Charlie Daniels Left a Legacy of Patriotism, and It’s Still Changing Lives
By Movieguide® Contributor
The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project has provided support to America’s veterans for 10 years, a milestone Daniels would be proud to celebrate.
“I think he would be proud that we were able to continue the mission and have broadened it to where we have more time, more individuals who want to help,” the singer’s longtime manager and friend, David Corlew, told Fox News Digital.
“It’s his influence and his love for the veteran community and first responder community, and just being a great patriot, that’s the reason we’re here,” Corlew continued. “For no other reason but Charlie’s vision.”
The Journey Home Project began in 2014 with the mission of providing support for military veterans as a way to show gratitude for their service. In the 10 years since, over 10,000 lives have been touched by the organization. The project is currently focusing on assisting with the mental health needs of veterans as suicide and depression are major issues that plague our heroes when they return home.
“We have kids [of veterans] who have witnessed divorces. We even have kids who have witnessed a parent taking their own life…The suicide deal is tragic and is at an epidemic stage,” Corlew said.
“There’s an enormous need in the United States of America for veterans and first responders,” he added. “Supporting our veterans is a nonpartisan issue, and I hope our country will continue to try and work in that direction.”
When Daniels passed in 2020, his support of veterans and patriotism was recognized by then-president Donald Trump.
“Charlie will forever be remembered as a true American patriot…” Trump wrote in a letter to Daniels’ wife. “He inspired many Americans with his unyielding support of our brave men and women in uniform. Your husband reminded us that we must honor those who have sacrificed so much to defend our freedoms. Our great nation depends on artists like Charlie who promote love of country. He will be greatly missed.”
Movieguide® previously reported on Daniels’ support of the veteran community:
Actor and veterans’ advocate Gary Sinise has been presented with the Charlie Daniels Patriot Award.
“Gary Sinise has set the ‘high water mark’ in support for our vets,” David Corlew, Daniels’ former manager and co-founder of The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, said when presenting Sinise with the award.
He continued, “Foundations and support groups can learn so much from this guy. Besides creating an incredible bed of work in the film and entertainment industry, he has utilized it to broaden the reach for all of us, a wonderful example of selfless service. Simply put, he cares, and so do we. Charlie would be very proud that we made this happen.”
According to The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project’s website, the criteria for receiving the Charlie Daniels Patriot Award is “based on the mission of The Journey Home Project: to support veterans in their return, rehabilitation, and reintegration back into civilian life. The award honors a person, persons, or group that fulfills and exemplifies the efforts and dedication of TJHP’s purpose to continuously care, support and encourage the men, women, and families who have served our great nation.”
