Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner

Photo Credit: David Corlew; Greg Doherty; Mark “Oz” Geist and his service dog Rone; Cheryl Woods; Kris “Tanto” Paronto; John “Tig” Tiegen / Photo by Kayla Schoen

The Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner raised more than $600,000 to fund critical programs for US veterans, first responders, and their families.

The Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards Dinner returned to Nashville’s City Winery on Sunday night, raising more than $600,000 to fund critical programs for U.S. veterans, first responders, and their families. The evening featured a historic reunion of Annex Security Team members Kris “Tanto” Paronto, John “Tig” Tiegen, and Mark “Oz” Geist, marking the first time in 13 years that the three men who fought in the Battle of Benghazi had gathered together.

Founded in 2014 by the late country music legend Charlie Daniels and longtime manager and friend David Corlew, The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project (TCDJHP) provides resources to help veterans return, rehabilitate, and reintegrate into civilian life. This year marked the 11th anniversary of the Patriot Awards, honoring individuals and organizations who embody the nonprofit’s mission of service and support.

Notable appearances throughout the evening included the historic reunion of the Annex Security Team and family members of fallen heroes, like Cheryl Woods, mother of Tyrone “Rone” Woods (GRS Operator for Annex Security Team in Benghazi); and Greg Doherty, brother of Glen “Bub” Doherty (GRS Operator in Tripoli, Libya).

Additional appearances included TCDJHP co-founder and president David Corlew, General Terry M. “Max” Haston, Mike Carado, and Carolyn Corlew. Hazel Daniels, wife of the late Charlie Daniels, and their son Charlie Daniels Jr., were also in attendance.

Earlier this year, a Patriot Award was presented to the Grand Ole Opry, which was honored during a July concert at the historic venue. The recognition was part of the Opry 100 Honors series celebrating the Opry’s centennial and underscored the ongoing cultural impact of the award.

“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. “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.”

Since its founding, TCDJHP has forged impactful partnerships with organizations such as the Shepherd Center, Operation Song, Charlie Five Equine Therapy, and the Special Forces Community. In 2019, the nonprofit’s donation to Vanderbilt University/VA Medical Center enabled the first CAR-T cancer treatment ever performed at a VA hospital. The Nashville VA remains the only VA hospital in the country offering this lifesaving treatment, with nearly 100 performed on veterans to date.