News & Media

STRONG SUPPORTERS. SERIOUS RESULTS.

We embrace every opportunity to advocate for our heroes and their families. Check out this section to see what we have been up to.

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Rockin’ for the Troops Kickoff – May 3, 2012

Actor Gary Sinise Supporting Veterans

Hollywood actor Gary Sinise is helping promote a summer concert in suburban Chicago that will benefit veterans.

The “Forrest Gump” star helped kickoff ticket sales for “Rockin’ for the Troops” on Thursday (May 3, 2012) at the Navistar headquarters in Lisle.

The concert is planned for July 21 in nearby Weaton. Sinise is slated to perform with his Lt. Dan Band, which is named for his character in the Oscar-winning movie.

The Daily Herald reports (Click Here) that proceeds will benefit Operation Support Our Troops America. The Naperville-based charity has raised $2 million for projects benefiting veterans, including research on post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.

Sinise says “we all enjoy what the military provides for us.”

Officials from Navistar and other companies also announced efforts to hire returning veterans.

VFW Post 3873 Veteran of the Month: William T. Archer

Naperville Sun, January 13, 2012

William T. Archer, 69, served in the Army from 1965 to 1968, including a stint in Vietnam. Here he is pictured with actor Gary Sinise.

William T. Archer

Rank: First Lieutenant

Branch of service: U.S. Army

Current age: 69 years old

Total years served: Two years 10 months

Served from: 1965 to 1968

Places served: Fort Leonard Wood Kansas, Fort Sill Oklahoma, Fort Lewis Washington, Vietnam 4th Infantry Division 5th Battalion 16th Artillery and Fort Polk Louisiana

Job or specialty: Fire direction officer and battalion ammunitions officer

Fondest memory while serving: “While making an official visit with our battalion doctor to a Montagnard village in highlands of Vietnam, the village chief was very pleased with our visit and the medical service we provided. In appreciation, he asked/demanded that the doctor and I drink some of his finest ceremonial rice wine. Their custom was that we sip his wine from a large earthenware container through a long bamboo straw in one long breath or until the chief felt he had adequately satisfied his need to thank us. Anything less than a very, very long sip was considered an insult. We finished our mission, and on return, my tent mate doctor suggested we down several days’ worth of penicillin just in case the chief might not have followed Army approved purification precautions. Doc and I had a good laugh and fond memories of the mission, and very happy there were no after effects.”

Quote: “I am very proud to be able to support our troops by volunteering with Operations Support Our Troops, America. The wars continue, and OSOT-America is able to bring the troops a little comfort from home, and show those in harm’s way that the country supports them and everything they are doing for us. Their service is a difficult sacrifice, and I for one am thankful for all their sacrifices.

Every month the Judd Kendall VFW Post 3873 in Naperville chooses a Veteran of the Month.

Operation Support Our Troops – America Launches Military Awareness Campaign and Comfort Package Drive with MB Financial Bank

CHICAGO–(BUSINESS WIRE)– On Monday, Nov. 7, 2011, Operation Support Our Troops-America (OSOT America) will be joined by Gov. Pat Quinn and MB Financial Bank to launch its

OSOT America and MB Financial Launch "America Has NOT Forgotten"

“America has NOT Forgotten” awareness campaign.

“The campaign is a national effort to remind Americans that thousands of young men and women continue to serve in dangerous places around the world,” said OSOT America President Deb Rickert. “It is based on the fact that after ten years of war, our military and their families are weary and now, more than ever, they need to know that America supports and cares for them. Currently less than 1% of America’s population serves in some branch of the Armed Forces. The ‘America Has NOT Forgotten’ campaign is aimed at bridging the gap of understanding between them and the rest of the population that does not serve.”

The campaign will include educational information as well as a “Call to Action” that asks each American to commit to accomplishing at least one simple task from a suggested list that shows their support for our men and women serving. These tasks include writing a weekly note of support to service members and flying the flag at half-mast on the last Friday of each month in honor of those lost in the war during that month.

