Pictured (L–R): David Corlew, Co-Founder and President, TCDJHP; Sgt. Maj. Michael Elmore (Ret.); Master Sgt. Andy Marchal (Ret.); Master Sgt. Paul Evans (Ret.); Lt. Gen. John F. Mulholland Jr. (Ret.); Sgt. 1st Class Stephen Kofron; Master Sgt. Steve Bleigh (Ret.); and Master Sgt. Joel Pruitt (Ret.), at the 2026 Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner at City Winery Nashville.
Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen|

(NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Sept. 16, 2026) The Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner, benefiting The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP), returned to City Winery Nashville on Thursday night (Sept. 10) for an evening dedicated to honoring American service, sacrifice, and the individuals who continue to stand behind the nation’s veterans.

This year’s event paid special tribute to the legendary Horse Soldiers and the warriors of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne), while recognizing individuals whose commitment to service reflects the mission established by the late Charlie Daniels and his longtime manager and friend, David Corlew.

The annual fundraiser raised over $500,000 through sponsorships, donations, and spirited live and silent auctions, with proceeds supporting TCDJHP’s ongoing efforts to help U.S. military veterans return, rehabilitate, and reintegrate into civilian life.

The evening’s centerpiece honored the extraordinary legacy of the Horse Soldiers, the U.S. Special Forces operators who deployed to Afghanistan in the immediate aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. A special film introduced the tribute before David welcomed Joel Pruitt, who addressed attendees as part of the evening’s salute to the Horse Soldiers and 5th Special Forces Group.

Lt. General John F. Mulholland (Ret.) was also recognized during the program and presented with a special 5th Special Forces Group watch before delivering remarks to the audience.

Held on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11, the evening carried an added sense of remembrance and reflection, honoring those who answered the call to serve in the days, months, and years that followed the attacks.

The evening also recognized five individuals for their service and commitment to veterans and their communities. Robert Koons received the Charlie Daniels Service Award, while James Doyle was presented with a Patriot Award alongside Tim and Kate Cooper of the Cooper Alan Foundation, the parents of country artist Cooper Alan and partners in his work through the foundation. Scott Hunt of Hunt Brothers Pizza received the Giving Heart Award.

A special tribute also remembered the late Bernard “Bernie” Kerik, with David reflecting on Kerik’s life and legacy of service.

The program began with the Presentation of the Colors, followed by the national anthem performed by Donnie Reis. A Missing Man Table offered a solemn visual reminder of the service members who never returned home, while Carolyn Corlew delivered the evening’s invocation. Tom Gross served as the event’s host.

David also addressed attendees about the work of TCDJHP and the organizations and initiatives it supports, including its longstanding relationship with Vanderbilt University Medical Center. In 2019, TCDJHP provided funding that helped enable the first CAR-T cancer treatment performed at a VA hospital, expanding access to potentially lifesaving treatment for veterans.

Live and silent auctions further fueled the evening’s fundraising efforts, offering guests an extraordinary collection of military artifacts, Charlie Daniels memorabilia, music collectibles, and one-of-a-kind pieces tied to American military history.

Among the live auction highlights was a Charlie Daniels package featuring handwritten lyrics to his signature hit, “The Devil Went Down to Georgia,” alongside a limited-edition Fire on the Mountain 45th Anniversary guitar signed by Daniels and numbered 23 of only 45.

Another centerpiece was an American flag 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 certificate of authenticity.

A special Bernie Kerik tribute package included a guitar signed by Kerik, Kash Patel, Trace Adkins, and Mark “Oz” Geist at the 2024 Patriot Awards Dinner, as well as a custom recreation of the CASE V-42 Stiletto forged with steel recovered from the World Trade Center. Featuring 110 layers of Damascus steel representing the 110 floors of the Twin Towers, the piece served as a powerful tribute to remembrance, sacrifice, and service. The package also featured a bottle of Horse Soldier Bourbon and a signed copy of Horse Soldiers.

A 5th Special Forces Group rifle rounded out the evening’s featured live auction offerings.

The silent auction also offered a collection of military, music, sports, and entertainment memorabilia and experiences, including 5th Special Forces Group collectibles, Charlie Daniels and Volunteer Jam memorabilia, Grand Ole Opry centennial collectibles, and Special Forces artwork, along with travel, dining, jewelry, and other donated packages.

“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 thejourneyhomeproject.org.

Pictured: James Doyle is presented with the Patriot Award during the 2026 Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner, benefiting TCDJHP, at City Winery Nashville.
Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen

Pictured: Tim Cooper accepts a Patriot Award alongside his wife, Kate, during the 2026 Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner, benefiting TCDJHP, at City Winery Nashville.
Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen

Pictured: Robert Koons is presented with the Charlie Daniels Service Award during the 2026 Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner, benefiting TCDJHP, at City Winery Nashville.
Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen

Pictured: Scott Hunt is presented with the Giving Heart Award during the 2026 Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner, benefiting TCDJHP, at City Winery Nashville.
Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen

Pictured: Donnie Reis performs the National Anthem following the Presentation of the Colors during the 2026 Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner, benefiting TCDJHP, at City Winery Nashville.
Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen|

Pictured: Tom Gross serves as host of the 2026 Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner, benefiting TCDJHP, at City Winery Nashville. Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen

Pictured: David Corlew, Co-Founder and President, TCDJHP, addresses attendees during the 2026 Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner at City Winery Nashville. The annual fundraiser brought together military heroes, veterans and supporters for an evening honoring American service and sacrifice. Photo Credit: Kayla Schoen|