In March 2009 , Keith received the Johnny " Mike " Spann Memorial Semper Fidelis Award during a New York ceremony held by the Marine Corps-Law Enforcement Foundation . The trophy is named for the CIA operative ( and former Marine Corps captain ) who was the first U.S. casualty in the war in Afghanistan . " Spending time with our soldiers around the world is something I 've always regarded as a privilege and honor , " he said . " I 'm certainly happy to accept this award , but I wo n't forget for a second who 's really doing the heavy lifting to keep this country safe . And that 's why I 'll keep going back and spending time with those good folks every chance I get . " In April 2009 , he voiced support for Obama on Afghanistan and other decisions : " He hired one of my best friends who I think should run for president someday ... Gen. James Jones as a national security adviser . He 's sending troops into Afghanistan , help is on the way there . And I 'm seeing some really good middle range stuff . I 'm giving our commander in chief a chance before I start grabbing . So far , I 'm cool with it . " On March 24 , 2001 , Keith 's father , H.K. Covel , was killed in a car accident . That event and the September 11 attacks in 2001 prompted Keith to write the song " Courtesy of the Red , White , & Blue " , a song about his father 's patriotism and faith in the United States . At first , Keith refused to record the song and sang it only live at his concerts for military personnel . The reaction to the song , the lyrics of which express clear nationalistic and militaristic sentiments , was strong in many quarters , even to the point that the Commandant of the Marine Corps James L. Jones told Keith it was his " duty as an American citizen " to record the song . As the lead single from the album '' Unleashed '' ( 2002 ) , " Courtesy of the Red , White , & Blue " peaked at number one over the Fourth of July weekend
September 11 attacks
September 11 attacks
Toby Keith