2008 USO Riverfest Gala Sold Out

Thank you to everyone that have purchased tickets for the 2008 USO Riverfest Gala. We are proud to announce that we are officially SOLD OUT as a result of the generosity of our supporters. Donations are always welcomed and raffle tickets are still available.

Cincinnati Hosts Leading Fundraiser Supporting USO-Metro D.C.

Miss America, Premier Military Choir among Entertainment for 2008 USO Riverfest Gala

Each Labor Day, Cincinnati hosts the largest fundraiser supporting the USO of Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro) hospital services at Walter Reed Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital. Held during the Cincinnati Bell/WEBN fireworks event, which is again this year being dedicated to the nation’s troops, the USO Riverfest Gala delivers a very personal tribute to military personnel by honoring those recently injured in the line of duty.

In just four years, attendees and corporate sponsors have helped raise more than $1 million to support USO-Metro programs.

“Cincinnati and the USO Riverfest Gala are leading the nation in an outpouring of support for our troops,” said Karen Cassidy, co-honorary and executive committee chairperson. “Looking at this year’s event, we are anticipating an outstanding military tribute that will recognize all military personnel and their families.”

USO Riverfest Gala Military Honorees
The 2008 USO Riverfest Gala honorees include:

• SGT Joel Dulashanti, U.S. Army of Cincinnati, Ohio
• MSG Scott Ford, U.S. Army of Athens, Ohio
• TSgt Christopher Frost, U.S. Air Force of Campbell, California
• SPC Jeff Lynch, U.S. Army of Fayetteville, North Carolina
• SPC Brent Hendrix, U.S. Army of Forest City, North Carolina

Over the previous four years, 17 military heroes have been recognized and honored at the USO Riverfest Gala. Each individual’s tremendous story of bravery and courage is shared, and the event guests have the opportunity to show their appreciation.

Previous local honorees include White Oak native Lance Corporal Carl J. Schneider, U.S. Marine Corps; Staff Sergeant John Borders, U.S. Army, of London, Ohio; Grosbeck native Corporal Daniel Hamberg, U.S. Marine Corps; Staff Sergeant Paul Brondhaver, U.S. Army, Ohio National Guard; U.S. Marine Corps Corporal Ryan Groves of Ravenna, Ohio; and U.S. Army Reserve Staff Sergeant Joseph Bowser of Georgetown, Kentucky, who was awarded the Bronze Star Medal at the 2005 Gala.

USO Riverfest Gala Entertainment and Event Details
The 2008 USO Riverfest Gala will feature a familiar face as the emcee when former Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Anthony Muñoz returns to lead the “Salute to Military Heroes USO Show.” This year’s entertainment will feature Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund, the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus and the American Belles, a singing trio reminiscent of the Andrews Sisters.

The Gala begins at 4 p.m. with a cocktail reception followed by a salute to the military and honoree recognition,musical entertainment, seated dinner and a superb view of the Cincinnati Riverfest fireworks. Valet parking is included with ticket purchase.

Proceeds from ticket sales and sponsorships benefit the USO of Metropolitan Washington. Contact Kathy Bechtold at 513-684-4870 to purchase tickets ($230/per person). Event, ticket and sponsorship information is also available at all Montgomery Inn restaurants.

The USO is a 501(c)(3) charity and receives no government funds and relies on the generosity of the public.

Express Cincinnati Features USO Gala

The July/August issues of Express Cincinnati is hot off the press, around town and available online as well. Express Cincinnati focuses on non-profit efforts and fine arts events in the Greater Cincinnati Region.

Check out page 20 for their story on the 2008 USO Riverfest Gala.

Couple to spearhead USO's Riverfest Gala

Karen and Cincinnati Bell president and CEO Jack Cassidy will serve as honorary co-chairs of the 2008 USO Riverfest Gala, to be held at 4pm, Aug. 31, at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse...

Montgomery Inn BBQ

Indian Hill couple chair USO Riverfest Gala

The Indian Hill Journal has posted a great story on our Honorary Co-Chairs and the USO Riverfest Gala.

Check it out the full article by visiting this website. Below is a preview:

Indian Hill couple chair USO Riverfest Gala

BY PAULA MAXWELL | INDIANHILL@COMMUNITYPRESS.COM

INDIAN HILL - The stories and the faces are indelibly etched in the lives of Karen Cassidy and Ann Kereiakes.

