Chris Young Performs At Fourth Annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards, Raises Over Half A Million for Veterans

The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP) raised more than $500,000 for U.S. military vets at the fourth annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards.

Held at Nashville’s City Winery on Wednesday, October 26, the evening included live performances by country star Chris Young, the War Hippies and a surprise performance by Lee Greenwood with his megahit “God Bless the USA.” Actor Gary Sinise, U.S. Army combat veteran and TCDJHP Ambassador Joel Pruitt and Lee Beaman, Nashville businessmen were presented with 2022’s Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards.

Honored to make a surprise appearance during the Charlie Daniel’s Patriot Awards as we raise money for veterans. We love and miss Charlie! 🇺🇸🙏🏼 @CharlieDaniels pic.twitter.com/4wfN87Ixtj

— Lee Greenwood (@TheLeeGreenwood) October 31, 2022

“Once again, those who are concerned about the welfare of our returning veterans came to make a difference,” said TCDJHP co-founder and longtime manager for Daniels, David Corlew. “It was a wonderful evening of patriotism, support and caring. Chris Young, Lee Greenwood and the War Hippies all joined to make it the biggest night our organization has experienced since we began.”

While Sinise, a dedicated supporter of the U.S. military with his personal non-profit the Gary Sinise Foundation, was unable to attend, he made sure to share a special video message.

“I am honored to receive this award from Charlie Daniels, in his name,” shared Sinise in the video. “To receive an award in his name is a blessing, a privilege, an honor. Why did I get so lucky?”

what a night at the Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards!!!! pic.twitter.com/fYCa9vnacC

— Journey Home Project/ Founder Charlie Daniels (@TJHproject) October 27, 2022

Pruitt grew close to Daniels during his later years, and now dedicates a great amount of time to TCDJHP and the organization’s mission. Beaman is another avid supporter of military causes.

“I am both humbled and honored to receive the Charlie Daniels Patriot Award,” said Beaman. “We are blessed to live in this great nation, and I am grateful to the men and women who sacrifice so much to preserve and protect the freedoms we have in our country. I am blessed to have the opportunity to help The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project in supporting those great soldiers.”

Guest speakers on the special night featured New York City Police Commissioner Bernie Kerik and Col. Jay Powers, former Commanding Officer, 5th Group (U.S. Army Green Beret – Fort Campbell, KY). Sponsored by Team Construction and SuperTalk 99.7, Storme Warren of SiriusXM hosted the dinner. Daniel’s wife Hazel and son Charlie Daniels, Jr. were present. Two additional guests were also honored: 97-year-old Mathias Gutman, WWII Navy vet, and 99-year-old Gladys Hughes, WWII Coast Guard vet.

Epic evening!! pic.twitter.com/5Km19dAcpY

— Journey Home Project/ Founder Charlie Daniels (@TJHproject) October 27, 2022

“We even had an appearance from a combat warrior serving in the Middle East who shared his belief that what we are doing is making a major impact,” said Corlew. “Charlie would be very proud of the energy and kindness in that room. It’s an honor to be a part of Charlie’s legacy and dream to serve the servicemen and women of the United States military in such an epic way.”

Daniels, country music and southern rock legend, passed away on Monday, July 6, 2020. Co-founded by the “Devil Went Down To Georgia” singer and Corlew in 2014, TCDJHP works to support veterans during their return, rehabilitation and reintegration into civilian life.

The Patriot Award aligns with this mission, honoring a person, persons or group that encompasses and exemplifies that purpose. Past recipients of the award include Young, Darryl Worley, Mike Huckabee, Mark “Oz” Geist, Jude Seale, William Horton, Donnie Mingus, MTSU’s Daniels Center, The Shepherd’s Center and more.