Annual Nashville fundraiser generates over $500,000 in aid for America’s veterans
NASHVILLE, TN, UNITED STATES, September 17, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner, a benefit for The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP), made its way back to City Winery Nashville on the evening of Thursday, Sept. 10, for a night focused on saluting American service, valor, and those who remain dedicated to supporting the nation’s veterans.
This year’s gathering specifically recognized the renowned Horse Soldiers and the service members of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), while also honoring individuals whose dedication to service mirrors the vision set forth by the late Charlie Daniels and his longtime friend and manager, David Corlew.
Through sponsorships, contributions, and enthusiastic live and silent auctions, the annual fundraiser brought in more than $500,000, with proceeds going toward TCDJHP’s ongoing mission of helping U.S. military veterans transition, recover, and reintegrate into civilian life.
Central to the evening was a tribute to the remarkable legacy of the Horse Soldiers—the U.S. Special Forces operators who were deployed to Afghanistan shortly after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. A special film kicked off the tribute, after which David Corlew introduced Joel Pruitt, who spoke to the audience as part of the recognition of the Horse Soldiers and the 5th Special Forces Group.
Lt. General John F. Mulholland (Ret.) was also honored during the event, receiving a special 5th Special Forces Group watch before offering his own remarks to those in attendance.
With the event taking place on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, the evening carried a deeper sense of commemoration and reflection, paying homage to those who stepped up to serve in the wake of the attacks.
In addition, five individuals were recognized for their service and dedication to veterans and their local communities. Robert Koons took home the Charlie Daniels Service Award, while James Doyle was honored with a Patriot Award, as were Tim and Kate Cooper of the Cooper Alan Foundation—parents of country artist Cooper Alan and collaborators in his philanthropic work. Scott Hunt of Hunt Brothers Pizza was presented with the Giving Heart Award.
A special moment was also set aside to remember the late Bernard “Bernie” Kerik, with David offering reflections on Kerik’s life and his enduring legacy of service.
The evening commenced with the Presentation of the Colors, followed by a performance of the national anthem by Donnie Reis. A Missing Man Table served as a poignant reminder of those service members who never made it home, while Carolyn Corlew delivered the invocation. Tom Gross acted as the master of ceremonies for the event.
David also spoke to attendees about the work of TCDJHP and the various organizations and initiatives it backs, including its long-standing partnership with Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In 2019, TCDJHP helped fund the first CAR-T cancer treatment ever performed at a VA hospital, broadening access to this potentially life-saving therapy for veterans.
The live and silent auctions added considerable momentum to the evening’s fundraising, giving guests access to a remarkable array of military artifacts, Charlie Daniels memorabilia, music collectibles, and exclusive items tied to American military history.
A standout in the live auction was a Charlie Daniels package that included handwritten lyrics to his iconic hit, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” as well as a limited-edition Fire on the Mountain 45th Anniversary guitar autographed by Daniels and numbered 23 of just 45.
Another headline item was an American flag that was flown aboard an MQ-1C ER Gray Eagle over Africa on Dec. 13, 2025, in support of mission partners and Task Force 2/160th SOAR(A), accompanied by a 160th Airborne challenge coin and a certificate of authenticity.
A special Bernie Kerik tribute package featured a guitar signed by Kerik, Kash Patel, Trace Adkins, and Mark “Oz” Geist at the 2024 Patriot Awards Dinner, along with a custom recreation of the CASE V-42 Stiletto crafted from steel recovered from the World Trade Center. Made with 110 layers of Damascus steel symbolizing the 110 floors of the Twin Towers, the piece stood as a powerful emblem of remembrance, sacrifice, and service. The package also included a bottle of Horse Soldier Bourbon and a signed copy of Horse Soldiers.
A 5th Special Forces Group rifle was another featured item in the live auction to round out the offerings.
The silent auction featured a mix of military, music, sports, and entertainment memorabilia and experiences, such as 5th Special Forces Group collectibles, Charlie Daniels and Volunteer Jam items, Grand Ole Opry centennial pieces, and Special Forces artwork, along with travel, dining, jewelry, and other donated goods.
“The Patriot Awards have always been about remembering the people who raised their hands and answered the call, and making sure we continue standing beside them when they come home,” said David. “Charlie believed deeply in honoring the men and women who protect our freedom. To have the Horse Soldiers and members of the 5th Special Forces Group at the heart of this year’s event, especially as our nation marks 25 years since Sept. 11, was incredibly meaningful. The generosity we saw at this year’s event allows us to continue turning that gratitude into real support for veterans and their families. We’re also incredibly proud that our reach has expanded to Vanderbilt’s cancer center and clinical trials program, supporting the ongoing fight against the various forms of cancer and other illnesses affecting veterans as a result of exposures connected to the Global War on Terrorism. Vanderbilt is making progress every day in the fight against this terrible disease, and we’re grateful to have the opportunity to support work that can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our veterans and their families.”
Since its founding in 2014, TCDJHP has worked alongside organizations and programs dedicated to addressing the needs of America’s veterans and their families. Its partnerships have included the Shepherd Center, Operation Song, Charlie Five Equine Therapy, the Special Forces community, and other organizations providing resources in healthcare, rehabilitation, mental health, and reintegration.
The evening was presented by Lipman Brothers, Team Construction, and Industrial Repair Services, with additional support from sponsors and donors whose contributions help advance TCDJHP’s mission throughout the year.
About The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project: The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization 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, the organization partners with vetted programs to maximize impact, offering resources in healthcare, education, employment, and mental health support.
For more information, visit http://thejourneyhomeproject.org.
Christy Watkins
Journey Home Project
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