Zac Brown is aware of the many sacrifices made by service members and their families. Its why he meets with veterans before his shows and honors them onstage."Theyre such incredible people," Brown told Fox News Digital. "Their stories are so inspiring, and getting to bring them up on stage and share just a moment of gratitude with them for that entire crowd, and everyone in the crowd cheering them on and just reminding them that all of their sacrifices are appreciated. I have lots of friends that are in the military. I've lived with a lot of them over the years, and they're just really, truly incredible people. They have the ultimate servants heart."On Memorial Day, Brown will be honored at the American Music Awards by the Easy Day Foundation with the inaugural Veterans Voice Award for his "unwavering support to the veteran community.""This award means a lot to me because of the awareness that it's going to create for our veterans programs," Brown explained to Fox News Digital. "The more people that are aware of how deserving that these incredible people are, the more help that we can bring to them.VETERANS DAY: DENNIS QUAID, TRACE ADKINS AMONG HOLLYWOOD STARS HONORING OUR MILITARY"They're such incredible, dynamic people that make a lot of sacrifices from their family, the quality of their family life when they return home, their mental wellness, all of those things so that we can be free and able to be here."Brown says many people dont even think of the sacrifices made by service members "just so we can live in such an amazing country where we feel safe. It's an honor and privilege to get to serve them back."The country star founded a camp in Georgia that serves veterans and children more than a decade ago."We do 34 weeks of veteran programs," he told Fox News Digital. "We serve Bernie Marcus' program Warrior Path at our camp. We were one of the first campuses to be chosen to serve their program. They help with transition to and from service and help serve those with PTSD and other challenges that they find when they come home. And they help them find community and purpose and what their new chapter is going to be like."The camp also has the Warrior Song program through which "we help them to tell their story, which they may not be comfortable telling a civilian. But they get to tell their story with some amazing talented songwriters so that they can sing their story or can play it back to someone and help to share that part of them and get it out of the shadows because a lot of them carry that weight around that they're only willing to share with other fellow soldiers."Camp Southern Ground also hosts a family camp, which Brown says helps service members "see their family as their unit when they come back.""It helps them to have tools. It helps them to be with other veterans and their families as well, and they spend time learning how to see their family as their unit and have the tools to integrate together so that they can have a successful marriage and successful parenthood so that they themselves are well," he explained."Im really, really proud of all the things that were doing there."LEE GREENWOOD ON AMERICA'S VETERANS AND PRIDE IN OUR COUNTRY: 'I HAVE GREAT FAITH'The Veterans Voice Award was created to highlight artists like Brown, who are using their platforms to help veterans.The "Chicken Fried" singer says its difficult to single out a personal story a service member has told him because hes heard so many amazing anecdotes."My friend Ollie told me a story about how he thinks about things and how he doesn't ever want his demons to be behind him. He wants them to be chained down in front of him so he can see them and know when they're trying to pull up and get out of their chains, and he knows that he can be aware of that," Brown said. "It's an everyday choice to conquer those things."Other veterans have also told him how much his music meant to them while they were serving."I've been over several times to play for USO, to play in Iraq and Afghanistan and Kuwait and going out to some of those Ford operating bases where they have not seen anyone that reminds them of home for a really long amount of time," he said."Some of them had just lost one of their members to an (improvised explosive device), and they were painting his name on a tank when we got there."The band ended up filming the music video for its song "Free" at that base.GARY SINISE HOPES VETERANS SEE HIS NEW MOVIE, BROTHERS AFTER WAR"As soon as we got our guitars out and the speakers out, and we started playing music, it was like a light came on in their eyes and reminded them of what they're fighting for and what they're doing," he explains. "The things that we ask of them. We spent 10 days over there, and they give years and years of sacrifice for our country so that we can be free here and enjoy our lives. Those stories and remembering being around those incredible people, it moves me, and it's important to give thanks and gratitude to the people that protect us."Its especially significant that Brown will be honored on Memorial Day."It's important that Americans pause on Memorial Day because a lot of people have fought and died and suffered for our freedom,and Im grateful that the American Music Awards and Easy Day Foundation are making a point of recognizing this during Mondays event," he said."People can complain about America, complain about whatever, but they haven't gone and lived in other countries," he