Charlie Daniels may be sending the devil down to Georgia, but he’ll be back in time to headline Tuesday’s Scholarship for Heroes Tour.
“It’s an amazing night,” April Herrington, the assistant director of Lipscomb’s veteran services, said.
“You’ll get to see Charlie Daniels perform. I know a lot of the students here are probably not familiar with Charlie Daniels, but he is a great supporter,” Herrington said. “He has been on this walk with us for four years. Ever since we started, he’s been right behind us to support us.”
The concert series first started four years ago as a way to recognize Lipscomb’s Yellow Ribbon students.
“That was the original start of the Charlie Daniels concert,” Herrington said. “Then it was called Operation Yellow Ribbon. Now, it’s been changed to Charlie Daniels’ Scholarship for Heroes.”
“The concert raises money for scholarships to help pay for students who were not 100-percent eligible for free tuition. The money goes toward them to help supplement their cost so that hopefully, when we raise enough money, they can go to school, tuition free as well.”
Herrington said donations of over $30,000 were collected at last year’s concert and Lipscomb was able to award 10 scholarships for the current year. They hope to raise even more Tuesday night. There are approximately 175 yellow ribbon students, so every little bit helps.
A reception will be held Tuesday night before the concert for veterans and sponsors. The veterans will also have a special meet-and-greet session with the artists before the big performances.
“We have several great performers coming,” Herrington said. “Basically, the concert is going to bring on an array of emotions for anybody who’s there. If you have any experience or a family member that’s been in the military, it’s gonna make you laugh. It’s gonna make you cry.”
Charlie Daniels is expected to be joined by The Grascals, Keni Thomas and Chris Young. There will also be a very special guest.
“He’s a surprise guest,” Herrington said. “But I guarantee you, if you love country music you will not be disappointed.”
Although Tuesday night is about recognizing and honoring our veterans and their service to this country, the event will also honor the mothers of veterans, particularly those lost in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It’s also about recognizing our gold-star mothers,” Herrington said. “Our gold-star mothers are ones who have lost children in combat.”
Jay Saar, an Army veteran and senior in the Yellow Ribbon program, says the concert gets better every year. He encourages everyone to come out and celebrate the night.
“There’s always big names. It’s always fun. It’s always enjoyable. And, it’s free. How can you beat a free concert?”
Free tickets are available through the generosity of sponsors, including iostudio, Humana and Cracker Barrel. Students can pick up tickets at the Lipscomb box office. The concert will start at 7 p.m. in Allen Arena on Tuesday.