Community Corner
Academy Award Winning Actor and Musician Gary Sinise Rejoins With Operation Support Our Troops-America To Help Military
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Academy Award Winning Actor and Musician Gary Sinise Rejoins With Operation Support Our Troops-America To Help Military
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Announce return of the Lt. Dan Band to Rockin’ for the Troops 2014 concert
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Naperville, Ill., 28 April, 2014 – Operation Support Our Troops-America (OSOT-A) will announce the return of actor Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band to its annual mid-summer Rockin’ for the Troops concert with a kickoff event at McGrath Acura of Westmont on May 1 from 12-5 p.m.
"We are excited and proud to have our friend and partner Gary Sinise back with us as our nation continues to respond to the needs of our military returning from 12 years of war,” said Deborah Rickert, president of OSOT-America. “We know that Gary brings a special level of excitement and entertainment to this event. We can’t wait to see him and his band perform again. Gary’s commitment to our troops is well known, admirable and heartwarming. He’s a patriot beyond compare.”
The internationally known actor and military advocate was absent from the event last year due to a scheduling conflict, but he and his band will again appear at the popular Rockin’ concert Saturday, July 19 at Wheaton’s Cantigny Park.
Sinise, who is best known for his Best Actor in a Supporting Role Oscar-winning character “Lieutenant Dan” in the 1994 Best Picture of the Year Forrest Gump, said, “I'm thrilled to be able to return to Rockin' For the Troops again this year in support of the great work of OSOT America. It's always been an amazing crowd and I look forward to another great show saluting the men and women who serve our country.”
The Thursday, May 1 kickoff event will be held at McGrath Acura of Westmont, 400 E. Ogden Ave., Westmont, IL.
“McGrath Acura of Westmont is proud to host this rally with OSOT-America to kick off ticket sales for this amazing family oriented event,” said Sean Mekeef, general manager of the dealership. We think this is a great way to support our community and show our appreciation to our military and their families. OSOT-America will also be presenting a car to Medal of Honor recipient Allen J. Lynch in support of a local veteran in need. We’ll open our doors with a warm welcome to hundreds of military family members and volunteers from noon to 5 p.m.”
A 1 p.m. media event to introduce Gary Sinise, OSOT-America President Deborah Rickert and Medal of Honor Recipient Allen Lynch will be followed by music from Keith Semple of The Sempletons. Food and refreshments will be provided by Mr. Bill’s Catering. The day’s activities will span from 12-5 p.m.
ABOUT THE ROCKIN’ FOR THE TOOPS CONCERT
Tickets go on sale to the public May 1 at Chicagoland Jewel-Osco stores. Please visit www.RockinForTheTroops.org for more information about the concert, including a complete list of participating locations and to purchase tickets online.
The family friendly ‘Rockin’ for the Troops’ concert enters its ninth year in 2014 and is produced on the beautiful grounds of the Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Ill. Additional performances by The Voices, a well-known Motown Tribute Band, Audio Adrenaline, a popular Christian Rock band whose drummer lost his brother in Iraq in 2005 will be the afternoon headliner and The Sempletons featuring Keith Semple (formerly of 7th Heaven) will round out the lineup. The event will also feature children’s activities, food and beverage vendors, as well as patriotic items for sale. Rockin’ for the Troops proceeds, since inception, have totaled over $3 million and have contributed to military and family support programs for OSOT-A and numerous other organizations.
Each $25 admission ticket pays the shipping costs for one of OSOT-America’s comfort packages being sent to U.S. military service member serving in harm's way, or contributes towards the funding of other OSOT-America’s programs, including:
Helping support Families of the Fallen monthly meetings and quarterly grief healing seminars in addition to the collaboration seminar "Leap of Faith" with the All-Veteran Parachute Team that provides a growth experience based around a tandem skydive.
Research and implementation of new treatments for PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury)
Support of returning veterans to the work force. More than 80,000 will enter the civilian work force in the next two years. Our efforts will help provide resume help, interview preparation and access to job fairs helping veterans and their spouses find employment after serving their country.
ABOUT OPERATION SUPPORT OUR TROOPS-AMERICA
The mission of OSOT-America is to support the morale and well-being of American forces by providing comfort, resources and education to all involved both while deployed and the soldier’s return. As a volunteer-based non-profit organization, OSOT-America provides the opportunity for community members to express their appreciation and also offer support for our troops. Engaged in the longest war of our country’s history, and with our servicemen and women completing multiple tours of duty, OSOT-America is committed to showing them that “We Have NOT Forgotten.” Volunteer opportunities are available. Visit www.osotamerica.org for more information.
OSOT-America humbly began at the dining room table of its president and founder, Deborah Rickert, who wanted to support our troops with needed supplies while serving their country. OSOT-America has grown into a non-profit charity with a four star rating from Great Non-Profits (www.greatnonprofits.org).
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