Charlie Daniels of the Charlie Daniels band established his nonprofit organization, the Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, in 2014 with the aim of supporting America’s veterans and first responders. 10 years later, the initiative has raised over $4 million and continues to better the lives of concerned individuals even after Charlie is long gone.
Charlie’s partner and longtime manager, David Corlew, has continued to oversee the project, which he considers the singer’s legacy aside from his music. The country star died of a hemorrhagic stroke in 2020 at the age of 83 after losing brain function.
Charlie Daniels would be proud at the progress of his nonprofit
Corlew and Charlie’s wife Hazel Daniels have carried on the good work of rehabilitating and reintegrating military veterans back into civilian society, and are sure Charlie is proud of the achievements so far. They have also cross-collaborated with similar organizations like Operation Song, War Horses for Veterans and Charlie Five.
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Charlie’s project has also birthed programs like the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Families Assistance Program at Middle Tennessee State University. Corlew explained that their target families also need support as they may have witnessed their veteran loved one’s trauma, suicide, or divorce.
The Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards
The Journey Home team began the annual tradition of honoring those who contribute to the care of veterans and first responders through the Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards ceremony. This year’s event was held at Nashville’s City Winery on September 11, unlike previous editions that took place every October. Corlew clarified that this fixture was a nod to the 9/11 incident.
Award recipients included broadcaster Storme Warren, former NYPD commissioner Bernie Kerick, and the head of general services at Fiserv Incorporated in Milwaukee, Tom Higgins. Those who died saving others on 9/11 were honored alongside a New York-based three-generation family of first responders, The Vigianos, who reside in Long Island.