Concert for the Heroes draws record crowd

Operation Patriots FOB welcomed its largest audience to date for the fifth annual Concert for the Heroes May 9, drawing more than 3,800 attendees to the organization’s private preserve in Ridgeland.

The event, held on the nonprofit’s 268-acre property, brought together supporters of veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders and their families for an evening of live music and fundraising in support of the organization’s programs.

Country music artist Lee Brice headlined the concert. He was joined by performers Jerrod Niemann, Craig Campbell and Rick Trevino.

According to Operation Patriots FOB, proceeds and sponsorship support help fund year-round programs offered at no cost to veterans, service members and first responders.

“This event isn’t just about music. It’s about standing shoulder-to-shoulder with the people who’ve carried the weight of service,” said OPFOB CEO JR Brown. “Every year it gets bigger because the mission continues to expand and more people than ever are stepping into it.”

Founded to serve veterans and first responders, Operation Patriots FOB uses outdoor recreation, peer engagement and community-building activities as part of its programming. The organization says those experiences are intended to help participants build connections and relationships with others who have shared similar experiences.

The concert serves as the centerpiece of a broader week of activities hosted on the property. Select veterans and first responders are invited to arrive before the concert to participate in recreational activities and spend time with fellow participants.

One participant described the impact of the experience during the week leading up to the concert.

“When you drive through that front gate, it’s a feeling,” the participant said. “When you come through that gate, everything just drops — the weight on your shoulders, the things running through your head. If you asked me for one word to describe OPFOB, for me, I would call this place home.”

Operation Patriots FOB credited several sponsors with supporting this year’s event. The Jasper County Accommodations Tax Fund served as presenting sponsor. Title sponsors included the Town of Ridgeland, Hilton Head BMW, Bob 106.9, Craig and Andra Ostergard, Gary and Michelle Bezilla, and 16 Creative.

The organization said sponsor support helped expand the event while providing resources for its programs throughout the year.

Concert for the Heroes has grown steadily since its inception and reached a new attendance milestone this year. Organizers said the event remains focused on supporting veterans, active-duty military personnel, first responders and their families while providing an opportunity for the community to engage with the organization’s mission.