As part of the campaign, for a second year, all 90 Chicagoland locations of MB Financial Bank will serve as drop-off locations for comfort items to be sent to troops throughout the month of November. These items include Slim Jims or beef jerky, granola bars, canned nuts (20 oz. or less), eye drops, non-aerosol shaving cream and foot powder (20 oz. or less). Chicago Messenger will help move all items from MB to OSOT America’s distribution center. Go to www.osotamerica.org for a complete list of items. In addition, for every person who “likes” MB on Facebook from Nov. 7 through Nov. 30, MB will donate $1 to OSOT America.

“This is MB’s second year as the collection sponsor,” says Mitch Feiger, president, MB Financial Bank. “While on the surface it may not look like it’s a logical partnership, it is. We are a Chicago-based bank with a 100-year tradition of being active in the neighborhoods we serve. We know that we have customers – and employees – who have made the great sacrifice of serving or having a loved one deployed and serving in harm’s way. What better way to show our gratitude and support for these families than to partner with OSOT-America. And our support isn’t just in November. In September of this year, MB employees went to OSOT-America to lend a hand at their distribution centers for our volunteer day called MB on the Block.”

OSOT America is a 501 (c)(3) volunteer based organization that supports the morale and wellbeing of American forces by providing comfort, resources and education to them and their families while they are deployed and after their return. Since inception OSOT America has shipped approximately 900,000 pounds of goods to troops around the world. OSOT America also provides financial support to military and veteran support organizations such as Fisher House and Hines VA Hospital.

MB Financial Bank (www.mbfinancial.com) is a locally-operated financial institution that has been delivering competitive personalized service for 100 years to businesses and individuals who live and work in the Chicago metropolitan area. MB Financial Bank’s holding company, MB Financial, Inc., is traded on NASDAQ as “MBFI.”

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OPERATION SUPPORT OUR TROOPS – AMERICA

September 30, 2011. The Darien-Woodridge Fire District, along with Local 3437, are again joining forces in Operation Support Our Troops – America (OSOT). Every Friday members will be allowed to wear red “duty” T-shirts to promote this effort, and keep awareness of the troops high. Additional information about OSOT can be found at www.osotamerica.org. The Fire District will also serve as a collection point for supplies to be sent overseas during the month of October.

A list of items being requested is available at each Darien-Woodridge fire station, which will also serve as a drop off point. In addition, each fire vehicle will have lists to give out to the public. The list of items will also be available on our web site at www.dwfd.org. All donations should be in the original package and not wrapped, as all items must be visible. The fire stations are located at 7550 Lyman, Darien, 5901 Belmont and 8687 Lemont Rd, both in unincorporated Downers Grove.

OPERATION SUPPORT OUR TROOPS – AMERICA DONATES $125,000 TO STEVEN SILLER FOUNDATION

Deb Rickert presenting $125,000 check to Frank Siller of the Siller Foundation

Pinning an OSOT America pin on Jon Voight

September 11, 2011. Deb Rickert had the privilege of spending three days in New York City with families of FDNY who perished on 9/11/2001 and to present a check for $125,000 to our partner organization, the Steven Siller Foundation, to build a home for Cpl John Peck, who lost all four of his limbs in Afghanistan.

The Foundation is named after FDNY hero Steven Siller who left behind five young children when he died on 9/11 after running through the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel to the burning World Trade Center. The foundation that bears Siller’s name has dedicated itself to helping other kids who have lost parents.

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Click Here to Read the full article as published in the Lisle Patch

OPERATION SUPPORT OUR TROOPS MEMBERS PROVE THAT COMPASSION IS HEALING

Every other week members meet to prepare boxes of snacks, books and other comforts of home for the men and women overseas. For many it’s a labor that springs from love.

