Blake Shelton honored Oklahoma Veterans and contributed to a large donation earlier this weekend.
The country superstar attended the Force 50 Foundation Benefit for Oklahoma Veterans on Friday (July 23). The sold-out benefit included dinner, a silent auction in addition to a special appearance by Shelton, who treated guests to a private concert dubbed ‘1742 An Intimate Evening with Blake Shelton,’ in memory of the late 1 LT Damon T. Leehan.
According to The ADA News, “Leehan, 30, of Moore, was killed by an improvised explosive device Aug. 14, 2011, in the Laghman province of eastern Afghanistan. He served as a platoon leader with Company A, 1st Battalion, 179 Infantry Regiment, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team based in Edmond. Damon left behind his wife, Audrey, along with two children, Emma and Ethan.”
The Oklahoma native performed several tracks during his mini-set, including “God’s Country,” “Home,” “Ole Red,” “The More I Drink” and more. The chart-topping country hitmaker even surprised with a special performance alongside his wife Gwen Stefani. The newlyweds performed their No. 1 single, “Happy Anywhere.”
“As soon as the details of this event were given to Blake, he immediately jumped on board to bring attention to this cause,” the Force 50 Foundation website reads.
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Shelton also teamed up with Chickasaw Nation to help raise nearly $500,000 for Oklahoma Veterans & the Force 50 Foundation. During the event Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby presented the gift of a check for $470,346 to Force 50 Foundation chairman Pete Reed.
“We deeply appreciate Blake Shelton sharing his immense talent and The Chickasaw Nation’s generous donation,” Reed shared. “Their involvement not only honors Damon’s ultimate sacrifice, but it also greatly supports the mission of Force 50 and its work on behalf of all Oklahoma veterans.”
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The Force 50 Foundation emerged from the Oklahoma Veterans Pilot Program and is committed to serving veterans and their families. The organization’s mission focuses on networking, partnerships and processes that improve quality of life, provide opportunities and overcome challenges for qualified Oklahoma veterans and their families.
For more information on the aforementioned foundation visit: www.Force50foundation.com
