NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Nov. 4, 2014) – Thousands of fans turned out to help Hunter Hayes kick off CMA Awards week with a surprise-packed free street party in downtown Nashville that included a special salute to a special soldier.

Hayes helped Country Music Association CEO Sarah Trahern give four tickets to Wednesday’s “The 48th Annual CMA Awards” to Sergeant First Class Tyler Arnold and pay tribute to several Fort Campbell servicemen and women in attendance as part of the USO’s “Every Moment Counts” campaign on Monday, Nov. 3. Hayes has partnered with the USO to create special #USOmoments for troops and their families at each of the award-winning singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist’s Tattoo (Your Name) Tourstops.

“We’ve been fortunate to play a few shows specifically for our servicemen and women, exclusively for them, and it’s a great honor,” Hayes said before playing “Love Too Much” from his current album, Storyline. “Every night in the show we dedicate this song to all of our men and women serving all over the world … as well as their families. They miss so many beautiful moments with their families so they can go serve, so we can get together and do things like this.”

Arnold, of Norfolk, Va., has been deployed overseas six times during his military career, including stints in Iraq and Afghanistan. The USO honored him for his service and sacrifice and the strength he showed missing “moments” with his wife and two daughters during his deployment.

A series of guests joined Hayes on stage during the hit-filled show, including Kellie Pickler, Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Charlie Worsham and Tattoo (Your Name) Tourmates Dan + Shay and The Railers. Fans filled the courtyard of the Bridgestone Arena for the outdoor show and spilled into the streets, often singing along with Hayes.

Hayes also appeared on ABC’s “Countdown to the CMA Awards: 15 Songs That Changed Country Music with Robin Roberts” on his eventful Monday night. He paid tribute to Johnny Cash, performing the iconic “Folsom Prison Blues,” and his busy week continues Wednesday, Nov. 5 when Hayes performs on “The 48th Annual CMA Awards.”

Future dates for the Tattoo (Your Name) Tour (*denotes special “Wild Card” show):

Nov. 13, 2014 BMO Harris Bradley Center | Milwaukee, Wisc.

Nov. 14, 2014 iWireless Center | Moline, Ill.

Nov. 15, 2014 Sprint Center | Kansas City, Mo.

Nov. 20, 2014 Chaifetz Arena | St. Louis, Mo.

Nov. 21, 2014 Sears Centre Arena | Chicago, Ill.

Nov. 22, 2014 The Palace of Auburn Hills | Detroit, Mich. 

Nov. 29, 2014 Verizon Theatre at Grand Prairie | Dallas, Texas*

Dec. 4, 2014 Lakefront Arena | New Orleans, La.

Dec. 5, 2014 Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena | Jacksonville, Fla.

Dec. 6, 2014 Arena at Gwinnett Center | Atlanta, Ga. 

Dec. 11, 2014 Wolstein Center | Cleveland, Ohio

Dec. 12, 2014 Rogers K-Rock Centre | Kingston, ONT Canada

Dec. 13, 2014 Budweiser Gardens | London, ONT Canada

To purchase tickets for Hunter Hayes’ Tattoo (Your Name) Tour, visit: www.hunterhayes.com

About Hunter Hayes: Four-time GRAMMY nominee Hunter Hayes is a Louisiana-born, Nashville-based singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist who roared onto the music scene in 2011 with his platinum-selling, No. 1 self-titled debut album on Atlantic Records. With three No. 1 singles already under his belt (including the multi-platinum smash “Wanted,” “Somebody¹s Heartbreak” and “I Want Crazy”), Hayes delves into deeper material on his new album,Storyline. The emotional lead single “Invisible” resonates with fans across the globe and new single “Tattoo” is already Top 30 and climbing at country radio. Hayes launched his 17-city headlining Tattoo (Your Name) Tour in New York City on October 28. For more information, visit www.hunterhayes.com or follow @HunterHayes.

About the USO: The USO lifts the spirits of America’s troops and their families millions of times each year at hundreds of places worldwide. We provide a touch of home through centers at airports and military bases in the U.S. and abroad, top quality entertainment and innovative programs and services. We also provide critical support to those who need us most, including forward-deployed troops, military families, wounded warriors, troops in transition and families of the fallen. The USO is a private, non-profit organization, not a government agency. Our programs and services are made possible by the American people, support of our corporate partners and the dedication of our volunteers and staff. To join us in this important mission, and to learn more about the USO, please visit: http://www.uso.org.

“Every Moment Counts” is the USO’s national campaign to rally Americans to honor and create moments that matter for our troops and their families. By clearly communicating the significance of these moments, and humanizing their impact on families, the USO can help shift the civilian perspective on military service and inspire Americans to help show their gratitude to our troops and their families.