and two bottles of Horse Soldier Bourbon.

Morning news anchor Kristin Chase from WCJB TV-20, left, and Lewis Stokes from K-Country announce the drawing winners during the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert at Sheltair at the Ocala International Airport on Jan. 31, 2025.

“It was a great night, and as a veteran myself, I am really happy we get to do this event here in Ocala,” said Stokes, an Air Force veteran. “The hangar at Sheltair Aviation was the perfect venue, with great acoustics and vintage warplanes in the background setting the tone for a patriotic atmosphere.”

Adding to the evening’s entertainment, Janson delivered an electrifying performance, covering everything from “Great Balls of Fire” to “Don’t Stop Believin’” and his latest hit single, “Stay Rowdy.”

Country singer Chris Janson performs during the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert at Sheltair at the Ocala International Airport on Jan. 31, 2025.
Chris Janson energizes the crowd with his high-energy performance at the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert in Ocala, Fla., on Jan. 31, 2025.
Country music star Chris Janson sings to a packed audience during the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert at Sheltair Aviation in Ocala, Fla.
Chris Janson performs his hit songs on stage at the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert, supporting the Travis Mills Foundation, on Jan. 31, 2025.

Beyond the music, the event featured a display of historic P-51 Mustangs and other warbirds, reinforcing the night’s tribute to military service and sacrifice.

A lineup of P-51 Mustangs and other historic warbirds are on display at Sheltair at the Ocala International Airport during the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert on Jan. 31, 2025.
Attendees admire P-51 Mustangs and other vintage warbirds on display at Sheltair Aviation in Ocala, Fla., as part of the Never Give Up on Country benefit concert.

With proceeds benefiting the Travis Mills Foundation, the concert successfully combined music, camaraderie, and a commitment to supporting America’s wounded veterans, making for an inspiring and memorable night in Ocala.