22 veteran suicides a day is 22 too many.

Let’s come together and bring friendships and healing to our veterans.

Operation Cherrybend is a 5 day event welcoming combat wounded veterans. This event brings together people who would otherwise never have met and forms a network of support and friendships. Through music, adventure, fellowship—this is where the healing begins.

Annual Agenda
September 11-15, 2019

Wednesday Afternoon
Arrival

Wednesday Evening
Traeger Grills sponsored Cook Out-Private
Opening ceremony and campfire
Night Ops Coyote hunting

Thursday Morning
Fishing Tournament
Upland Bird Hunting Weather permitting
East Clinton Middle School Veteran Visit

Thursday Evening
Jam Session and R&R

Friday Morning
Fishing, Shooting, and/or Hunting
10am  Skydiving (Tandem) at Cherrybend

Friday Evening
Heroes Concert and Fundraiser Dinner and auction  (limited tickets available)

Featuring: Headliner (TBD) plus Jason Michael Carroll, Sal Gonzalez, Jared Ashley, Tyler Jay, Rick Tiger

Saturday Morning
Top Shot Tournament (Clays, Targets, Launchers) 

Saturday Evening

Awards and Fellowship Evening

Sunday Morning
Closing Ceremony and Departure

Every year the Operation Cherrybend Team organizes and executes a major event. This 5 day long event pulls together the community and its veterans to help facilitate the stay and entertainment of up to 40 combat wounded veterans. The intent is to bring together like-minded people to form a network that helps those that are struggling and to expand their network of support through fellowship.

Through adventure, music and community—that is exactly what is happening. This network is growing as the alumni list runs deep. These veterans are all now connected for resources including: physical & emotional support, and new friendships from people who just “get it”. And, are welcome in a community who accepts them as they are, scars and all. Inside and out.

How it all began…
The History behind the music at Operation Cherrybend begins with Jared Ashley, a Nashville singer and songwriter. After his visit as a guest at Cherrybend, he had a vision of a comprehensive event in collaboration with the Ellis family. After many months of planning, the genesis of the event was held with a handful of songwriters and veterans. Its success led to the first larger event that brought John Michael Montgomery to town.

The idea of a wounded warrior event to tie in music with outdoor adventure was a success. “Their passion for our veterans runs deep; it just seemed like a natural fit to host this annual event at Cherrybend. Being able to combine two of my passions during this week long event has been a dream come true for me.” said Ashley

“Operation Cherrybend’s mission is to thank these wounded veterans for their courageous sacrifice to our country, show them how much we care about them now, and that we love and support them long after the uniform has come off.” said Beth Ellis, co-owner of Cherrybend. “The more we educate the general public about the trials and ongoing challenges of wounded veterans, and veterans in general, the better understanding the public will have in order to meet their needs.“ Every day 22 American veterans commits suicide. Those are astounding numbers that Operation Cherrybend seeks to change.

Operation Cherrybend is an active 501(c)(3) with EIN 83-2249729