Grammy Award-winning country music star Lee Greenwood, celebrated for his iconic patriotic anthem "God Bless the USA," has announced the return of his Soldier Valley Spirits collection. The relaunch comes as America prepares to mark its 250th anniversary, following the closure of the original distillery in 2024. This initiative continues its mission to support charities dedicated to veterans and first responders.
Each bottle sold contributes a portion of its proceeds to various organizations aiding military veterans and first responders, such as Helping a Hero, the Tunnels to Towers Foundation, and Folds of Honor.
The spirits range features whiskey, bourbon, and vodka. For the upcoming national milestone, the "America's 250th Birthday Collection" specifically bundles all three types of spirits.
A Mission Rooted in Service
Greenwood stated that the core objective of Soldier Valley Spirits is to provide support for military personnel and their families. The company's online platform emphasizes that its foundation rests upon the fundamental principles of "faith, family and service to country."
Greenwood suggested that these spirits are a suitable choice for various occasions, including weddings, sporting events, or as an after-dinner beverage in settings like bars or casinos.
He remarked that he would personally "toast America" when enjoying the spirits.
Currently, Soldier Valley Spirits is actively pursuing distribution to "as many stores as we can," according to Greenwood. Consumers can also purchase the products online, with shipping available to the majority of states.
Celebrating America's History and Heroes
In anticipation of the nation's 250th anniversary, Greenwood is participating in a series of prominent events. He recently helped launch the Great American State Fair, where he introduced former President Donald Trump during the Freedom 250 commemoration and performed "God Bless the USA" alongside the Marine Corps Band.
The 83-year-old artist has received significant recognition for his contributions, including the Congressional Medal of Honor Society's National Patriot Award. Information from Soldier Valley Spirits indicates he has also embarked on over 30 United Service Organizations (USO) tours to entertain troops.
His public service includes an appointment to the council of the National Endowment for the Arts in 2008 by President George W. Bush, a role that continued through the administrations of Presidents Barack Obama, Joe Biden, and Donald Trump. President Trump further appointed Greenwood to the Kennedy Center Board of Trustees.
"I've spent much of my career honoring the men and women who serve our country ever since my first USO tour in 1989 with Bob Hope," Greenwood stated.
"Soldier Valley Spirits is another way to say thank you. These are premium, American-made spirits that celebrate our shared values while helping support organizations that serve veterans and first-responder families."
The Enduring Legacy of "God Bless the USA"
Greenwood recounted composing "God Bless the USA" while traveling on the back of a bus. He expressed his profound pride in being an American, stating his belief that "if there's another country that would have given me [the] opportunity" to achieve the rewards he has through diligent effort, he doesn't know it.
Released in 1984, "God Bless the USA" quickly gained traction, reaching No. 7 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart that same year, as reported by Billboard.
The song experienced renewed popularity and re-charted on multiple occasions, notably during the Gulf War and in the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks. It eventually ascended to the No. 1 position on Billboard's Digital Song Sales chart in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic, 36 years following its initial debut.
Greenwood reflected on his initial uncertainty about releasing the now-iconic track, noting that the decision ultimately rested with his record label.
He explained that after performing the song a few times, "There was nothing I could follow it with." He added, "There was nothing bigger than that in my show."
In 1992, Greenwood released his album "American Patriot," which features a collection of classic American ballads.
According to a recent news release, Greenwood is slated to receive the 2026 All-American Icon Award and perform "God Bless the USA" at the Countdown 250 Ball, scheduled for Friday in Washington, D.C.