Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner Raises Over $600,000 for Veterans

Nashville, Sept. 15, 2025 - The annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner returned to City Winery on Sunday, raising more than $600,000 to fund critical programs for U.S. veterans, first responders and their families.

Event honors service, reunites heroes Organized by the late country legend Charlie Daniels’ Journey Home Project, the evening spotlighted those who embody the nonprofit’s mission of support and reintegration for military personnel and emergency workers.

Nut Graf

Established in 2014 by Charlie Daniels and longtime friend David Corlew, the Journey Home Project provides resources to help veterans rehabilitate and reintegrate into civilian life. The Patriot Awards Dinner is its flagship fundraiser, combining honoree presentations with poignant reminders of ongoing challenges faced by veterans and first responders.

Highlights of the Evening

Historic Reunion: Annex Security Team veterans Kris “Tanto” Paronto, John “Tig” Tiegen and Mark “Oz” Geist gathered for the first time in 13 years, recalling their service during the Battle of Benghazi.
Honorees and Appearances:
- Family members of fallen heroes, including Cheryl Woods and Greg Doherty, joined Hazel Daniels and Charlie Daniels Jr. on stage.
- TCDJHP co-founder David Corlew and General Terry M. “Max” Haston spoke on the importance of community support.
Fundraising Impact: Proceeds will expand mental health services, job-training programs and family outreach initiatives for those who have served.

Veteran Suicide Awareness Campaign

On Monday afternoon, the official Charlie Daniels Band social media account amplified the nonprofit’s #End22 campaign, reminding followers that 22 veterans commit suicide each day and urging continued advocacy for mental health resources.

The Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner continues Charlie Daniels’ legacy of steadfast support for veterans, turning music and fellowship into tangible aid for those who served.