Concert will benefit veterans' organization

The Anvil Blasters will host a benefit concert at The Barn on Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m., in support of Sisters-based nonprofit Warfighter Outfitters.

Warfighter Outfitters was founded by veterans and is run by veterans to provide fellow veterans with the opportunity to get into the outdoors and pursue activities they love - despite troubled times and injuries. The mission of Warfighter Outfitters is to get combat-wounded veterans out on the land hunting, or on the waters fishing, or out into our nation's National Parks for engagement missions, where veterans from around the country assemble to assist local officials in understaffed improvement projects.

A $20 suggested donation at the door will go directly to Warfighter Outfitters, and additional contributions are welcome.

"Warfighter Outfitters is a fantastic outfit doing really valuable work," said Jim Cornelius of The Anvil Blasters. "It's local and every cent of contributions gets used on the ground, so there's a lot of bang for every buck. We're proud to do something to help out."

A relatively small donation of a couple hundred dollars can have a big impact. It only takes $150 to get four veterans out on the water for a fly fishing trip.

"We're looking forward to a great night," said Cornelius. "Cris Converse (owner of The Barn) is really excited to host this event, and we've got some fun stuff cooked up for the evening. I think we're going to get (Warfighter Outfitters founder) Brett Miller into action on stage, too.

"There's nothing better than getting folks together to help each other out - and have a good time doing it. That's what playing music is all about as far as we're concerned - it's a gathering of the tribe."

The Barn is located at 68467 Three Creek Rd., about three-quarters of a mile south of downtown Sisters. Suggested donation $20. Bring your own refreshments. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. For information call 541-390-6973.

"I'm super-excited about the community involvement in this," Miller said, "because these trips truly make a huge difference in veterans' lives."