DAV, USAA recognize veterans with victories
by Rob Lewis
DAV and USAA teamed up to honor 10 disabled veterans at the 2019 Carolina Country Music Fest (CCMF) in Myrtle Beach, S.C. The festival, which featured such notable country acts as Dierks Bentley, Thomas Rhett and Alabama, was held June 6–9.
CCMF, in association with Visit Myrtle Beach, invited the 10 veterans on stage during the second night of the festival. Representatives then presented the veterans with the DAV Victories for Veterans award, in recognition of the significant sacrifices the recipients made in service and the example they have set to inspire others.
“It was an honor to share the stage with such an amazing group of disabled veterans, including Vietnam veterans and those who served in our most recent conflicts,” said Past National Commander Dave Riley, who was one of the 10 who received the award. “CCMF is a world-class country music experience, and their support of those who have served has been incredible.”
This is the fourth year DAV has presented the award to veterans at the event. For the first time, this year’s award was sponsored by USAA.
“USAA was founded in 1922 to serve the unique needs of military personnel, veterans and their families,” said Rick Perkins, director of military affinity at USAA. “We have been proud ever since to be a part of this community, so it’s truly our honor to unite with DAV, CCMF and Visit Myrtle Beach to honor these veterans for their sacrifices, resiliency and determination to live a life that is not defined by their injuries. Their strength is awe-inspiring and deserves our recognition.”
In addition to being recognized on stage, the awardees also had the opportunity to personally meet and have their picture taken with a performer.
“These veterans have great stories to tell that inspire others,” said Mike Stephens, CCMF director. “We’re grateful to use our country music festival platform to celebrate their achievements and make sure their sacrifices, as well as those of all our American veterans, are not forgotten.”
