A concert benefiting veterans will occur this Friday just on the outskirts of Wilmington. The concert, held at Cherrybend Pheasant Farm, will bring veterans from 20 states, and as far away as Alaska for a concert and benefit for combat veterans.
Featuring Eddie Montgomery from country duo Montgomery Gentry, the concert will also feature Nashville songwriters Jason Michael Carroll, Sal Gonzalez, Galen Griffin, Buddy Owens, Mark Ramsey and others.
There will be food trucks on hand, a silent auction to support veterans, a cash bar, and fundraising games to help support veteran outreach programs through Operation Cherrybend, a five-day event welcoming wounded combat veterans together for a network of friendship and support.
Their 100% volunteer team, puts on an event each year and welcomes veterans from across the U.S. to better build a community of support for veterans wounded in combat zones.
“The mission of Operation Cherrybend is to lift up our veterans for their courage, selflessness and sacrifice to our country,” as stated on the Facebook event age. “We do this by creating a strong network with events, adventures and music!”
Taking place annually at Cherrybend Pheasant Farm, a 641-acre preserve outside of Wilmington, located at 2326 Cherrybend Rd, Wilmington, just east of the Wilmington Air Park, the site usually offers pheasant hunting from October to March, as well as scheduled events throughout the year.
Gates will open at 5:15 p.m., with food trucks starting shortly after that. From there music will begin with a songwriter round at 6:15 p.m., and an auction, with items provided by Wendt Auctions.
With combat veterans struggling regularly with PTSD and other mental health issues, and being at risk for suicide, the organizers and the event aim to create a community through events and connections made.
“We appreciate them for their courage, selflessness and sacrifice to our country,” according to their stated mission on their website. “We also know that at times, life can be difficult and there doesn’t feel like there is any place to fit in. Through outdoor adventures and recreation, community engagement events, and music–we strive to build a Veteran network and provide a community of veterans and civilians banded together to fight the effects of PTSD and veteran suicide.”
For more information on the event, or to donate and help, please see their website at: operationcherrybend.org. For veterans in crisis, they can also seek help at the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255, and press 1. They may also send a text message to 838255, or chat online at the Veterans Crisis Line.
