Jeff Bates' Inspires Fans To Form Operation Circle Of Love

NASHVILLE, TN (Jeff Bates Official Website) - Jeff Bates' music inspired members of his People On A Mission fan club to attend his concert at the county fair in Dunbar, Pennsylvania last year. It was that fateful concert that brought these fans together with Staff Sergeant Al Stenzel, Jr. (Al Jr.) who was also attending the show. Friendships formed and in December 2004 when the 27 men of the Army National Guard 1st Detachment, Company C, 1st Battalion, 110th Infantry in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania were called to action, Jeff Bates' fans formed Operation Circle of Love.

The mission of Operation Circle of Love is to provide support to these 27 members during their 18-month tour of duty. Bates' fans have been writing letters, creating poems, seeking companies to donate items, making key chains with the soldiers' names, collecting funds and sending goodie boxes.

With Bates and his music at the heart of Operation Circle of Love, it is only fitting that the name was inspired by the Bates' song 'The Love Song.' The song is about the journey of a man as he discovers the many ways we encounter love. In the final stanza as the man's wife is getting ready to deliver a baby...
Then it took a brand new meaning
When the doctor said: 'It's time to watch your miracle arrive'
Thank the Lord, cut the cord
Take her home, help her grow
And complete the circle of love
Love
That's the circle of love

These 27 Army National Guards from Canonsburg, PA continue to be inspired by Bates' music which they listen to in Iraq where they are currently serving. They often send photos back to Bates, his band and the members of Operation Circle of Love. For additional information about Operation Circle of Love and how to become involved, check out https://www.ocolproject.com/home.html. Jeff Bates' sophomore album Good People will be released on RCA Nashville in 2006.