CHARLESTON, SC – Steve Simon, CEO of American Auto Auction Group (AAAG), is set to ship out to Afghanistan in mid April. He will be heading up a two-week Blues concert tour to entertain U.S. troops serving in the war zone.

For a number of years, Simon has periodically traded his business wardrobe for khakis and fatigues in order to take blues artists overseas to entertain U.S. troops and embassy staffs. Coordinated through the Department of Defense and the State Department, Simon’s concert tours, named Bluzapalooza, have included performances in Iraq, South Korea, Japan, Italy, Kuwait and Egypt.

“It is an honor to be able to bring celebrity Blues artists to entertain our men and woman in uniform who are fighting a war. These amazing Americans have made so many sacrifices to keep us safe at home. We will be giving them a show that they will never forget and that will remind them of how much they are loved and prayed for by all of us," stated Simon.

Last year, Simon was honored by the Department of Defense for his volunteer work with members of the Armed Forces and civilian employees serving in Iraq.

Signed by Lt. General Lloyd J. Austin III, the commendation praised Simon for his “exemplary support to the members of our Armed Forces, Department of Defense civilian employees and contractors in Iraq.” The commendation also notes that Simon’s “willingness to serve our troops has had a significant impact on the morale and welfare of our dedicated men and women deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.”

Simon launched AAAG in Jan. 2010 with fellow industry veteran, Keith Lelux. Building on a network of independent auctions throughout the country, AAAG provides a viable alternative for vehicle sellers who require national sales coverage. AAAG is headquartered in Charleston, South Carolina, and presently includes three premier auction properties: Charleston Auto Auction in Moncks Corner, SC; Rea Brothers Mid-South Auto Auction in Jackson, MS; and Texas Lone Star Auto Auction in Carrollton, TX. For additional information about American Auto Auction Group call (843) 579-AUTO or visit americanautoauctiongroup.com.