Warriors Rock raises nearly $13K for local veterans

The money was presented to the Monongahela Veterans Council Friday night.

The energy was electric, the crowd was the biggest yet — and the result was nearly $13,000 going to support Mon Valley veterans.

Friday night, retired U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Dave Papak presented a check for $12,983 to David Thompson, chairman of the Monongahela Veterans Council.

The check marked the most successful year yet for the annual Warriors Rock concert at the Monongahela Aquatorium.

Warriors Rock — a live music and video tribute concert led by Gary Racan and the Studio E Band — returned to the Mon Valley for its fourth year last month.

With more than 50 donors, strong gate attendance and beverage sales that exceeded expectations, all production costs were covered before showtime.

That meant every dollar earned went straight to the Veterans Council.

Papak credited the donation to the collective power of local businesses, community members and small personal contributions — from $100 sponsorships to checks from “the little old lady in the back pew at church.”

“When you think about it, for our communities — where people are giving what they can — this is a phenomenal amount to give back,” Papak said. “It’s a testament to what our team has worked toward over the past four years. The whole community made this happen.”

Rather than keeping any control over how the funds are spent, Papak turned the money directly over to the council.

“You know better than we could where the money should go,” he said. “That’s not our place. We just try to lift the event, and you take it from there.”

He added that the council is best positioned to know which posts, events, or causes will benefit most.

Council Chairman David Thompson said the check will make a major impact — especially since it came in nearly three times higher than expected.

“In the past, this kind of money helped us get the new Veterans Day parade off the ground — and that includes state permits and costs the cities can’t always cover,” Thompson said. “This gives us more room to help posts across the Valley — legions, VFWs, and other military organizations.”

While the specific use of this year’s donation hasn’t been finalized, Thompson said one thing is certain: it will support those who served.

“This is fantastic,” he said. “It’s a lot more to think about when you have this much — but that’s a good problem to have. And we’ll definitely put this money to good use.”

Papak said this year’s concert not only hit a financial milestone, it also drew the largest crowd to date and grew in visibility throughout the Mon Valley. Improved accessibility at the Aquatorium made it easier for older veterans and guests with mobility challenges to enjoy the show.

“The weather cooperated, the crowd was amazing and we blew past our goals,” Papak said. “Every year we build. The vision is to make this the main summer event for the Mon Valley.”

Looking ahead, Papak said planning for next year will begin by winter. One potential variable could be the Army Corps of Engineers project scheduled at the Aquatorium.

“We love the outdoor venue, and so do the people — but we’re going to have to be flexible,” he said. “If we can’t do it outside, we’ll find a way to bring it indoors. The show will go on.”

For now, the momentum is real and the mission is clear.

“When people come to a Warriors Rock concert, they understand the value of it,” Papak said. “And they come back. That’s how this grows.”

Upcoming parade

Plans are coming together for the annual Veterans Day Parade, which will be hosted this year by the Roscoe American Legion. The parade will begin at noon Nov. 8.