“I Never Thought I’d Survive Afghanistan, Let Alone Be Gifted a Free Home”—George Strait Stuns Crowd by Gifting Wounded Veteran His 124th Mortgage-Free House in Emotional Onstage Moment
George Strait is continuing in his charitable ways. During his recent concert in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, the country legend once again teamed up with Military Warriors Support Foundation to gift a home to a military veteran.
This home, the 124th one Strait has given away alongside the organization, went to Purple Heart recipient Sgt. Derek Austin.
Austin was severely injured by shrapnel in Afghanistan when his convoy was attacked. He suffered a traumatic brain injury and PTSD as a result.
Now, Austin will be moving into a new home, which he’ll live in mortgage free.
“By the way ladies,” a Military Warriors’ rep said onstage, “this hero onstage tonight is single and he’s got a home he doesn’t have to pay a mortgage on.”
George Strait Gives Back to Military Veterans
A veteran himself, Strait has teamed up with Military Warriors for 14 years. Amid the partnership, he’s given away approximately $61 million worth of homes during his concerts.
He’s continued the tradition on his most recent run of shows with Chris Stapleton. The men’s five-show stadium tour kicked off last month in Philadelphia. Three shows remain, with stops still scheduled in Buffalo, New York, Foxborough, Massachusetts, and Los Angeles, California.
On its website, Military Warriors described what the chosen veterans experience when selected to receive a home at one of Strait’s concerts.
“During his sold-out concerts, George Strait stops his performance to recognize and honor our country’s combat-wounded veterans and Gold Star spouses,” the website read. “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.”
The website further noted that the audience “is a vital part” of the presentation. After witnessing the giveaway, “inevitably, the crowd begins to chant, ‘USA, USA, USA.’”
Indeed, the crowd watching Austin receive his home did just that.
