Patriotism was on full display earlier this week as Huntsville’s Von Braun Center (VBC) played host to an All-Star tribute concert honoring the 40-year career of famed “God Bless the U.S.A.” singer Lee Greenwood.
Celebrity chef Paula Deen, former Governor Mike Huckabee and a host of well-known music stars were on hand to pay tribute to the career and legacy of Greenwood. While much fanfare surrounded the a-list celebrities who gathered in North Alabama for the concert, the most notable moment of the night came when two of the nation’s heroes received a life-altering gift.
Two disabled veterans, by way of a partnership between Greenwood, Breland Homes and Helping a Hero program, were gifted with free homes as an honor of their sacrifice to a country which will forever be indebted to their service.
During the concert, it was announced that Staff Sergeant Michael Brown and Retired Army Sergeant First Class Scott Barlow will be the recipients of two free homes which will be funded and constructed by regionally-renowned homebuilder Breland Homes.
SFC Barlow was serving his nation in Afghanistan conducting reconnaissance operations, guerilla warfare, along with other dangerous missions when his truck hit a land mine resulting in Barlow losing his leg.
SSG Brown in 2007 was deployed to Mosul, Iraq along with his Military Police unit to train local Iraqi police. While on duty, Brown lost his leg resulting from a grenade that hit his armored truck, severing his left foot.
Changing the lives of two wounded warriors in just minutes at an All Star Salute to @TheLeeGreenwood in Huntsville, Alabama. Thanks to Lee Greenwood, @BrelandHomes and https://t.co/j6dEvZxB9J. Huntsville’s @waff48 News shared their story. pic.twitter.com/nuC0YGddNs
— Helping a Hero (@HelpingAHero) October 15, 2021
“It was overwhelming to say the least,” Brown told WAFF 48. “To be put down on the stage and selected to go back-stage and brought on-stage with Lee Greenwood, Paula Deen and the Breland Family Homes – to get that gift was an absolute honor and is still a shock for us.”
Breland Homes, out of honor and recognition of both veterans’ service to a grateful nation, paid in full the cost of the homes. Over 6,500 fans were in attendance at the VBC to witness the all-American display, according to WAFF 48.
The Rocket City was chosen as the location to host the tribute due to the city’s contributions to military and veterans communities.
“I love Huntsville, and I have played at the Von Braun Center several times as an act during tour, but this is a really special two nights for us in Huntsville,” WAAY 31 quoted Greenwood as saying.
The singer and songwriter, famous for his strong support of veterans-related causes, earned great recognition from his peers in the music industry for his efforts.
“I am humbled for that,” Greenwood stated as the singer reflected over the number of musicians that were on hand to honor his career. “I am a little overwhelmed, to tell you the truth.”
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
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