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Veteran receives monetary boost thanks to local band

(Photo Courtesy/Mike Beiermeister) Members of the local band Lemon Frog present Army Veteran Eric Hackney with the money they raised from their benefit concerts.

Alpena — On a cold Sunday afternoon, folks packed into Joe’s Bar & Grill in Alpena to catch the Detroit Lions game and enjoy some live music courtesy of the band Lemon Frog.

This music comes with a meaning. The band held their final benefit concert for a local veteran and his family. Army Veteran Eric Hackney and his family recently moved into a new home and needed some assistance in buying basic necessities for the home and their kids. Drummer Steve Obuch and his band stepped in to raise money for the Hackney family through a series of benefit concerts.

“They’re not looking for a handout, you know they’re proud of course, and they’re just looking for someone to give them a boost,” said Obuch.

This is the third year that Lemon Frog has performed leading up to Veterans Day. Each year they’ve raised money for a veteran going through a tough time or just needing a small boost. This year they raised over $500. Lemon Frog performed at Chief’s Bar & Grill on Friday night. They performed at Joe’s Bar & Grill on Saturday and Sunday as well. Folks donated money in between songs to help Hackney.

“It’s going to help us get stuff for the house, and everything else, and stuff for the kids… and keep us going that way,” said Hackney.

“Finally being able to help a family out, that’s probably the most gratifying thing,” said Obuch.

The band also collected non-monetary items like clothing, toiletry’s, and other necessities for veterans down at the Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw. The band will take the donations a long with American flag cards made by Besser Elementary students. They will deliver the goods on Friday and play a free show for the veterans.

“It’s a great thing they do to help veterans,” said Hackney. “I’d like to see it continue on.”

Lemon Frog has big hopes for next year and hope they can double what they raised for this year.