added. "Most of them haven't gone to live and see what it's like in some of the other places in the world. In America, there are challenges with anything that you're going to do and accomplish, but you can do things here that you cannot do anywhere else."He says people in the United States can "live that American dream no matter what background you're from, no matter what your history was, to create an amazing life for yourself," adding that veterans provide security "so that we can live the American dream."Getting to make music for a living is one of the greatest things in my life," he said. "It's such a privilege to get to do what I love to do. And I wouldn't be able to do that if we didn't have the freedoms here that we have and that is due to our veterans and our service people."Brown says his personal connections to the military go "really deep," adding "its an honor getting to sit down and hear their stories," like Joe Maynard's story about launching a knife company.DONNY OSMOND SAYS UNITED STATES OWES ITS GREATNESS TO MILITARY VETERANS PERIOD, FULL STOP"My buddy Joe Hartbank, who I lived with, to Joe Maynard, who is an incredible guy. He had to do a lot of things that he still kind of suffers from at times, but seeing him find purpose and being able to be a friend for him, getting to lead him into making knives and finding new purpose into things," he explained."He does all kinds of things now, but such an incredible guy."Hartbank gave Brown a medal he won for saving troops who were under fire in an ambush because of what Browns music, especially the song "Natural Disaster," meant to him."Its a privilege to get to know these people," Brown said. "I invite anybody that has a heart for veterans and heart for kids to learn more about Camp Southern Ground. If you don't have a higher purpose other than yourself in your life that you're contributing to, you need to find something like this. and if you want to join forces with us, we'd love to have you.""It's so much more than a camp," he said. "It's on a university level of quality, the build and everything like that. Weve got an incredible staff. We learn every single year about how to be better. Its a privilege to be recognized, but it's a privilege to share the awareness of these things so that we can all figure out how to help each other. God bless America. God bless the people that protect us there."The American Music Awards collaboration with the Easy Day Foundation, an organization that provides support to veterans transitioning back into military life, will also include two performances and inspirational stories from active-duty service members and veterans.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPMoney raised for the Easy Day Foundation will also benefit other veterans organizations across the country, including theBob Woodruff Foundation, Boot Campaign, Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Fisher House, The Folded Flag Foundation, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Team Rubicon and UNLVs Military and Veteran Services Center.A portion of ticket sales will benefit the Easy Day Foundation and its partners.A portion of audience seating at the AMAs will also be reserved for veterans.

A recent excavation in Texas yielded some "colossal creatures," according to local officials and archaeologists are hopeful more will be uncovered soon.The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) announced the discovery in a recent press release. In a statement, officials said the excavation took place in Lubbock during the environmental review for Loop 88, a proposed state highway.During the archaeological survey, diggers uncovered ancient bones dating back to prehistoric times. The remains belonged to megafauna, which are large mammals.ANCIENT BEDROCK KITCHENS REVEAL EVIDENCE OF HISTORICAL FOOD PRACTICES, EXPERTS SAYChris Ringstaff, a project planner with TxDOTs environmental affairs division, said that megafauna bones "[are] not unusual in the region."Ringstaff also noted that at least one giant ground sloth was identified, thanks to its distinctive tooth."Whether all the bones are giant ground sloth or there are different animals such as mammoth or mastodon, were not sure," he said."Paleontologists will give us positive identification."'WELL-PRESERVED' BABY MAMMOTH DATING BACK TO ICE AGE DISSECTED BY SCIENTISTS: PHOTOS"Were here to get the road built, but who doesnt love digging up big ol animals?" Ringstaff added.TxDOT noted that the Lone Star State is home to many dried-out lakes called playas, which date back to the Ice Age."In prehistoric times, animals and humans used playas as water sources and these sites can sometimes contain evidence of human activity," the press release noted.For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyleArchaeologists are still searching for small artifacts. They're also using dating techniques to determine the age of the remains.If any proof of human settlement is found, the project will be temporarily halted.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER"Should the site reveal human activity with megafauna from the Ice Age, it would be [the] first of its kind for a TxDOT project," the statement said.Several prehistoric bones are found in the U.S. every year.Last summer, archaeologists in Iowa unearthed a 13,000-year-old mastodon skull.Later in 2024, a New York homeowner found a complete mastodon jaw in his Scotchtown backyard.

