A beloved country music star is receiving a prestigious military honor at the Patriot Awards Gala on October 4.
John Rich of the country duo Big & Rich has been named as the 2025 recipient of the Bob Hope Award as part of the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration happening September 30 through October 4. The actual awards are handed out at the 2025 Patriot Awards Gala on October 4 in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the “Birthplace of the Medal of Honor.”
“As a country music artist, songwriter and entrepreneur, John Rich has long been a vocal supporter of the military. Through his Redneck Riviera brand and charitable work, he promotes patriotism and supports veteran-focused causes across the country. To date, he has raised nearly $2 million to support veterans’ causes, including VFW’s Return the Favor campaign and Folds of Honor,” reads the press release.
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The Bob Hope Award for Entertainment is given annually to someone who “through their life’s work in the entertainment industry has distinguished themselves by outstanding service to or a positive portrayal of the United States Military in literature or film,” according to the Congressional Medal of Honor website.
It is named in honor of the late, legendary comedian Bob Hope, who “dedicated much of his 80-year career to entertaining American troops both at home and abroad.”
Past recipients of the Bob Hope Award include Tom Hanks, George Strait, John Krasinski, Bradley Cooper, Mark Wahlberg, the Oak Ridge Boys, Ann-Margret, Connie Stevens, Clint Eastwood, Gary Sinise and Denzel Washington, so Rich is in lofty company.
The 2025 Patriots Awards will also honor Dr. Robert M. Gates, former U.S. Secretary of Defense, with the Patriot Award, Johnny “Joey” Jones with the Excellence in Journalism Award, and philanthropist Kathleen Rollins with the Distinguished Citizen Award.
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“The Patriot Awards recognize Americans who not only lead with purpose, but who demonstrate excellence in their fields and choose to dedicate their skills, resources, and platforms toward strengthening our country,” said Britt Slabinski, Medal of Honor Recipient and President of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, in a statement. “Whether through advocacy, innovation or philanthropy, each honoree has found meaningful ways to support veterans, invest in communities, and uphold the values that unite us.”