Soldiers returning from one battleground only to face another - now, as wounded troops and veterans facing new challenges.

Helping these heroes and their families through the tough times is the USO (United Service Organizations). It has become a cause and commitment Karen and Ann say is "contagious" and one they agree is very important to them.

Montgomery Inn to visit Walter Reed Army Medical Center

Dean Gregory, his family and the Montgomery Inn are traveling to Washington, D.C., with a whole host of BBQ sauce, ribs and chicken to serve Montgomery Inn BBQ, kicking off the celebration of the Army’s birthday, Thursday, June 12.

The BBQ event is being held at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center and will serve 500 guests, including recovering service personnel, medical staff and high-ranking military officials.

The 2008 Montgomery Inn BBQ event marks the second year in a row Montgomery Inn is hosting and supplying world-famous Montgomery Inn BBQ sauce, ribs, pulled chicken, coleslaw and Saratoga chips.

The BBQ is held in conjunction with the USO of Metropolitan Washington and was developed as a result of Dean Gregory’s relationships from the USO Riverfest Gala held annually at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse.

Below are photos from the 2007 BBQ in Washington, D.C.

Support the Borders' Family

Staff Sergent John Borders, US Army of London, Ohio, is a USO Riverfest Gala Honoree alum, having been an Honoree for the 2006 USO Riverfest Gala. SSG Borders is pictured to the left with is family, wife Mollie and children Brittany and Xander at the 2007 USO Riverfest Gala.

SSG Borders was serving his 4th combat deployment, 2nd to Iraq in his 12th career year when he chose to stay with his men rather than go on Recruiting duty. Just 2 weeks before Staff Sgt Borders and his men were slotted to go home, on January 5, 2006 an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded under his truck. He was quickly transported to Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington DC from Germany. SSG Borders had broken the tibia and fibula in both his legs, was missing four inches of tibia in the left leg, multiple fractures in both ankles and the left knee, 2 open fractures in his left ulna, contusions on both lungs, some lacerations on his liver and numerous small burns and shrapnel wounds. After 5 weeks of painful surgeries every other day to attempt to wash out and salvage his right leg allowing proper repair to his ankle and foot, he opted for amputation. SSG Borders plans to stay on Active duty in the Army until he retires with 20 plus years.

SSG Borders now has the opportunity to return his family to Tampa/Ocala, Florida area, where his wife, Mollie, was born and raised, but the family needs support to make this a reality. Local efforts are underway to raise funds towards building a specially-adapted home for SSG Borders and his family.

5th Annual USO Riverfest Gala Announces Honorary Co-Chairpersons

Jack and Karen Cassidy Dedicated to Supporting Troops and Their Families

The USO Riverfest Gala executive committee today announced that key contributors, Jack and Karen Cassidy, will serve as the honorary co-chairpersons for the largest USO of Metropolitan Washington fundraiser outside of Washington, D.C. The Cincinnati fundraiser has raised more than $1 million over the Gala’s four-year history, and the fifth annual USO Riverfest Gala, honoring U.S. military personnel is August 31.

“Since the USO Riverfest Gala’s inception, Karen and Jack have been personally engaged in supporting our mission—even welcoming our military honorees and volunteers into their home,” said Elaine Rogers, president of the USO of Metropolitan Washington.. “I am proud to have them serve in the distinguished co-chairpersons’ position and am grateful for their commitment to fundraise for our programs and hospital services.”

Jack Cassidy, president and CEO of Cincinnati Bell (NYSE: CBB), and his wife, Karen, a registered nurse who spent 12 years in pediatrics, are both active members in the business and philanthropic community. Jack Cassidy serves on a number of boards, including the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber, and was recently awarded the NAACP Wright Overstreet Award for Education. Karen Cassidy has been involved in many local and national charitable organizations, including serving as the co-chair for the 2008 Pink Ribbon Luncheon and is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Cincinnati. Moreover, through their work with the USO Riverfest Gala, the Cassidys demonstrate their commitment to personally honor the sacrifices made by U.S military personnel and their families.

