On Thursday, September 24, the Debra & Kevin Rollins Studio Theatre at Austin’s Long Center for the Performing Arts became more than a concert hall. For one evening, it became a gathering place for people who believe in honoring those who served and standing beside the families they left behind.
Craig Hester, Chairman and CEO of Austin-based Hester Capital Management, served as master of ceremonies for the concert.
Renowned recording artist JD Hinton took the stage for an intimate benefit concert supporting Heroes Linked and our Gold Star Rising program. The night delivered everything we hoped for: great music, genuine connection, and a powerful reminder of why this work matters.
A homecoming for a Texas songwriter
Raised in Waco, JD Hinton has built a devoted following far beyond Texas, selling out iconic venues such as Rockwood Music Hall in New York and Vitello’s, House of Blues, and the Viper Room in Los Angeles. Known for introspective, poetic Americana delivered in a low, rumbling voice, he writes songs critics have described as “a small poem, a vignette…of love lost and found, regrets and humor.” Critics have called his songwriting as heartfelt as Hank Williams’s and often compare it to Leonard Cohen, Peter Gabriel, and Robbie Robertson. Beyond the stage, he has composed music for film, including Children on Their Birthdays, whose song “I Have to Dream” was performed by Celine Dion.
In Austin, that reputation came to life. Joined by bandmates Justin Glasco and Ryan Vaughn, JD performed selections from his latest EP and his new single, “Should Have Said Hello.” The Rollins Studio Theatre’s intimate setting gave guests a rare chance to hear his songs as they’re meant to be heard: up close, unhurried, and with every word landing.
Honoring a hero
After the final song, guests moved to the Kodosky Donor Lounge for a hosted reception and a special program featuring Medal of Honor recipient Leroy Petry.
A retired U.S. Army Ranger, Leroy received the Medal of Honor in 2011 for his actions on May 26, 2008, in Paktia Province, Afghanistan. Wounded in both legs during a Taliban ambush, he grabbed an enemy grenade that had landed near his fellow Rangers and threw it back. It detonated as he released it, severing his right hand. He applied his own tourniquet and continued directing the fight. Over his career, Leroy deployed eight times and returned to Afghanistan for his final tour after recovering.
The reception’s centerpiece was a 30-minute fireside chat between Leroy and Heroes Linked Board Chair Bob Jerome. In a candid, wide-ranging conversation, Leroy reflected on what the Medal of Honor means to him and the nation, and walked guests through the combat action that earned him the medal. He closed with a message that resonated throughout the room: each of us can make a difference for those around us and our communities.
It was a rare and moving opportunity to hear firsthand from one of our nation’s most distinguished heroes, and a fitting tribute to the service and sacrifice at the heart of everything Heroes Linked does. Guests also had the chance to meet JD, connect with one another, and share in the evening's spirit.
“Leroy Petry reminds us what service truly costs, and JD Hinton gave us a night to remember,” said Heroes Linked Board Chair Bob Jerome. “Every dollar raised helps a Gold Star teen or young adult take the next step toward the future their parent or sibling fought for.”
Why it matters
Every ticket, sponsorship, and gift from the evening supports Heroes Linked’s arts enrichment program for Gold Star youth aged 13 to 21, young people who have lost a parent or loved one who died in service. Through theatre, filmmaking, and creative writing, these teens find space to tell their own stories, build confidence, and connect with peers who understand what they carry.
We are deeply grateful to JD Hinton for sharing his talent and heart with us, to Leroy Petry for joining us and honoring our Gold Star families, and to the Long Center for the Performing Arts for hosting a truly special evening.
Our heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who made the night possible: The Torian-Barineau-Longenbaugh Fund, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, CyberRatings.org, W Hotel Austin, Frantic Redhead Productions, and JD Hinton.
To everyone who filled the seats: thank you. Your support is a promise to Gold Star teens that their loved ones’ sacrifice is remembered and that their futures matter.
If you missed the evening, you can still join the mission. Donate to Heroes Linked and listen to JD Hinton’s music on Spotify and Apple Music.
JD Hinton on stage with band member Justin Glasco, during the September 24 benefit concert.
Medal of Honor recipient Leroy Petry speaks to attendees at the post-performance reception during the September 24 benefit concert.