A Colombian woman living illegally in the United States lived under a stolen identity for more than two decades, improperly received more than $400,000 in stolen federal benefits, and illegally voted in the 2024 presidential election, federal prosecutors said Thursday.Lina Maria Orovio-Hernandez, 59, also obtained welfare benefits, a REAL ID and eight other state ID's, the Justice Department said.Orovio-Hernandez allegedly used the stolen identity to submit a fraudulent voter registration in January 2023, and cast a ballot in last years presidential election, prosecutors said. She was captured on surveillance camera at a bank wearing an "I voted" sticker on Nov. 5, 2024, Election Day, according to court documents.MOM OF GIRL ALLEGEDLY KILLED BY ILLEGALS SAYS WILDLIFE REFUGE RENAMING 'MEANS THE WORLD' TO FAMILYShe is charged with false representation of a Social Security number; making a false statement in an application for a United States passport; aggravated identity theft; receiving stolen government money or property; fraudulent voter registration; and fraudulent voting. Orovio-Hernandez has been held in federal custody since February, when she was charged with identity theft and other offenses.Authorities said Orovio-Hernandez improperly received $400,000 in federal benefits: $259,589 in Section 8 rental assistance benefits from October 2011 through January 2025; $101,257 in Social Security disability benefits from July 2014 through January; and $43,348 in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits or SNAP, from April 2005 through January.IMMIGRATION EXPERT WARNS CHINESE ILLEGAL ALIENS USING CANADIAN CITY AS GATEWAY TO US"For more than 20 years, this defendant is alleged to have built an entire life on the foundation of a stolen identity including illegally voting in our presidential election and collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars in government benefits intended for Americans in need," said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley. "The right to vote is one of the many privileges of being a U.S. citizen. Government funded programs for those in need are intended to be safety nets for those living in our country lawfully not support an illegal alien without a right to be here."She also applied for a U.S. passport, claiming to be a U.S. citizen who was born in Puerto Rico, authorities said.Orovio-Hernandez wasn't entitled to any of the benefits she received, said Foley, citing her illegal presence in the U.S."Stealing someones identity to unlawfully obtain Social Security benefits is not just theftits a long-term abuse of a system meant to support those truly in need," said Amy Connelly, the special agent in charge for the Social Security Administration (SSA), Office of the Inspector General in the Boston-New York field division.

Elias Rodriguez, the man accused of fatally shooting two Israeli Embassy employees outside the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night, could face the death penalty if convicted, according to a newly unsealed FBI affidavit.Rodriguez, 31, has been charged with the murder of foreign officials, a federal capital offense, along with multiple firearm-related counts and two counts of first-degree murder.If convicted of either of the first two counts, he could face the death penalty. Under D.C. law, a conviction for first-degree murder carries a minimum sentence of 30 years in prison and a maximum sentence of life behind bars.Rodriguez waived his right to a detention hearing and will be held without bond while he awaits trial. He was ordered back to court on June 18 for a preliminary hearing.POLICE RAID DC SHOOTING SUSPECT ELIAS RODRIGUEZ'S CHICAGO APARTMENTThe shooting Wednesday night happened during an event hosted by the American Jewish Committee, which brought together Jewish professionals and members of the diplomatic community.According to the affidavit, one of the victims, Yaron Lischinsky, 31, was an Israeli citizen who had been granted "official guest" status by the U.S. State Department. The other victim, Sarah Milgrim, 26, was also employed by the Israeli Embassy. The young couple was set to be engaged.Surveillance footage, according to the affidavit, showed a suspect, who was wearing a blue jacket with a hood, a large dark-colored backpack and blue pants, approaching the couple from behind as they were about to enter a crosswalk.Investigators say Rodriguez drew a 9 mm handgun and opened fire without provocation.After the victims collapsed, he moved closer and continued firing, the affidavit said. Milgrim tried to