“The men and women serving our country are selflessly doing what they view as just their job, and we have had the pleasure of getting to know some of these heroes personally over the years of the USO Riverfest Gala,” said Karen Cassidy.

“We can think of no better way to demonstrate our appreciation than to honor these heroes at the Gala that also funds USO-Metro programs that, for example, allow family members to be by the side of their recovering loved ones,” added Jack Cassidy.

Rick Yarosh, 2007 USO Riverfest Gala Honoree

"Cincinnati definitely knows how to make an impression on a person."

Pictured left: Spc Yarosh shaking hands with Brig. Gen Jeffrey Foley at the 2007 USO Riverfest Gala.

In anticipation for the 2008 USO Riverfest, we are going to be checking back in with our previous Honorees to get an update on on what they’ve been up to since the last Gala. I recently received the following update from 2007 USO Riverfest Gala Honoree, Rick Yarosh, on what has been keeping him busy since September.

"Let's see, where to start! I've been quite busy since being at the Riverfest Gala in September. Right after the event I was able to go home for the first time. The last time I was home was during my R&R leave from Iraq in April 2006. I was welcomed home by a wonderful community in Windsor, New York. People had lined the streets in my small town standing there with candles and signs saying "welcome home". Most of the lawns on the main street were pierced with signs also.

I spent a full month at home with my family and friends. I was also able to go home again for Christmas for another 30 days (the first time in four years), what an awesome experience to be able to spend the holiday with my family.

I've been back to Cincinnati once, for the Opening Day celebration for the Reds. Cincinnati definitely knows how to make an impression on a person.

I've been doing a little bit of speaking, which I love so much. To be able to spread a message and have people really listen, means a lot. I haven't had any recent surgeries. Although, I do have a surgery coming up on April 29. It's not a major surgery, so I'm looking forward to it.

There's really never a dull moment in my life, which is definitely a good thing. I love to stay busy, especially traveling and speaking. The USO brought me up to Arlington, Virginia for a function in March. I was able to lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier alongside Jon Stewart.

I also met Mick Foley and Candi Milo as they were also a part of the USO event. I've met some of the most amazing people in the last six months (and before, really since my injury).

I want to say thank you to all of the people that have been there for myself and a lot of the other wounded servicemembers. I know it means a lot to us."

About Rick Yarosh
Specialist Richard Yarosh, U.S. Army from Windsor, New York, joined the U.S. Army as a calvary scout in June of 2004. In December of 2005, he was deployed to Iraq and quickly moved up in the ranks, taking the position as a gunner on a Bradley Fighting Vehicle (small tank). On September 1, 2006, his Bradley was hit with an IED, causing an explosion igniting the fuel cell. The flames immediately engulfed the Bradley and crew. Spc. Yarosh received third-degree burns to 60 percent of his body and lost a portion of his right leg. After spending months in intensive care, he was discharged to outpatient treatment and has spent time receiving physical therapy at the Intrepid Center at Fort Sam Houston. Overall, he has endured in more than 20 surgeries. Spc. Yarosh plans on using his story and experience to help others through hard times. He believes that there is no better reward than the reward that you get from helping others.

2008 USO Riverfest Gala

The 2008 USO Riverfest Gala will be held August 31 at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse beginning at 4 p.m.

Event ticket includes USO Honoree tribute and dedication show, entertainment, cocktails, dinner and a riverfront view of the 2008 Cincinnati Bell/WEBN Fireworks.

Stay tuned for Military Honoree guest and entertainment announcements.

Reservations are now being taken for the 2008 USO Riverfest Gala. Since the 2007 event sold out, it is strongly recommended that reservations be made early.

Contact Kathy Bechtold at bechtold5@aol.com to arrange your reservations. Have your credit card ready to guarantee your reservations.

Ticket prices are:
$230 Individual
$280 Patron
$2,800 Patron Table of 10

Corporate sponsorships are available. Contact Craig Combest at Craigcombest@aol.com for a brochure and additional information.

All proceeds benefit the USO of Metropolitan Washington, who support the men and women serving our country worldwide and their families.

Pictured at the 2007 USO Riverfest Gala (from right): Rear Adm. Miles B. Wachendorf, Pro Football Hall of Fame Member Anthony Muñoz, Army Specialist Sue Downes and Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Foley.