Concert to benefit troops

A local musician will host a benefit concert that will support a local organization that provides care packages to soldiers stationed overseas.
Phil Hoyt’s third annual Operation Adopt a Soldier benefit concert will be held from 12 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 14, at Veterans Memorial Park on Quaker Street.
The event will feature music, a procession of military vehicles, a fly over, a bouncy house, an assortment of raffles and food and refreshments.
Hoyt, who has released four CDs or original songs, will perform a blend of traditional country music and military songs.
Proceeds from the event benefit Operated Adopt a Soldier, which, since 1993, has shipped more than 1,300 cases of goods to soldier overseas.
The organization was started by Cliff Sequin and several co-workers in 2003. Sequin’s son was stationed overseas and he started talking to other parents whose children were also oversees. Looking for a way to help, they began sending care packages to one platoon of eight soldiers from the 368th Combat Engineer Unit from Rutland, Vt.
“It’s a pretty good outfit,” Hoyt said.
Hoyt got involved after he heard a commercial about the group on Froggy 107.1. He had been holding free concerts in Granville for several years and decided his performances could be an opportunity to raise money for the organization.
“The first year I kind of winged it, but last year I got more involved with the organization,” Hoyt said.
Last year’s concert raised $1,600 for the organization.
“We’ve done pretty well,” he said.
The benefit is special to Hoyt because he comes from a military family. His father served in WWII, an uncle served in the Korean War, another relative served in Vietnam, his son was in the Marines for four years and Hoyt served three years in the Army.
Although there is no admission to Sunday’s concert, attendees are encouraged to bring a monetary donation to contribute to the organization.
“Anything that works for anyone,” Hoyt said.
Donations can be brought to the concert or mailed to Operation Adopt A Soldier, c/o Phil Hoyt, 253 Truthville Rd, Granville, N.Y. 12832.
In lieu of money, people can also donated items that can be included in the care packages. A list of items that are need can be found at www.operationadoptasoldier.org.
For more information, call 337-6789.