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Enjoy 2015 Rockin’ for the Troops in photos

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Above / Actor and veterans’ advocate Gary Sinise is pictured with veterans at the Meet & Greet Party. (Photo by James Hoch Photography)

Update July 24, 2015 /  Photographer Jim Hoch welcomes readers to “take a gander at the photos from Rockin 2015,” the 10th annual benefit concert to raise awareness and funds for Operation Support Our Troops-America that was held July 18.

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Above / Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band performed again in support of OSOT-America at Rockin’ for the Troops in Cantigny Park on the third Saturday in July.

Find additional photos in group categories at  https://jameshochphotography.smugmug.com/Military/Rockin-For-The-Troops-2015.

“Even though it was a little on the hot side, and we had to close down for a few minutes for a little sprinkle that came through, it was a FANTASTIC day,” e-mailed Hoch.  “Deb Rickert… Congratulations to you and your team who put on another fantastic event to benefit the Troops.”

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.

For more information, visit www.osotamerica.org

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-A  has grown into a non-profit charity with a four-star rating from Great Non-Profits (www.greatnonprofits.org).

Update July 15, 2015Operation Support Our Troops hosts it annual Rockin’ for the Troops 2015 featuring the Lt. Dan Band, The Voices, Maggie Speaks and the Chicago Blues Allstars. The day-long festival at Cantigny Park includes much more on Sat., July 18, 2015.

The event also presents 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-America and numerous other organizations.

Tickets are still $25 online and at local Jewel-Osco locations. 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 toward the funding of other OSOT-America’s programs.

A Little History with Original Post April 28, 2014 / Operation Support Our Troops announce return of the Lt. Dan Band to Rockin’ for the Troops 2014 concert

Operation Support Our Troops-America (OSOT-America) will kick off the return of actor Gary Sinise and his Lt. Dan Band to its annual mid-summer Rockin’ for the Troops concert during a pre-event at McGrath Acura of Westmont from noon to 5PM on Thurs., May 1.

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Above / Illinois native Gary Sinise is a familiar face and voice when it comes to advocating veterans’ needs and causes. (PN File Photo)

“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 Sat., July 19 at Wheaton’s Cantigny Park.

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, is looking forward to being back on stage for Rockin’.

“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,” noted Sinise in the news release. “It’s always been an amazing crowd and I look forward to another great show saluting the men and women who serve our country.”

Rockin’ for the Troops is third Saturday in July

Tickets go on sale to the public the first week in May 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 live performances are staged to round out the lineup.

The event also features 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-America and numerous other organizations.

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Above / Rockin’ for the Troops is quite at home at Cantigny Park in July.

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.

Operation Support Our Troops America

For more information, visit www.osotamerica.org

 

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PN Editor
PN Editor
An editor is someone who prepares content for publishing. It entered English, the American Language, via French. Its modern sense for newspapers has been around since about 1800.
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