WASHINGTON, D.C. – Loved not only for her bold personality and southern charm, country music recording artist and the star of the CMT hit docu-comedy television series I Love Kellie Pickler is known for her avid support of our servicemen and women. In honor of Kellie’s continued work spanning nine-and-counting USO tours, the critically-acclaimed North Carolinian and her husband Kyle Jacobs were honored Sept. 28, with the Department of Defense Spirit of Hope Award, presented annually to distinguished Americans and organizations to include entertainers and men and women of the United States Armed Forces whose patriotism and service reflects that of Mr. Bob Hope.
“I am so humbled to be in such great company in receipt of this honor from the Department of Defense,” Kellie shared after accepting the distinguished award with her husband Kyle on Wednesday in Washington D.C. “We’ve been so blessed to have a great relationship with the USO which has allowed us to be able to take a little piece of home to our service men and women both overseas and here at home.”
The Department of Defense criteria for the Spirit of Hope Award requires the recipient to have selflessly contributed an extraordinary amount of time, talent or resources to significantly enhance the quality of life of service members and their families serving around the world and epitomize the values of Bob Hope—duty, honor, courage, loyalty, commitment, integrity and selfless dedication.
In 2015 at the CMA Music Festival the parents of slain Navy SEAL Chris Kyle presented Kellie Pickler with the first-ever Operation Troop Aid Chris Kyle Patriot Award and in 2013 Kellie received the Heart For The Warrior Award from the USO of North Carolina during the Salute to Freedom Gala.