crawl away, but Rodriguez continued shooting at her.Investigators say Rodriguez paused to reload and then fired at her again before fleeing toward the museums entrance. Authorities recovered 21 shell casings, an empty handgun and a discarded magazine at the scene.READ THE AFFIDAVIT APP USERS CLICK HEREA preliminary autopsy found that Milgrim suffered from multiple gunshot wounds. She was taken from the scene by the District of Columbia's Fire and Emergency Medical Services (DCFEMS) to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for the District of Columbia. She was pronounced dead at 9:35 p.m. Wednesday. Autopsy results are pending.Lischinsky was pronounced dead by DCFEMS at 9:14 p.m. Wednesday. His autopsy results are pending.WHITE HOUSE DECRIES 'EVIL OF ANTISEMITISM,' VOWS JUSTICE AFTER FATAL SHOOTING OF ISRAELI EMBASSY STAFFERSRodriguez did not resist arrest. When members of the Metropolitan Police Departments First District arrived at 9:08 p.m. and approached Rodriguez, he allegedly told them, "I did it for Palestine. I did it for Gaza. I am unarmed," and later shouted, "Free Palestine," as he was arrested.Investigators said they spoke with witnesses who reported seeing the suspect wearing a red keffiyeh, a head covering often associated with Palestinian protesters.In an interview with law enforcement, Rodriguez reportedly expressed admiration for a protester who self-immolated outside the Israeli Embassy in 2024, by calling the act courageous and saying the individual was a "martyr."The affidavit said Rodriguez told authorities that he purchased a ticket for the Israeli event three hours before opening fire on Lischinsky and Milgrim.Federal authorities say Rodriguez flew from Chicago to Washington, D.C., the day before the shooting and legally transported the firearm used in the attack as checked luggage.The weapon was purchased legally in Illinois in 2020.FROM CAMPUS PROTESTS TO DEADLY VIOLENCE: ISRAELI EMBASSY STAFF MURDERED IN DCSpeaking at a press update on Thursday, interim U.S. Attorney for the District of Washington Jeanine Pirro said the community "is reeling as a result of one person's actions.""Two families are now left to grieve for dreams that will never be realized," she said."And as I speak right now, there is an individual who is being presented in court and charged with various crimes. Thirty-one-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago, Illinois, is now charged by complaint after his initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge Matthew Sharp."Rodriguez is charged with murder of foreign officials because one of the victims was an Israeli citizen and classified as an "official guest" of the United States by the State Department.He is also charged with causing the death of a person through the use of a firearm, discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, and two counts of first-degree murder.

Far-left progressive billionaire Alex Soros is being slammed online for his statement condemning the killing of two Israeli embassy staffers despite funding anti-Israel groups through his Open Society Foundation (OSF).Soros, who is the son and heir to George Soros fortune and philanthropic empire, condemned the killings in an X post, saying "the murder of Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky at the Capital Jewish Museum was evil in its most basic form" and that "this brutal antisemitic act must be condemned in the strongest terms."Milgrim and Lischinsky, two Israeli Embassy staffers who were set to be engaged, were killed outside an event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday night.D.C. police identified the suspect as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez, who was taken into custody after the shooting attack. He was allegedly seen pacing outside the museum before he approached a group of four people, including the two victims, and opened fire. Rodriguez then reportedly went into the museum, where he was detained by security. He allegedly shouted "Free, free Palestine!" while in custody.OMAR WALKS AWAY FROM REPORTERS ASKING ABOUT ISRAELI EMBASSY STAFFERS KILLED IN DCThough Soros condemned the killings, his statement was flooded with replies calling out his funding of radical anti-Israel groups that foment anti-Jewish sentiments."Alex, you and your father created this problem through the ruthless and international silencing of critics to open borders policies," said one X user named Joseph Janecka. "Their blood is on your hands as much as their murderers. We will never forget."Carl Wheless, another user, commented, "You