Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner Raises Over$600,000 to Support U.S. Veterans

The Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner, benefiting The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP), returned to Nashville’s City Winery last night and raised more than $600,000 to fund programs serving U.S. veterans, first responders, and their families.

Founded in 2014 by the late Country Music Hall of Fame member Charlie Daniels and his longtime manager and friend David Corlew, TCDJHP provides critical resources to help veterans return, rehabilitate, and reintegrate into civilian life. This year marked the 11th anniversary of the Patriot Awards, which recognize individuals and organizations who exemplify the nonprofit’s mission of service and support.

The evening included a historic reunion of Annex Security Team members Kris “Tanto” Paronto, John “Tig” Tiegen, and Mark “Oz” Geist—the first time in 13 years the heroes of the Battle of Benghazi appeared together. Family members of fallen warriors also participated, including Cheryl Woods, mother of Tyrone “Rone” Woods, and Greg Doherty, brother of Glen “Bub” Doherty.

Among this year’s honorees:

• Lee Beaman, Chairman and CEO of Beaman Automotive, received the Giving Heart Award for his long-term commitment to veterans and their families, alongside his extensive philanthropic work in faith-based, healthcare, and educational causes.
• Debbie McElhinney, Founder and CEO of American Military Family, was honored with a 2025 Patriot Award for two decades of national leadership and advocacy on behalf of veterans, with a focus on ending veteran suicide.
• The Grand Ole Opry, previously recognized during a July 8, 2025, concert as part of the “Opry 100 Honors” series, was also acknowledged for its cultural and philanthropic contributions.

The evening was hosted by broadcaster Storme Warren and featured appearances by TCDJHP co-founder David Corlew, General Terry M. “Max” Haston, Mike Carado, Carolyn Corlew, Hazel Daniels, and Charlie Daniels Jr. Emotional moments of remembrance were shared for Charlie Kirk and Bernard “Bernie” Kerik, while spirited live and online auctions boosted fundraising totals.

Notable auction items included a classic motorcycle once owned by a veteran and an American flag carried on a culvert drone mission by the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (“Night Stalkers”).

Since its founding, TCDJHP has built impactful partnerships with organizations including the Shepherd Center, Operation Song, Charlie Five Equine Therapy, and the Special Forces Community. In 2019, a TCDJHP-funded donation to Vanderbilt University/VA Medical Center enabled the first CAR-T cancer treatment ever performed at a VA hospital, a program that has since delivered nearly 100 lifesaving treatments to veterans.

“The Patriot Awards are about more than one night—they’re about continuing Charlie’s mission to fight for the men and women who have fought for us,” said David Corlew, co-founder and president of TCDJHP. “We are honored by the generosity of our supporters and remain committed to ensuring every dollar raised goes directly to programs that provide hope and healing for our veterans.”

About The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project
The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping U.S. military veterans successfully return, rehabilitate, and reintegrate into civilian life. Founded in 2014 by the late Charlie Daniels and his manager David Corlew, TCDJHP partners with trusted organizations to maximize impact across healthcare, education, employment, and mental health.

For more information, visit: www.thecharliedanielsjourneyhomeproject.org