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Zac Brown was honored with the first-ever Veterans Voice Award at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMA) in Las Vegas on May 26, 2025. Presented by Easy Day Foundation, an organization that helps support veterans and their families, the award honors artists who make meaningful impacts in the lives of veterans. David Becker/Getty Images
Singer-songwriter Zac Brown and his band’s music has long resonated with soldiers and veterans of the U.S. military. In 2010, the Zac Brown Band participated in a tour in partnership with the USO, a non-profit providing many services to those who serve, including arts and entertainment. While performing several shows for troops in the Persian Gulf, the band filmed and used footage for a music video release of their introspective hit single, “Free.”
Over the years, Brown has developed personal relationships with the military community. One veteran in particular whom he is close with, Joe Maynard, has a favorite Zac Brown Band tune, the bluegrass-inspired “Natural Disaster.” Maynard received a medal for saving fellow troops from an ambush while serving. He then gifted the medal to Brown as a token of appreciation for the positive impact the song had on himself and other veterans.
Compact disc insert from the Zac Brown Band's 2012 album "Uncaged," featuring "Natural Disaster." Internet Archive. Public Domain
In 2011, Brown founded Camp Southern Ground, a retreat for veterans offering a variety of programs to help them acclimate back to civilian life and tell their story.
His passion for providing support to military veterans and their families was officially recognized at this year’s American Music Awards in May, when he was honored with the Veterans Voice Award.
For Brown, the award signifies an opportunity for more people to learn about the ways they can help those who have served in the military.
He shared with Fox News Digital, “The more people that are aware of how deserving that these incredible people are, the more help that we can bring to them.”
Telling Their Stories
Brown’s Camp Southern Ground is a multi-faceted initiative. The Fayetteville, Georgia destination serves children in the summer months with fun, educational activities. During the other months of the year, the camp focuses on helping veterans and their families.
One program in particular, the Warrior Song project, helps veterans connect with their artistic side. By learning about the art and craft of music from songwriters in the music industry, those who’ve served can find ways to express their emotions and tell their stories. Brown believes by getting their thoughts out in the open, they can feel more connected to their loved ones. “We help them to tell their story … with some amazing talented songwriters so that they can sing their story or can play it back to someone and help to share that part of them.”
Another Camp Southern Ground program, Warrior Family Camp, brings veterans and their families together from all over the country to foster rekindled camaraderie between parents and children. The multi-day event opens the door to new, meaningful friendships as well.
Brown says initiatives like these help veterans “see their family as their unit when they come back.”
Giving Back
Zac Brown was honored with the first-ever Veterans Voice Award at the 2025 American Music Awards (AMA) in Las Vegas on May 26, 2025. David Becker/Getty Images
Brown is the first recipient of the Veterans Voice Award. The multi-platinum artist was presented with the honor at the American Music Awards by Easy Day Foundation, a non-profit that helps veterans transition back to civilian life. According to media site Yahoo Entertainment, Brown was chosen as the recipient because of his “unwavering support to the veteran community.”
While attending the awards show over Memorial Day weekend, Brown expressed excitement for it: “This award means a lot to me because of the awareness that it’s going to create for our veterans programs.”
He also touched on the deep respect he has for those who have served their country.
“They’re such incredible people. Their stories are so inspiring. ... I have lots of friends that are in the military. I’ve lived with a lot of them over the years, and they’re just really, truly incredible people. They have the ultimate servant’s heart.”
He continued, saying, “It’s an honor and privilege to get to serve them back.”
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Rebecca Day is a freelance writer and independent musician. For more information on her music and writing, visit her Substack, Classically Cultured, at ClassicallyCultured.substack.com