are behind the hate, so excuse us if you don't wish to hear from you on the matter."Another, Eitan Fischberger, asserted that Soros "funds the revolutionary Marxist group the shooter belonged to."YOUNG COUPLE FATALLY SHOT OUTSIDE JEWISH EVENT IN DC WERE ABOUT TO GET ENGAGEDThough the details of Rodriguezs affiliations are currently unclear as chair of OSF, Soros has helped to fund several leftist groups that have accused Israel of genocide and called for the end of the Jewish state.In 2023, Israel's minister of diaspora affairs and social equality, Amichai Chikli, told Fox News Digital that Soros is a mirror image of father Georges anti-Israel agenda.When asked if Soros would continue to fund anti-Israel entities that bash the Jewish state, Chikli said it "looks like the son is a replica of his father. We have no expectation that his son will be a big Zionist."Chikli added that OSF funds Human Rights Watch, which he said, "is attacking Israelis heavily and attacking Israel as an apartheid state and delegitimizing and demonizing Israel."PIRRO ANNOUNCES MURDER CHARGES AGAINST ALLEGED DC SHOOTER: ANTISEMITISM WILL NOT BE TOLERATEDHe also said OSF funds "J Street," an organization that claims to be pro-Israel but has faced criticism because of its support for positions that allegedly favor Irans regime and the Palestinians.Chikli also noted that the Soros foundation "gives money to radical small Palestinian organizations in Israel that describe Israel as a colonial state and a moral sin." He cited the NGO Adalah, which means "justice" in Arabic, as an organization "denying the vision of Israel as a Jewish state" in its "published vision for Arab society in Israel."The elder Soros has also faced intense criticism from Israels ambassador to the U.N. for pumping over $15 million into a network of nongovernmental organizations that allegedly support Hamas."George Soros donations to organizations that seek the destruction of the State of Israel as a Jewish state is shameful. However, I am not surprised," Israeli ambassador Gilad Erdan told Fox News Digital in December 2023."For years, Soros has backed and transferred money to organizations supporting BDS that want to isolate Israel," added Erdan, who has been leading the diplomatic campaign at the U.N. to spell out Hamas crimes against humanity. "They have never been about real peace or any solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

"Shazam!" actor Zachary Levi is giving "Snow White" star Rachel Zegler the benefit of the doubt despite her infamous social media post wishing for Trump voters to "never know peace."In a new interview with Variety, Levi defended Zegler from the backlash she received for her outspoken liberal views, including her remarks about supporters of President Donald Trump following the 2024 election. Levi and Zegler co-starred in "Shazam! Fury of The Gods" in 2023."But I think that we have got to recognize that a lot of times peoples decisions are predicated upon the bad information that theyre being fed on a regular basis," Levi said.ACTOR ZACHARY LEVI ENCOURAGES 'CLOSETED CONSERVATIVES' IN HOLLYWOOD TO SPEAK OUT: 'IT'S NOW OR NEVER'Zegler has been at the center of a public firestorm over the past few years, after making several political and controversial statements throughout the production of Disney's recent live-action "Snow White" remake.In one instance, Zegler criticized the original animated "Snow White" for its more traditional values. She called to "Free Palestine" while promoting the films trailer, which ignited backlash for her and Disney. After Donald Trump won the 2024 election, she condemned his voters."May Trump supporters and Trump voters and Trump himself never know peace," she posted on social media shortly after the Trump's victory, adding "F--- Donald Trump."She later apologized for her comment. Zeglers outspokenness was seen as a major factor that contributed to the remake of "Snow White"s dismal box office performance earlier this year.SNOW WHITE' REBOOT STAR RESPONDS TO BACKLASH OVER HER COMMENTS CRITICIZING ORIGINAL 1937 FILM: MADE ME SADDespite Zeglers comments about Trump voters, Levi told Variety he didnt hold them against her."So should I hate her because shes downstream of all of these voices that are telling her that hes Hitler and the people who vote for him are Nazis? Shes a really talented girl, and I do think that she wants the best for the world deep down," he said.Variety also detailed how Levis political coming out was hard for many of his Hollywood friends to accept. He created controversy in Hollywood with his public skepticism of the COVID-19 vaccine, and generated further outrage by becoming an RFK Jr. supporter, and ultimately a Trump supporter, after Kennedy threw his support behind the GOP nominee.