'Warriors Rock' Concert To Benefit Operation StrongVet

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -Staying connected can be tough on our troops stationed overseas and their loved ones still at home.

But, an organization called Operation StrongVet is bridging the gap through music.

They put their lives on the line to protect our freedom, but coming home and adjusting to life after a deployment isn't always easy.

"It's pretty difficult. There were many, many times where I just felt like going back," Jerrod Stimmel said.

Stimmel, an Army combat engineer, is feeling changed, thanks to Operation StrongVet.

The organization launched about a year-and-a-half ago. It helps veterans who are most at risk.

"We provide homeless shelters for example, to help get vets back on their feet, physical and behavioral health programs, which are extremely important, especially with the current onslaught on PTSD," Operation StrongVet Executive Director Roy Cheran said.

Click Here For More Information On Operation StrongVet

The group also provides job training and post-secondary education opportunities.

Last year, the organization served 800 vets face to face and thousands more through online programs.

"We really need to reenergize the community and have them focus on supporting vets in any way, shape, or form that they can," Cheran said.

You can show that support this weekend, at the Warriors Rock concert.

The event will feature Gary Racan and the Studio E Band and benefits Operation StrongVet.

The musicians will be performing songs that vets say helped keep them going overseas.

"They talk about their deployments, where they were deployed and then they talk about what music linked them back home and helped comfort them during their times of troubles while they were deployed and then Gary and his band go into those tunes," Cheran said.

Warriors Rock is this Saturday, Aug. 15 at The Palace Theatre in Greensburg. Tickets are $25.

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