Country Singer John Rich to Receive Prestigious Military Award for His Support of Veterans

The ‘Revelation’ singer will be honored with the Bob Hope Award later this year.

Country artist John Rich is seen on the set of "Candace" in Nashville, Tenn., on March 24, 2021. Jason Kempin/Getty Images

Singer-songwriter John Rich, better known as one-half of the country music duo Big & Rich, will be honored with the prestigious Bob Hope Award for Entertainment as part of the 2025 Medal of Honor Celebration later this year.

The 51-year-old singer has spent much of his career supporting America’s veterans.

Rich, whose maternal and paternal grandfathers both served during WWII, has raised almost $2 million for veteran-focused causes through his lifestyle brand Redneck Riviera and other charitable work.

He’s written songs about soldiers, including Big & Rich’s 2005 single “8th of November” and his 2023 ballad “The Man,” regularly welcoming vets on stage during his shows to honor their bravery and sacrifice.

The annual event—hosted by the Medal of Honor Celebration Host Committee and Congressional Medal of Honor Society in partnership with the Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center—is scheduled to take place in Chattanooga, Tennessee, from Sept. 30 through Oct. 4.

“As an award-winning country music artist, songwriter, and entrepreneur, John Rich has long used his musical talent and public platform to honor our nation’s service members and veterans,” the Honor Society shared in a June 5 Instagram post.

“His patriotic storytelling and performances resonate deeply with military communities, while drawing national attention to the challenges and triumphs of those who serve.”

Rich is among a handful of honorees who will be recognized during the Medal of Honor Celebration’s capstone ceremony, the Patriot Awards Gala, taking place on Oct. 4.

According to a June 5 press release, former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates will take home the Patriot Award—the Congressional Medal of Honor Society’s highest honor. In 2020, the award was bestowed upon actor Gary Sinise, who will serve as the emcee at this year’s gala.

Fox News contributor and retired U.S. Marine Corps bomb technician Johnny “Joey” Jones, who lost both of his legs while serving in Afghanistan, will receive the John R. “Tex” McCrary Award for Excellence in Journalism.

Kathleen Rollins, philanthropist and executive director of the Gary W. Rollins Foundation, will receive the Distinguished Citizen Award.

In a statement, Britt Slabinski, president of the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, said the purpose of the awards is to “recognize Americans who not only lead with purpose, but who demonstrate excellence in their fields” by dedicating their skills, resources, and platforms to help strengthen the country.

“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,” Slabinski shared.