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREThe outlet spoke to Robert Duncan McNeill, Levis friend, who directed him on twenty episodes of the TV show "Chuck." Although theyre still friends, McNeill said it has been tough to overlook Levis views."I love Zach dearly, but I dont want in any way for our friendship and my feelings about him as a human to be an endorsement of his politics because I vehemently disagree with them," McNeill said. "But hes an unusual friend in my life. He sometimes can be more of a bleeding-heart liberal than I am, which shocks me. Zach walks the walk in a lot of ways better than me."On the other hand, Levis Broadway co-star Laura Bananti wants nothing to do with him after he suggested the death of a fellow castmate was exacerbated by the COVID vaccine.Variety recalled how after Levi made the suggestion, she said on a podcast, "I never liked him. Everyone was like, Hes so great! And I was like, No, hes not. Hes sucking up all the f---ing energy in this room. He wants to mansplain everybodys part to them.'"She added, "He really sucked everybody in with his dance party energy, like, Were doing a dance party at half-hour. I was like, Good luck, have fun."

An ex-Major League Baseball player is blaming a former opponent for his career-ending injury.Darin Ruf played first base for the Milwaukee Brewers June 2, 2023, in a game against the NL Central rival Cincinnati Reds. Little did he know it would be the final game of his career.In the third inning, Ruf was chasing a pop-up in foul territory when his knee crashed into the end of the field tarp roller. Ruf badly cut his knee and limped off the field with the help of a trainer.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMRuf's complaint says the end of the tarp roller was made of sharp metal and had no protective cushioning or cap. The TV broadcast of the game said there was a "significant hunk of metal that doesn't give very much."Ruf went on the 60-day injured list and never played in the major leagues again.His initial injury, aside from the laceration, was ruled a non-displaced fracture of his patella. But, according to Ruf's complaint, he suffered "permanent and substantial deformities to his knee.""This didn't need to happen," Ruf said in a statement. "I wish it didn't happen. Players shouldn't have to worry about hidden hazards like that on a major league field."MAN CHARGED WITH GIVING BOOZE TO UNDERAGE PIRATES FAN WHO FELL ONTO FIELD: REPORTS"This was an obvious and avoidable risk," Tad Thomas, Ruf's attorney, said in a release announcing the lawsuit. "There are basic safety protocols every MLB team should follow. Leaving an unpadded metal roller on the edge of the field is inexcusable."The Reds did not immediately reply to a request for comment.The situation is similar to Dustin Fowler's. In his major league debut in 2017, he injured a knee in Chicago after running into an electrical box while chasing down a pop fly. Fowler, who would have led off the next inning for his first plate appearance in the majors, sued the White Sox for negligence.The Yankees traded him roughly a month after the injury for Sonny Gray, and Fowler's first MLB hit came against Gray the next year.Ruf, 38, played in the majors from 2012 to 2023 with the Philadelphia Phillies (2012-16), San Francisco Giants (2020-22, 2023), New York Mets (2022) and Brewers (2023). He batted .239 with a .329 on-base percentage, 67 homers and 205 RBI in 582 career games.At the time of the injury, Ruf was playing in his 11th game with the Brewers after playing in nine games in his second stint with the Giants. He had been designated for assignment by San Francisco before joining Milwaukee.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X,and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Jewish UCLA student Eli Tsives and Jewish Yale '25 graduate Netanel Crispe weigh in on the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers and describe their experience with antisemitism on 'The Ingraham Angle.'

State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce discusses the deadly shooting in Washington, D.C., U.S-Iran talks and more on The Bottom Line.

Jewish UCLA student Eli Tsives and Jewish Yale '25 graduate Netanel Crispe weigh in on the murder of two Israeli Embassy staffers and describe their experience with antisemitism on 'The Ingraham Angle.'