Legendary country singer George Strait recently gifted a U.S. veteran and Purple Heart recipient a new home during a concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
According to Taste of Country, the iconic country music singer gifted Sergeant Derek Austin, a U.S. veteran and Purple Heart recipient, with a new house during his Pittsburgh concert on May 31 in partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation. In a video from Strait’s concert, an announcer with Military Warriors Support Foundation can be heard sharing Austin’s story of service to the United States during his deployment in Afghanistan.
“I want to tell you a story about this American hero — and tell you what he did for our freedom,” the announcer told the crowd. He explained that Austin was “injured severely from shrapnel wounds when his convoy was attacked” in Afghanistan. “Because of that, he also suffered severely from TBI, and PTSD,” the announcer said.
“We’re gonna say thank you in a very, very, very special way,” he added. “We’re gonna give this hero a beautiful home!”
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In the video, Strait can be seen presenting a huge key to the Purple Heart recipient as the announcer shared that Austin would be receiving a new home from the Military Warriors Support Foundation in partnership with the legendary country singer.
Following the announcement of the gift, the Military Warriors Support Foundation representative honored Strait for his partnership with the organization and for helping give homes to U.S. military veterans.
The Military Warriors Support Foundation representative noted that Strait’s gift to Austin marked the 124th home the country singer had helped give away. “George, it’s about $61 million worth we’ve given away together,” the announcer said.
According to the Military Warriors Support Foundation’s website, Strait has partnered with the organization for almost 14 years in 32 different states to give away over 120 homes to Gold Star Families and veterans who were wounded in combat.
“As a veteran himself, George Strait has long supported American military personnel,” the website states. “During his sold-out concerts, George Strait stops his performance to recognize and honor our country’s combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star spouses. These Heroes are brought on stage to meet George and are celebrated by thousands in the crowd as they are presented with a mortgage-free home. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for these Heroes and their families.”