By Karlie Baker, September 10, 2011 Lisle Patch

On the packing line, each OSOT volunteer is responsible for one box from beginning to end. Photo by Karlie Baker

Operation Support Our Troops – America (OSOT) wants the men and women overseas to know that someone’s thinking about them. They do so with boxes crammed to the very brim with candy, puzzle books, drink mix packets, crackers and handmade cards.

“You’d be surprised how few of them get mail,” said Oak Park resident Lynne Wojcik. Her own son, Adam, served two tours in Iraq, but returned to civilian life around three years ago.

The organization is completely volunteer-run, shipping out more than 5,000 boxes annually. Recipients are added to the organization’s list via email referrals.

Army veteran Zach Arnold started his involvement with the organization as a recipient. The Naperville resident said he asked his mother to send him packages when he deployed in 2006. Since she was an OSOT volunteer, she obliged.

Arnold suffered injuries from an improvised explosive device in May of 2007. He spent a year rehabilitating, and tagged along to packaging days when he returned to the area. He’s remained involved ever since.

While volunteers simply refer to them as packages, ‘care package’ is a fitting term. Around 35 volunteers are present in OSOT’s Lisle warehouse on Sept. 10, and many of them have personal ties to individuals on active duty. The task is very close to their hearts.

Elmhurst resident Megan Osgood said she’s been particularly active with the group since the deployment of her fiancé, Joe, at the beginning of the year. Osgood “likes knowing other guys are out there with him.” She said OSOT’s efforts are a way for volunteers to show the troops they never leave their loved one’s thoughts.

“This is something they genuinely look forward to. One of them can be having a bad day or a bad week, get back from a mission literally days long, and come back to this awesome box that’s been packed just for them,” she said. (Click Here to Read the full article in the Liisle Patchwebsite)

Click Here to Read the full article as published in the Naperville Sun

HOUSE SPEAKER MEETS WITH VETERANS

Sun-Times Media August 18, 2011 1:04PM

One Iraq veteran got a chance to speak his mind to someone who just might have the chance to make a difference in the long run.

In August, 2011 Speaker of the House, John Boehner, toured the OSOT America operation and spent time taking with President, Deb Rickert and wounded warrior Zach Arnold about military family and veteran concerns.

Operation Support Our Troops — America member Zach Arnold spoke with House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) recently during a tour of the group’s Lisle warehouse.

“I was shocked when Deb (Rickert) asked me to come and meet with the speaker,” Arnold said. “Then for him to take the time to really talk with me helped me to feel that he cared about my concerns.”

Boehner was especially interested in hearing from Arnold, who lost his leg while serving in Iraq.

“We are a nation at war, and thanks to groups like Operation Support Our Troops — America, our men and women in uniform and their families know that the American people are completely behind them,” Boehner said.

Rickert, president and founder of OSOT America, said Boehner’s visit was a good opportunity for the Naperville-based organization.

“The speaker was really interested in seeing what we were doing to make a difference and hearing about the concerns of local military families,” Rickert said. “It was a great opportunity for us to express our vision that all of America be invested in our troops and their well being.”

Operation Support Our Troops — America was founded in 2003. Happy Birthday

Click Here to Read the full article as published in the Daily Herald

WHEATON CONCERT SUPPORTS TROOPS, FAMILIES

By Megan Bannister, July 14, 2011 Daily Herald

In 2003, Deborah Rickert set out to make a difference.

Her goal was simple: to support members of the military and their families by any means possible.

“I started the organization after my son decided, as a result of Sept. 11, to go into the military,” said Rickert, founder and president of Operation Support Our Troops-America, or OSOT-America.

At first, the group held small fundraisers to subsidize the $25 postage on care packages being sent overseas to members of the military.

Eight years later, Rickert has the success of Rockin’ for the Troops, a one-day concert held this year on Saturday, July 16, in Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, in Wheaton, to show for her dedication.

“One of the biggest benefits of the day is that it serves as an outward show of support,” Rickert said.

She believes that local military families often feel isolated or alone in their experiences, as “there is no military base nearby.”

