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.