BRANSON, MO (CelebrityAccess) – In a poignant ceremony held on Saturday (February 3), Charles W. Herbster, President and Owner of the Conklin Company, and esteemed country music icon Lee Greenwood were bestowed with the esteemed Helping a Hero Defense of Freedom Award.
Herbster was recognized as a consistent leader supporting our military, veterans, and first responders. He is known for his selfless dedication to those who defend our freedom and keep us safe. When Herbster heard a wounded warrior in his home state of Nebraska was in need, he stepped up to the plate. Army Sergent Ben Marksmeier, gravely injured in a roadside bomb attack in Iraq in 2006, remarkably survived and has since devoted himself to raising his three sons and managing a woodworking business.
Due to his catastrophic injuries and the ongoing battle to save his remaining leg, Marksmeier needed an adapted home. Marksmeier is a single dad raising two youngest sons, Ryker, 7, and Mason, 9. He is also the proud father of 17-year-old Caiden. Major General Roger Lemke, the former Adjutant General of the Nebraska National Guard, and Colonel Kevin Neumann nominated Marksmeier for an adapted home from Helping a Hero. Greenwood surprised Marksmeier and his three sons on national television and told them they would receive an adapted home as part of the Johnny Morris 100 Homes Challenge; they just needed land for the home. Herbster agreed to donate all the necessary funding to purchase the perfect piece of land near Springfield, NE, for Marksmeier and his family.
“All the pain I go through every day, there is no regret. I signed up when I was seventeen because I wanted to give back to my country what my country gave me: freedom. I am grateful beyond what my words can express to Charles W. Herbster and Johnny Morris for caring about my service. When I got the news about the home, it was breathtaking. Then, Mr. Herbster wanted to give us some beautiful land, and now I can instill in my sons the work ethic of farming on this land. This has filled my heart with a little more motivation, which is hard,” Marksmeier said.
Meredith Iler, Founder of the Helping a Hero Home Program, said, “Ben wants to be an example of strength for his sons, and Johnny Morris and Charles W. Herbster are giving him that priceless gift through this adapted home custom-built just for Ben,” Iler said.
The Defense of Freedom Awards, previously bestowed upon figures like Chuck Norris and Marcus Luttrell, were presented by Helping A Hero Ambassadors and Purple Heart Recipients JP Lane and Daniel Gilyeat. Greenwood, a distinguished American icon renowned for his hit “God Bless The USA,” was awarded for his unwavering efforts over the past 12 years as the Helping A Hero National Ambassador.
The second Defense of Freedom Award recipient, Greenwood, is an American icon renowned for his patriotic anthem, “God Bless The USA.” Greenwood has demonstrated unwavering dedication to expressing gratitude and supporting our military personnel, wounded warriors, and their families throughout his career. Notably, Greenwood served as the Helping A Hero National Ambassador for an impressive 12 years, showcasing a rare commitment to the well-being of our heroes, both in and out of the public eye. His tireless efforts include performing and presenting keys to adapted homes for over 30 heroes, including Specialist JP Lane, USA (Ret), a double amputee who nominated Greenwood for the Defense of Freedom Award.
Deeply moved by Greenwood’s impact, Lane shared his sentiments, stating, “I nominated Lee Greenwood because he inspires me with his music and cares for all of us who have served and sacrificed. As a double amputee, it was life-changing when he gave me the keys to my adapted home. Lee also made my day by texting me on my birthday just to check-in. He has been a beacon of hope to all of us in the military. He defends freedom every day.”
The awards ceremony, a 2024 Conklin National Convention highlight, also acknowledged Nebraska State Senator and Purple Heart recipient Thomas Brewer. Unfortunately, Marksmeier, the heroic survivor of the 2006 attack, had to attend the ceremony via video due to ongoing complications from his injuries.
This inspiring event not only celebrated the outstanding contributions of Charles W. Herbster and Lee Greenwood but also underscored the profound impact of their actions on the lives of those who have sacrificed significantly for their country.