“It’s a way for people to really come together as the years and years of war and the deployment cycles have gone on,” Rickert said.

For the first time, the event will be broadcast live to troops overseas as a continuing show of OSOT-America’s support.

Actor Gary Sinise, well-known for his role as Lt. Dan in the film “Forrest Gump,” also will return for this year’s event with his Lt. Dan Band.

“I was there the first year and we’ve been coming back ever since,” Sinise said. “It’s a concert that I look forward to each year. They do such great things to support our troops.”

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Click Here to Read the full article as published in the Local Trib.

GRANT & POWER LANDSCAPING, INC. PRESENTS CHECK FOR $10,000 TO OPERATION SUPPORT OUR TROOPS – AMERICA, INC.

By Anna Semprevivo June 30, 2011 at 11:17 a.m.

Gene Grant of Grant & Power Landscaping, Inc. will be presenting the volunteers of Operation Support Our Troops – America, Inc (OSOT – America) with a check for $10,000. This is the fifth consecutive year that Grant & Power Landscaping, Inc. has donated to the organization. Grant & Power’s donations were given to sponsor the OSOT – America warehouse. The warehouse is used to take in donations of collected items that the organization will then pack and send to American troops serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and other locations around the world.

Grant & Power Landscaping is also donating $1.00 to OSOT – America for each person who “LIKES” them on Facebook.

“This is a dream come true for us,” said OSOT – America President Deb Rickert. “We have been operating out of a warehouse donated to us by a Vietnam Vet for the last five years but as we have grown we have required more space to continue to meet our goals. Grant & Powers’ generosity is overwhelming.”

Click Here to Read the full article as published in the Courier-News.

HUNDREDS SUPPORT FREEDOM BASH TO KEEP CARE PACKAGES COMING FOR U.S. TROOPS OVERSEAS

By Romi Herron For The Courier-News Updated June 14, 2011 2:12PM

Hand-knit liners for combat helmets are just one of the items U.S. military servicemen and women receive from Operation Support OurTroops America, a non-profit organization that collects essentials through local events and sends them overseas. . . .

Nancy Baier of Libertyville is an operations coordinator with Operation Support Our Troops America and supervised the volunteers at the Freedom Bash.

“This event, and Hanover Township itself, collects donations throughout each month for us so they keep our troops well taken care of,” said Baier, who invests about 15 hours per week for the cause. . .

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Click Here to read the entire article as published in Reuters.

SEARS NAMES WINNER OF HEROES AT HOME “PORTRAITS OF HEROES” SONG CONTEST WITH COUNTRY MUSIC STAR JOSH GRACIN

Spring Program Drives Support for Troops through Music and Donations

Hoffman Estates, Ill. (June 14, 2011)—In recognition of our country’s military heroes, Sears today announces the winner of the national Heroes at Home “Portraits of Heroes” song contest with country music singer and U.S. Marine Corps veteran Josh Gracin. The contest called upon Americans to submit their personal stories about a military hero in their life. The winning entry, selected by Gracin, reflects a military spouse’s journey to meet and marry her best friend, his dedication to service and now her commitment to keeping his memory alive with their son. The song, which is based on this powerful story, will be written and recorded by Gracin this month and revealed in a special performance by Gracin at the Operation Support our Troops—America“Rockin’ for the Troops” concert in Wheaton, Ill., on July 16.

“I am honored to be a part of such a profound initiative that recognizes our troops and all that they do to protect our country,” said Gracin. “As a former military member, I can understand both the hardships families go through and the pride they feel for their loved ones, whether they are currently in combat or retired. Having the opportunity to take someone’s personal story and turn it into a song that so many people can relate to is truly special.”

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Click on the article below for the full story as published in Pos!tively Naperville.

Click on the Photo below for the full story as published in the Daily Herald

Actor Gary Sinise signs care packages at the Rockin' Kickoff to be sent to our troops overseas.