Rockin’ for the Troops kickoff launched news of next concert on July 21
Founding sponsor Navistar Defense employees and Operation Support our Troops – America volunteers and supporters packed the futuristic-looking reception area of Navistar headqarters in Lisle this morning, May 3, along with actor and musician Gary Sinise, eager to launch particulars about this year’s Rockin’ for the Troops. For starters, Rockin’ for the Troops 2012 will be held Saturday, July 21, at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. Tickets ($25 each) to the seventh annual concert went on sale Friday, May 4.
Naperville resident and OSOT-America founder Deb Rickert lauded all of Sinise’s stellar TV and movie credits when she introduced the military advocate who has headlined with his Lt. Dan Band every year for Rockin’ for the Troops, adding that Sinise is the “modern day Bob Hope” for all of his other connections that support the military.
Rickert, along with event organizers, used the opportunity to thank all the sponsors and volunteers. She also recognized the impact the event, which has raised more than $2 million, has had on military and family support efforts.
During the event Sinise put his signature on a Harley Davidson that with many other items will be raffled at Rockin’ for the Troops 2012. He also signed his name on many comfort and care packages that symbolize the One Millionth Pound of packages sent, a milestone passed in March.
Rickert also recognized Anita and Bill Hargett, early supporters of OSOT-America, by awarding them the first two tickets to this year’s concert. Bill and Anita, Rickert said, have cut and sewn 36,000 neck coolers for comfort and care packages that are sent to military men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.
In addition, guests at the assembly learned about the Veteran Hiring initiative that also is funded and promoted by OSOT America.
Rockin’ for the Troops 2012 will feature the Lt. Dan Band, The Voices and 7th Heaven. Stay tuned for details about the event as they become available.
Remember! Tickets go on sale May 4 at local Jewel Supermarkets and online at www.rockinforthetroops.org.
Operation Support our Troops – America (www.osotamerica.org) is a volunteer based nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the morale and well being of troops serving in harm’s way, their families and the returning veteran. The organization was founded in 2003 and has over 300 volunteers who donate over 10,000 volunteer hours annually.
“Rockin for the Troops” (www.rockinforthetroops.org) is an annual fundraiser and military support event held at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. The event for the past six years has welcomed a sellout crowd of 12,000 people representing one of the largest military support events in the country.
