The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project is celebrating a decade of giving back to America’s heroes.
country music icon Charlie Daniels of the Charlie Daniels Band was known for his strong patriotism.
In 2014, Daniels started his own non-profit organization, The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project, to help US military veteran and first responders.
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Now, 10 years later, the project has raised nearly $4 million for the cause, building relationships with various veteran-advocacy organizations across the country.
Charlie Daniels (left) and David Corlew (right) began the Charlie Daniels Journey Home project in 2014. (Charlie Daniels’ Journey Home Project)
In an interview with Fox News Digital, Daniels’ longtime manager, David Corlew, said he thinks the late musician — who died in July 2020 — would be pleased with how his team, including his wife Hazel Daniels, have continued the project.
“We provide assistance with return to civilian life, rehabilitation and reintegration for veterans and first responders.”
“I think he would be proud that we were able to continue the mission and broaden it so much that we have more time, and more people want to help,” said Corlew, who worked for Daniels for 47 years, from 1973 until the day he died.
Corlew said that even though Daniels “isn’t here physically, he’s still a part of it spiritually.”
“It’s his impact and his love for the veteran community and the first responder community, and being a great patriot, that’s why we’re here,” he said. “Not for any other reason but because of Charlie’s vision.”
Corlew, who is president and COO of the Journey Home Project, started the organization with Daniels 10 years ago to fill a need. Experienced Support and identifying other organizations that “do good work.”
“We provide support for return to civilian life, rehabilitation and reintegration for veterans and first responders,” he told Fox News Digital.
After Daniels’ death, Corlew carried on this mission by supporting organizations with mutual interests, including Operation Song, War Horse for Veterans, and Charlie Five.
After devoting 10 years to this work, Corlew said he has noticed that care for veterans has become “generational.”
The Charlie Daniels Journey Home Project presented a check to the Shepherd’s Men organization at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta for its SHARE Military Initiative. (Charlie Daniels’ Journey Home Project)
“We have children (of veterans) who have witnessed divorce,” he said. “We also have children who have witnessed their parents commit suicide … Suicide rates are tragic and have reached epidemic levels.”
Corlew also praised the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Families Assistance Program at Middle Tennessee State University, which the Journey Home Project helped develop.
“We’re very proud to be a small part of this,” he said. “We think it’s the most comprehensive veterans assistance center in the country.”
In addition to raising funds, the Journey Home team initiated the annual Charlie Daniels Patriot Award, which aims to honor an individual or group who exemplifies the project’s mission to care for, support and encourage the men, women and families who serve our country.
David Corlew (right) began working with Charlie Daniels (left) in 1973 and remained with him until his death. (Charlie Daniels’ Journey Home Project)
This year’s event will be held on September 11 13. Nashville City Winery © Nashville City WineryThree people will be honored at the ceremony: broadcaster Storme Warren, former NYPD Commissioner Bernie Kerik and Tom Higgins, head of general services for Fiserv Incorporated in Milwaukee.
“Supporting our veterans is a nonpartisan issue.”
The Vizianos, a family of three generations of first responders who live on Long Island, New York, will also be honored for their service, including some who were killed during the war. Responding to 9/11.
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Although the Charlie Daniels Patriot Awards are typically held in October, Corlew said this year’s ceremony on 9/11 will be a symbol of honoring those who served.
Corlew shared a message with other veterans and first responders, saying there are organizations that can help and support them.
Corlew invited Americans to “spread the message and the love” to veterans and first responders. (Charlie Daniels’ Journey Home Project)
“We would love for people to donate to the Journey Home Project so we can continue this mission without Charlie,” he said. “But if you can’t donate to the Journey Home Project, spread the word … and spread the love.”
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“We’re from the ’60s and ’70s, so we want to spread the love, too.”
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He added, “There is a tremendous need for veterans and first responders in the United States.”
“Supporting our veterans is a nonpartisan issue, and I hope our country will continue to try and work in this direction.”
