VA’s got talent

NFL fans were treated to a moving rendition of the National Anthem ahead of the AFC Championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals.

If you’ve watched a sporting event in the last 25 years, there’s a good chance you’ve heard Retired Navy Petty Officer 1st class Generald Wilson perform the anthem before. He’s sung the Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America at about 1,000 events, including other NFL playoff games, the World Series, NHL Stanley Cup Finals and NCAA Championships.

Wilson is also a VA employee.

After retiring from the Navy in 2010 after 21 years of service, Wilson joined VA six months later as a human resources specialist at the St. Louis Regional Office. He still lives in St. Louis and transitioned to a remote position in 2022.

Another chance to serve

“When the opportunity presented itself to join VA, service for our country and Veterans was still in my heart,” says Wilson. “Just to be a part of something that puts Veterans first—and people first—is an honor and a privilege.”

Wilson began singing while in the Navy. After hearing his strong tenor, admirals would ask Wilson to sing at their retirement ceremonies. Word of Wilson’s moving voice spread, and in came the requests for events in the St. Louis area.

Performing for the NFL

Georgia Frontiere, the late owner of the St. Louis Rams, happened to attend one of those events in 1998.

“She came up to me on a Friday and said, ‘How would you like to sing for the Rams?’ I said, ‘Wow.’ She said, ‘Great, the game is on Sunday.’”

Two days later, Wilson sang at his first professional stadium, and the rest is history.

When he’s not working, Wilson is singing and recordings gospel tracks in studio.

“When people hear my voice, I want them to be encouraged or excited,” he says.

Most importantly, Wilson sings to unite. “When people listen to or sing the anthem together, you put away your differences for a minute and a half. That’s unity to me.”

Here’s his latest performance.