Guns for Great Causes

Lee Greenwood during his encore performance of “God Bless The U.S.A.” Photo credit: Josh Adams

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (October 12, 2021)

Spectators in the sold-out Von Braun Center crowd were not the only ones in for a treat at Tuesday night’s All-Star Tribute to Lee Greenwood concert. After an introduction from celebrity chef Paula Deen and former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee, Henry Repeating Arms took the stage to present three combat veterans with engraved Military Service Tribute Edition rifles.

Andy Wickstrom, President of Henry Repeating Arms, said, “On behalf of this company and our more than 550 employees, we want to thank you for your courage, and we want to thank your families for the sacrifices that they made for you to answer the call of duty.”

Three Huntsville military veterans and Lee Greenwood were presented with Henry rifles. Photo credit: Josh Adams

Master Sergeant Ken Knight, retired after 23 years in the Army, served 16 years with the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment, nicknamed the Night Stalkers due to their propensity for attack and recon missions usually conducted at night, at high speeds, low altitudes, and on short notice. Staff Sergeant Michael Price served for 14 years with the Marine Corps, including two tours in Fallujah, three years as a mountain warfare instructor, and a Purple Heart award for injuries sustained to his chest and arm from a gunshot wound received by a sharpshooter. Now a father of four, Gunnery Sergeant Brad Wallace served for 12 years with the Marines and deployed five times, including three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

As the crowd rose to their feet for the veterans now holding their rifles, Wickstrom called Lee Greenwood to the stage.

“Before we get back to the music, I want to get Mr. Lee Greenwood out here to thank him for his undying patriotism,” said Wickstrom. He continues, “We are proud to present Lee with the finest rifle money can buy, a New Original Henry Silver Deluxe Engraved.”

The award-winning singer and songwriter best known for his patriotic single “God Bless the U.S.A.” celebrated 40 years of hits with a packed lineup of country music notables like Crystal Gayle, The Oak Ridge Boys, Big & Rich, and many more. The show is to become a television special.