Support our Troops

In 2007, four concerts were organized to support local troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The proceeds benefited the Gulf 2 Fund, established by Bobby Blair, Commander of the American Legion in Holliston and a Vietnam veteran, who has been sending weekly care packages to the troops since the war began. Bobby has spearheaded the effort to post the names of fallen troops every Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day weekend on telephone poles for nearly 15 miles on Route 16, beginning in Holliston and throughout neighboring towns.

The first two open mics were held at Tennesee’s BBQ in Milford during the summer and the third was held at the VFW in Holliston on October 20 (read about it).The fourth benefit, “Concert for the Troops,” was held April 5, 2008, at the VFW in Holliston, 310 Woodland Street. The concert brought in more than $2,500 for the care package program.

Numerous talented musicians from the Metrowest communities and the greater Boston area have generously offered their time and resources to support the fundraisers. Since the first event, more than $5,000 has been raised. The Concert for the Troops has also received support and contributions from Billerica-based Millipore Corp. and Superior Mortgage of Holliston.

Read about the April 5 Concert in the Boston Globe West online article.

Ruthann wrote “I’ll Carry You” in June 2007 after reading a CNN article about a soldier in Iraq who lost his friend to a roadside bomb and had to carry him more than a mile back to base. Based on details from the article, the song is written from the soldier’s perspective. Ruthann recorded the song at TinWolf Studios with Tom Tincler, who provides backup vocals and wrote the accompaniment on guitar, organ, and drums.

I’ll Carry You Lyrics

Musicians who have performed at the fundraisers include:

Items needed by the troops can be dropped off at the Holliston Post Office, or contact Ruthann for more information:

Toothpaste
Razors
Shave Cream
Soap
Men’s magazines–i.e, Men’s Health, Field and Stream, Nat’l Geographic,
Reader’s Digest, Crossword puzzles, Time, Newsweek
Packaged Cookies
Peanut Butter, Jelly, Marshmallow Fluff—-Crackers
Salsa and Chips
CDs/DVDs
Phone Cards
Instant Soup
pickles
jarred peppers
sardines
beef jerky
cereal/granola bars
sunflower seeds
microwave popcorn
dried fruit

Musicians who are interested in performing or anyone who wants to help out at future events can contact Ruthann. Donations can be mailed to:

Gulf 2 Fund
c/o American Legion
310 Woodland St.
Holliston, MA 01746