Lee Greenwood Presented With Helping A Hero Defense Of Freedom Award

“God Bless The U.S.A.” Singer Lee Greenwood Receives Helping A Hero Defense Of Freedom Award

Country music legend Lee Greenwood recently received an award honoring his unwavering and long-standing devotion to the United States and its military.

Greenwood received the Helping a Hero Defense of Freedom Award on February 3. According to a press release, this award honors “great Americans who have gone the extra mile to defend freedom.”

Greenwood certainly fits that definition. The singer is beloved across America as the voice and songwriter behind “God Bless the U.S.A.”

This news comes a few months after Greenwood announced his retirement. The 81-year-old singer said 2024 will be his last year on tour.

“Here I am at the end of my career, and [the fans] still come, and they still hear me sing the same 40 songs that I’ve sang for 40 years,” Greenwood said when looking back on his career.

How Lee Greenwood Supports The Military & Veterans

Throughout his career, Greenwood has stepped up to support the U.S. military, wounded veterans, and their families. He also served as a Helping a Hero National Ambassador for 12 years.

“Lee is a rare celebrity who loves our heroes in and out of the spotlight,” reads the press release about Greenwood’s award. “He has performed and presented the keys to adapted homes to over 30 heroes, including Specialist JP Lane, USA (Ret), a double amputee who nominated him for this award. Lee worked tirelessly for over a decade to support the Helping A Hero mission to build homes for our catastrophically wounded heroes.”

Specialist JP Lane explained why he nominated Greenwood for the Helping a Hero Defense of Freedom Award.

“I nominated Lee Greenwood because he inspires me with his music and really cares for all of us who have served and sacrificed,” Lane said. “As a double amputee, it was life-changing when he gave me the keys to my adapted home. Lee also made my day by texting me on my birthday, just to check in. He has been a beacon of hope to all of us in the military. He defends freedom every day.”

This Rare Award Has Only Been Presented Three Times In The Past

Greenwood received the Helping a Hero Defense of Freedom Award alongside co-honoree Charles W. Herbster, the owner and President of the Conklin Company. Herbster received recognition for “being a consistent leader supporting our military, veterans, and first responders.”

The award has only been presented three times before, making it an extremely rare honor. Past recipients include Chuck Norris, Marcus Luttrell, and Joanne King Herring.

Congratulations to Lee Greenwood and Charles W. Herbster on earning this rare and extraordinary award.