Four war heroes were invited onstage and gifted with Henry Military Service Tribute Rifle during the the 40th Anniversary Volunteer Jam of music legend Charlie Daniels on Aug. 12, in a special performance at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville.
One honoree Jack ten Napel, a 95-year-old WW2 Veteran who served in the USMC. Mr. ten Napel survived the bombing of Pearl Harbor and went on to serve on every island in the Pacific. Another was Scott Schroeder, a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient was recognized for serving in the U.S. Army for 26 years. During his final tour in Afghanistan in 2010 Mr. Schroeder lost both legs when his vehicle ran over a pressure plate and was blown up. Also present was Sam Schoenheit, a USMC Staff Sergeant was honored for his bravery after being shot in the head during an ambush and later suffering a stroke. Mr. Schoenheit spent the last seven years accomplishing his goals of regaining his speech, ability to walk, expression, and a college degree. There was also Ryan Weaver, a Chief Warrant Officer 3 in the United States Army was recognized for his courage during his deployment in Iraq as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot and for his continued commitment to the military upon his return from combat by training the next generation of Army aviators and officers at Fort Rucker, Alabama. Scott Brown, an Operation Iraqi Freedom Combat Veteran of the USMC who served with Chris Kyle and co-founded the Chris Kyle Memorial Benefit & Auction was presented with a Henry Military Service Tribute rifle on the Henry Rifles Stage in the outdoor plaza during the free show for concert-goers and bystanders.
Anthony Imperato, President of Henry Repeating Arms, gifted the rifles to thank the veterans for their heroic contributions. Imperato also presented Charlie Daniels with a customized Henry Golden Boy rifle embellished with the Volunteer Jam logo and an inscription.
As lead sponsor Henry Repeating Arms donated $200,000 to The Journey Home Project, the non-profit organization co-founded by Charlie Daniels that connects donors with the veterans’ organizations that do the most good in meeting the health care, education and career needs of military servicemen and women and their families.
"We at Henry Repeating Arms are forever indebted to those who have served our country. Although we can never repay these men and women for what they’ve done for us, these rifles and our donation are a small token of our gratitude," said Imperato.
More information on the honorees can be found in the video embedded below.