Reality Star Bigg Marv Supports Troops In A Big Way

While much of the talk in Washington right now seems to be about who can make themselves look the best, reality star Bigg Marv is using his time and name recognition to bring attention to the dedication and sacrifice of America's military.

"I'm a military child myself," says the 35 year old star of A&E's HAMMERTIME and the upcoming series KINFOLKS. "My dad was in the Navy and I know what it's like to have your family away, not knowing if they are coming back."

On July 2, 2011 Bigg Marv hosted a concert at Ft. Hamilton in Brooklyn, NY that was a tribute to the soldiers and their families. One of the headliners for the event was singing superstar Ne-Yo.

This work on behalf of the troops is nothing new for Bigg Marv, though. "I started volunteering in my late teens early twenties," he says. This would be at the VA Hospital and with charity work that was benefiting the men and women of the Armed Forces.

When there is a debate in Washington that puts the financial stability of the troops and the family at risk, Bigg Marv says most of us don't understand the far-reaching consequences of it. "They are already giving so much," he says. "The least we can do is make sure they are taken care of and protected and not used as political pawns."

Look for Bigg Marv to be active in other events to support the military throughout the rest of the year and into 2012. You can keep up with his activities at www.twitter.com/biggmarv.

Bigg Marv To Host July 4th Celebration In Honor Of Troops

Many have gotten to know TV Personality Bigg Marv as the cousin of legendary rapper M. C. Hammer and co-star of the hit reality show on A&E HAMMERTIME. However his commitment to helping children and those serving our country in the military is something that has been on his heart and a part of his life for some time. On Saturday, July 2, 2011 Bigg Marv will be the host of a concert featuring three-time Grammy Award-winning Def Jam recording artist Ne-Yo at Fort Hamilton, N.Y. This event will be to honor the brave men and women serving in the U.S. military. For the second consecutive year, Fort Hamilton's Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (www.HamiltonMWR.com ), Lerer Media and The Source Magazine have partnered to showcase some of music's top performers.

"This is what having celebrity and a public platform is all about," says Bigg Marv. "Those of us who have garnered the spotlight have a responsibility to shine it on those who are keeping us safe as well as their families who give so much of themselves. I'm excited and honored to be a part of this event as a public display of our support and gratitude."

Ne-Yo agrees. "I am extremely proud to work with FMWR to bring live music to the troops and their families," he says. "We hope to entertain them while we bring attention the fact that military families also give a great personal sacrifice. They sometimes are forgotten in the bigger picture."

Held at the newly dedicated Sgt. Deon Taylor Ball Fields, soldiers and their families, active duty service members, retirees, veterans, DOD civilians and their families and NYPD/ FDNY first responders will have access to each artist for a personal meet and greet beginning at 2 p.m. (rain or shine). The gates will then open to the general public at 4 p.m. at the Dyker Park entrance at Dyker Park and Poly Place Aves. The concert will start promptly at 6 p.m. with a spectacular fireworks display by Grucci immediately following the show. Those wishing to attend should RSVP at www.MissionOneVoice.com to expedite entrance and must have valid identification, such as a driver's license or a passport to gain entry - no exceptions. It is highly recommended that guests arrive by public transportation due to extremely limited parking and vehicle access onto the installation.

"We are looking forward to hosting the concert for our military families," says Sarah Johnson, FMWR director. "After a successful event last year, we look to make this an annual event to give back to our military personnel and their families. It is exciting to hold an event like this to bring celebrities like, Ne-Yo and others here. Our Soldiers and their families are in for a real treat for this year's Independence Day celebration at Fort Hamilton."

Fort Hamilton is the only active duty military installation in New York City and serves service members and their families within a 50 mile radius of Brooklyn. Invited guests include Soldiers of Fort Hamilton, the joint base Fort Dix, McGuire Air Force, Lakehurst Naval Station and the National Guard and Reserves units in the area, police and fire personnel, government employees, The Wounded Warrior Program and Soldiers from West Point, Picatinny and their families. The concert will also feature up and coming DTP/Def Jam artist BXC and will introduce Center for American Military Music Opportunities artist, Specialist Rena Marie Cunningham and more.

For more information about the event, visit www.MissionOneVoice.com. You can keep up with Bigg Marv and his other upcoming events at www.twitter.com/biggmarv.

Interview requests for Bigg Marv can be directed to Cyrus Webb of Shadow Play Entertainment by emailing cawebb4@juno.com or calling 601.896.5616. You can also visit www.shadowplayent.com.