Two-day event benefits soldiers
Published 10:28 pm Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Brand-new Operation Payback, a two-day event benefiting wounded warriors, takes place today and Friday at Howard Township Conservation Club, with all-day airsoft play on Friday.
Airsoft is a sport in which participants shoot round nonmetallic pellets with replica firearms.
“It’s more realistic and military-based than paintball,” according to organizer John Crull, who grew up in Indiana.
Crull said he hopes to make this an annual event. The stay-at-home dad and musician is not a veteran, but “I’ve lost friends. It’s close to home.”
The club at 2601 Terminal Rd. offers a 63-acre battlefield, with a swamp, deep woods, trails, a large open battlefield and a firing range.
Proceeds will be divided between the Wounded Warrior Foundation and Metal for Military, Crull’s charity which sends music to troops.
Tickets cost $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and younger. Veterans are admitted free. A $12 airsoft play fee covers play and admission fees both days.
If you donate an item such as used airsoft guns or military surplus at the gate, save $2 on admission.
Thursday’s lineup features live entertainment by Psychopathic Daze, Blood to Black from Chicago, Arson Radio and My Enemies Fall.
Vendors expected at the 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. event include IDGAF Clothing Co., Heavy Rebel, The Bunker Army-Navy Surplus, Victory Lane and Mystic Beads.