Donald Trump-supporting country music star John Rich to receive major military award

Country singer John Rich, half of the popular duo Big & Rich, and a fervent supporter of President Donald Trump, has been announced as the intended recipient of the Bob Hope Award as part of this year’s Medal of Honor Celebration.

“As a country music artist, songwriter and entrepreneur, John Rich has long been a vocal supporter of the military,” reads a press release on the event, according to Parade.

“Through his Redneck Riviera brand and charitable work, he promotes patriotism and supports veteran-focused causes across the country. To date, he has raised nearly $2 million to support veterans’ causes, including VFW’s Return the Favor campaign and Folds of Honor.”

Rich visited Birmingham in 2018 to unveil his Redneck Riviera whiskey brand and share the story of how it got its name.

“My earliest memory of coming to Alabama is when I was 10 years old, we drove down to Gulf Shores, Alabama, from Amarillo, Texas, to swim in the waters of the Redneck Riviera,” he said in an interview with AL.com.

“It was one of the best times of my life.”

For every bottle of Redneck Riviera sold, Rich promised 10 percent of his proceeds to Folds of Honor, which provides scholarships to children who have lost a parent in combat.

The Bob Hope Award for Entertainment is given annually to someone who “through their life’s work in the entertainment industry has distinguished themselves by outstanding service to or a positive portrayal of the United States Military in literature or film,” according to the Congressional Medal of Honor website.

It is named in honor of the late, legendary comedian Bob Hope, who “dedicated much of his 80-year career to entertaining American troops both at home and abroad.”

Past recipients of the Bob Hope Award include Tom Hanks, George Strait, John Krasinski, Bradley Cooper, Mark Wahlberg, the Oak Ridge Boys, Ann-Margret, Connie Stevens, Clint Eastwood, Gary Sinise and Denzel Washington.