Country music legend gifts military vet new home
The “King of Country” is giving back.
Country music legend George Strait gave away another home to a wounded military veteran.
On Saturday, Strait, during a concert in Pittsburgh, presented Sgt. Derek Austin, a Purple Heart recipient, a mortgage-free home.
Austin was injured by shrapnel while deployed in Afghanistan.
Strait presented Austin with an oversized key. According to Taste of Country, the house marks the 124th home that Strait has helped give away in partnership with the Military Warriors Support Foundation.
Last month, Strait revealed during a performance he is thinking about retirement.
The now 72-year-old was in Philadelphia when he had a message for his fans.
“I have maybe five good years to sing my songs for you folks,” the singer said.
“But hell, it’s been around 50 now. And I still love it just as much as I ever did. When … I walk through those curtains and I see your smiling faces, my feet don’t touch the ground again until I walk back out and get on that bus.”
Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.