Lee Greenwood and SSG Shilo Harris present the Lee Greenwood Patriot Award to Dr. Jerry C. Davis.

POINT LOOKOUT, MO. — College of the Ozarks President Jerry C. Davis received the Lee Greenwood Patriot Award on May 7, 2021, presented by Helping a Hero. The organization was founded in 2006 and provides support for military personnel severely injured in the War on Terror.

Lee Greenwood has been an ardent supporter of Helping a Hero for over a decade and is a legend in country music, having released over 30 albums. This year marks the 40th anniversary of his iconic song, “God Bless the U.S.A.” To commemorate this milestone, Helping a Hero partnered with Lee Greenwood to present awards to patriots who have left legacy footprints on the hearts of wounded warriors.

Davis solidified the patriotic goal of College of the Ozarks by establishing The William S. Knight Center for Patriotic Education and the Patriotic Education Travel Program, by ensuring the College requires patriotic curriculum and honors Veterans on campus, and by building Patriots Park, among other endeavors.

The William S. Knight Center for Patriotic Education is a physical embodiment of the patriotic goal of the College: to encourage an understanding of American heritage, civic responsibilities, love of country, and the willingness to defend it. The Center will house the required patriotic education classes, attended by all college freshmen, as well as a variety of programs to foster good citizenship.

Located next to the entrance of campus, Patriots Park is a place of respect, reflection, and remembrance. It encompasses Veterans Grove, The Global War on Terrorism Memorial, The Korean War Memorial, The Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial, The Missouri Gold Star Families Memorial, and the World War II Flag Plaza.

With the addition of these sacred memorials on campus, the College honors those who have served and sacrificed for this country and hopes to educate future generations regarding America’s heritage and military history.

“I am honored to receive this award, and I am thankful to the Helping a Hero organization,” Davis said. “We honor Veterans and those in service to our country every day at College of the Ozarks. We hope this serves as an example to others. We can never repay the debt we owe to those who have fought for our freedom.”

More about Helping a Hero

The main goal of Helping a Hero is to provide specially adapted homes for qualifying service members through partnerships made with the builders, developers, communities, and the veteran. Helping a Hero strives to engage the community in providing services and resources for wounded heroes and their families. Additionally, Helping a Hero provides additional support programs such as marriage retreats, caregiver retreats, recreational activities, emotional support, and financial support.