Rascal Flatts performs at the Nightly Concert at LP Field on Saturday, June 9 in Downtown Nashville during the 2007 CMA Music Festival. Photo courtesy of the CMA. Photographer: John Russell / CMA.
May 14, 2008 — Joe Don Rooney (lead guitar in Rascal Flatts) went back to Oklahoma this week, though this trip is a sad one rather than a homecoming celebration.
According to Country Aircheck, Joe Don returned to Picher, Okla., to help with the cleanup after the town was severely damaged by tornadoes and thunderstorms. According to the Asssociated Press, 114 homes were destroyed and seven people lost their lives. In a town of approximately 800, those numbers are particularly devastating.
Among those who died was one of Joe Don’s high-school friends. The area, which was already the site of open mine shafts and acidic water, will not receive rebuilding aid from the government. Money will be given, however, for relocation assistance.
That Joe Don has gone to help out should come as no surprise. It’s the perfect statement for Rascal Flatts’ status as the winner of the Home Depot Humanitarian Award at this Sunday’s 43rd annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, airing on CBS. Rascal Flatts has a chance to win Top Vocal Group for a record-tying sixth straight year. The band is also up for Entertainer of the Year.