Barnoll Hospitality

Whitewood, South Dakota, July 15, 2015 (Newswire.com) - ​​The Whitewood Campground and Event Center has announced two events for its “A Night to Pay Tribute,” which will be held on August 7th, 2015. First, Rob O’Neill, a former member of Navy SEAL team 6, will discuss his experience in the military and his new mission. Then, the band Blood, Sweat and Tears will perform a one-night concert. The night’s events are two of many that will be hosted at The Whitewood Campground and Event Center located at 596 Whitewood service road, Whitewood, South Dakota 57793. 

During his career, O’Neill was a part of over 400 combat missions. Some of his most notable missions included the Maersk Alabama hijacking (told through the movie Captain Phillips), Operation Red Wings (now better known as the movie Lone Survivor), and Operation Neptune’s. He left the Navy as a Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator, and as one of the most decorated SEALs of all-time. His honors include two Silver Stars, four Bronze Stars with Valor, a Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, three Presidential Unit citations and two Navy/Marine Corps Commendations with Valor.

"When Blood Sweat & Tears was asked to perform at Sturgis and to share a stage with American Hero Rob O'Neill, we jumped on it. We had to charter a plane in order to make the show, but to be part of a tribute to our Military is something we would never say no to. Bo Bice travels to Iraq every year to meet with the troops."

Bobby Colomby, Drummer, Producer, Recording Artist

Nowadays, O’Neill works as a security consultant, philanthropist and FOX News analyst. He founded a charity, Your Grateful Nation (yourgratefulnation.org), which helps raise awareness and financial support for special operations military personnel making the transition from the battlefield to the workplace.

“I am excited to have the opportunity to celebrate freedom and motorcycles at the 75th annual Sturgis Motor Cycle Rally,” said O’Neill. “Join me and my brothers and sisters-in-arms at the Whitewood Campground and Event Center. Great people supporting a great cause.”

It’s been more than four decades since drummer/producer Bobby Colomby and friends assembled the first group to successfully blend rock and jazz into a genre-crossing sound and style. So successfully in fact, that the band’s second album, Blood, Sweat & Tears, topped the Billboard charts for many weeks and beat out the Beatles’ Abbey Road for the prestigious Album of the Year Grammy award. That album produced three major hit singles: “You Made me so Very Happy,” “Spinning Wheel,” and “And When I Die.”

The arrival of this latest version of Blood, Sweat & Tears is the next chapter in a musical tale that stretches from the creativity and turbulence of the late 1960s and Vietnam War to the swiftly changing world of the 21st Century.

“During the early years of Fox’s hit show ‘American Idol,’” Colomby said, “I received many phone calls from friends telling him to check out singer Bo Bice, saying that his was a fresh voice, and that he did a masterful job singing ‘Spinning Wheel.’  Many of my more musically knowledgeable buddies also suggested that I ask Bo to join the band.  I’m pleased to say that that’s exactly what happened.”

"When Blood Sweat & Tears was asked to perform at Sturgis and to share a stage with American Hero Rob O'Neill, we jumped on it. We had to charter a plane in order to make the show, but to be part of a tribute to our Military is something we would never say no to. Bo Bice travels to Iraq every year to meet with the troops.”

With Rob O’Neill and Blood, Sweat & Tears together on the same night it won’t just be “A Night to Pay Tribute,” but also, a night that is sure to be unforgettable.

“A Night to Pay Tribute is an evening we’ve planned to honor our military men and women”, said Marketing Director, Kristen Voll. “Our soldiers have dedicated their lives to this country. Hosting this event allows us to convey the recognition they deserve.”

“With the 14th anniversary of 9/11 just around the corner, having Rob O’Neill share his experiences brings home the trials and tribulations of what it is to be a war hero. Blood Sweat & Tears performing on this night was the next fitting piece. The band has been around for generations, but was formed in 1967 – a time when the Vietnam War was going on. Their presence will bring the nostalgia of what obstacles our nation has overcome through all these years.”

In its first year operating during the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, The Whitewood Campground and Event Center has already been named the official campground for the 75th anniversary of the rally, and they have signed multiple bands and other shows to perform. The grounds, which will be open before, during and after the rally, have events scheduled for rally-goers of all ages throughout the July 30th to August 8th, 2015 period that it is open.

The Whitewood Campground and Event Center will also be offering a food tent, a shuttle service with Da Bus – that will go to other popular sites during the rally, vendor booths and fully-stocked bars. Additionally, it has partnered with the Ronald McDonald House – SD and The Riley Children’s Foundation – Miracle Ride.

Entry for all of the sites events is free to those who stay at the campground. Additionally, tickets are available to everyone now. You can purchase them at www.whitewoodcampground.com.