The Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner, benefiting The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP), returned to Nashville’s City Winery and raised more than $600,000 in support of programs for 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 David Corlew, the nonprofit helps veterans return, rehabilitate, and reintegrate into civilian life. This year marked the 11th anniversary of the Patriot Awards, which honor individuals and organizations that embody the mission of service and support.
A Historic Reunion and Heartfelt Tributes
One of the evening’s most powerful moments was the reunion of Annex Security Team members Kris “Tanto” Paronto, John “Tig” Tiegen, and Mark “Oz” Geist. It was the first time in 13 years that the three men, who fought in the Battle of Benghazi, had gathered together.
Family members of fallen heroes were also present, including Cheryl Woods, mother of Tyrone “Rone” Woods, and Greg Doherty, brother of Glen “Bub” Doherty. Both men were GRS Operators who gave their lives during the 2012 attacks in Libya.
Honoring Leaders of Service
Nashville business leader Lee Beaman received the Giving Heart Award for his longtime dedication to veterans and their families. As Chairman and CEO of Beaman Automotive, he has built one of Middle Tennessee’s most respected automotive groups while generously supporting faith-based organizations, healthcare, education, and veteran initiatives.
Debbie McElhinney, Founder and CEO of American Military Family, was also recognized with a 2025 Patriot Award. For more than two decades, McElhinney has been an advocate for veterans and their families, driven by her own family’s history during the Vietnam War. Her organization leads efforts to combat veteran suicide, and her work has been recognized nationally by figures such as President George W. Bush and Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld.
Earlier this year, the Grand Ole Opry was also honored with a Patriot Award during its centennial celebration on July 8, 2025, underscoring the award’s cultural impact.
A Night of Reflection and Support
The evening featured appearances by TCDJHP co-founder David Corlew, General Terry M. “Max” Haston, Mike Carado, Carolyn Corlew, Hazel Daniels, and Charlie Daniels Jr. Host Storme Warren guided the program, which included moments of remembrance for Charlie Kirk and Bernard “Bernie” Kerik.
Live and online auctions boosted fundraising efforts, with standout items including a motorcycle once owned by a veteran and an American flag carried by the elite 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (“Night Stalkers”) during a mission.
Carrying Charlie Daniels’ Legacy Forward
Since its founding, TCDJHP has partnered with organizations like the Shepherd Center, Operation Song, Charlie Five Equine Therapy, and the Special Forces Community. In 2019, the nonprofit funded the first CAR-T cancer treatment ever performed at a VA hospital, now available exclusively at the Nashville VA, where nearly 100 veterans have received the therapy to date.
“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.”For more information, visit www.thecharliedanielsjourneyhomeproject.org.
