At Nashville’s Red Letter Awards on September 13, 2025, the spotlight shone brightly on the extraordinary artistry and faith of Country music star Delnora Acuff, whose performances and presence defined the evening’s spirit of inspiration and excellence. Hosting and performing at the annual event in the Tucker Theater, Acuff not only captivated the audience with her powerful voice but also set the tone for a celebration that seamlessly wove together faith, music, and patriotism.
The Red Carpet festivities began at 4:00 p.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 6:00 p.m., where believers from across the spectrum of public life were honored—authors, athletes, artists, and military leaders. Among them was Chaplain (Major) James F. Linzey, USA (Ret.), presented with the ‘Peacemaker Award’ for his 24 years of service as a military chaplain. His award was conferred by Major Elizabeth Stephens, the trailblazing aviator recognized as the first Black female helicopter combat pilot in U.S. history.
In his acceptance speech, Linzey reflected:
“As a military chaplain, my calling as a peacemaker has been to help thousands of soldiers find peace within themselves and with God—even amid PTSD, battlefield trauma, or guilt over actions that wounded their conscience.”
But it was Delnora Acuff’s music that lifted the evening into the realm of the unforgettable. With grace and power, she performed the U.S. Marine Corps Hymn, a stirring rendition of The Lord’s Prayer, and led the audience in a heartfelt ‘What a Friend We Have in Jesus.’ Her ability to blend reverence with artistry created moments that transcended performance, turning the ceremony into an act of worship and national gratitude.
The evening also paid tribute to military history and heritage. Highlights included the 250th Anniversary of the U.S. Marine Corps, a history presentation by Corporal Daniel Schulthies, and recognition of living World War II heroes: flamethrower veteran Don Graves, Navajo Code Talker Peter MacDonald, Sr., and the last Doolittle Raider, Frank Wright. Ambassador Theodore Roosevelt Britton, Jr., a Montford Point Marine, was also honored. Reflections on the Korean and Vietnam Wars were given by Staff Sergeant Timothy Schmante.
The celebration did not end there. The following day, at the Tennessee State Veterans Home, Acuff once again lifted her voice in service to veterans, joining fellow honorees in ministering through music and encouragement under the theme ‘You Are Not Forgotten and Alone.’ Linzey—known for decades as ‘The Singing Chaplain’—delivered one of the keynote addresses alongside Commander Don Biadog, CHC, USN (Ret.), recipient of the ‘Man of Courage’ Award. Together they presented Warfighter Bibles to veterans in their 90s, while Acuff’s music reminded all present that the gifts of faith and song remain enduring sources of hope.
The Red Letter Awards 2025—founded and directed by Carla Jackson, who has built the annual event into one of Nashville’s most inspiring celebrations of Christian faith, service, and excellence—was supported by Atlanta Chapter 5 of the National Montford Point Marine Association, Hometown Heroes Podcast, the MacDonald Family, and the Stockton Marine Corps.
Ultimately, the 2025 Red Letter Awards underscored the profound influence of leaders who serve God with their gifts. Delnora Acuff, one of the Grand Ole Opry’s rising luminaries, and Chaplain James F. Linzey, a peacemaker in uniform and beyond, stood together as symbols of integrity, courage, and compassion. Their contributions—one through music, the other through ministry—testified that faith still transforms lives, heals wounds, and uplifts a nation.
Linzey is the son of Verna Hall Linzey, who wrote the hymn ‘O Blessed Jesus,’ and Captain Stanford E. Linzey, Jr., CHC, USN (Ret.), a Navy chaplain and survivor of the sinking of the USS ‘Yorktown’ (CV-5) at the Battle of Midway in World War II.