U.S. soldiers overseas get hungry for something from home, and Operation Support Our Troops-Illinois works to feed as many homesick appetites as possible with its care packages.

To help, the nonprofit is putting on its annual fundraising concert, Rockin’ For The Troops, with performances by actor/musician Gary Sinise and the Lt. Dan Band, comedienne Anita Renfroe, Heartache Tonight and Chris Hillman, the co-founder of Byrds and Desert Rose Band.

Musician Joe Cantafio, formerly of Oak Park, opens the concert. Cantafio is an outspoken advocate for the support of U.S. Troops. He’s won the American Patriot Award given by Naperville’s Exchange Club in 2004 and was inducted into the Oak Park and River Forest High School’s Tradition of Excellence last year.

Joe Cantafio will perform at the opening ceremony for the "Rockin For The Troops" concert at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, Illinois Saturday, July 18th. 

What spurred your crusade?
Sept. 11, 2001. I was working in Chicago on LaSalle Street as a stock and bond trader at the time, when three of our bond traders (at the World Trade Center in New York City) were killed in the tragedy. I was very angry. I felt like America had been raped ... by people who had lived among us.

Since then, what actions have you taken in supporting the troops and American heroes?
In 2001, I adopted a New York firehouse and was able to bring 200 New York firefighters to Naperville’s (2002) Ribfest. More than 40,000 people showed up to meet these firefighters and to say thanks. From there the whole thing grew into this project called “Let Freedom Sing.” I toured coast-to-coast performing with New York firefighters on tour with me. In 2004, I put together my band, the 101st Rock Division, and we go overseas to perform for the troops.

Why is Rockin’ For The Troops such an important event?
It’s incredible. Performing overseas, I see firsthand what it’s like for these U.S. troops to get something from home. They love it and appreciate it so much. And for just $25, people get to see an amazing concert and all of the proceeds go to put together an incredible care package for soldiers. These packages are the size of moving boxes! It’s the best thing.

What can the audience expect from your performance?
I will perform “Brave Warrior,” which will be recorded live during the opening ceremonies. [“Brave Warrior” was written by Cantafio after his cousin, soldier Ryan Joseph Cantafio, was killed in action in Baghdad in 2004.]  Musician Jonathan Brant, who used to play for Cheap Trick, will be on stage with me. We will give tribute to all of our fallen heroes.

What’s next for you?
Myself and the 101st Rock Division will put on a performance in Bolingbrook on July 22. We’ll be celebrating America’s Armed Forces. In the fall, we’re going to go overseas and perform. We don’t know when we’re going. It’s top secret ... We have to wait on our orders from the Pentagon on when we leave and where we’re going. I’ve done this before, so I’m used to it.
 

SEE THE CONCERT
WHAT Rockin’ For The Troops 2009
WHERE Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton; (630) 668-5161
WHEN Noon Saturday7/18
HOW MUCH $25; www.osotil.org