Chip Heidt Returns Home From Afghanistan

Chip Heidt, son of committee member Julie Heidt, returns from Afghanistan today on a two-week leave. Family and supporters gathered to greet him today at Cincinnati International Airport, just outside of security, at 1:30 p.m. Chip has been documenting his experiences with his platoon on the Web site www.chipgoestoafghanistan.com.

Portrait of 2007 USO Gala honoree to hang in Smithsonian

A life-sized painting of retired Army Sgt. Richard Yarosh went on display today at the National Portrait Gallery at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. The portrait, by artist Matthew Mitchell, is a finalist in the Outwin Boochever Portrait Competition. Yarosh was an honoree at the 2007 USO Gala. Read more about Yarosh's story and the inspiring portrait here.

Thanks for another great event

Thanks to everyone who made this year's USO Riverfest Gala a success. We had an amazing time meeting all the wonderful people who share our passion for giving back to our troops. The pictures below represent just a few of the special memories from the 2009 event.

2009 USO Riverfest Gala

2009 Honoree In the News

SSG Kurtis Dellicker, an honoree at the 2009 USO Riverfest Gala, tells his story to the Cincinnati Enquirer: "Afghan war hits home"

82nd Airborne All American Chorus Gives Special Performance

Check out this video of an amazing performance by the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus in Cincinnati to honor our wounded warriors this weekend. It's just a small taste of the show tonight at the 2009 USO Riverfest Gala.

Getting to Know Our Honorees at the Reds Hall of Fame

We got to spend some time with our 2009 honorees during a visit to the Reds Hall of Fame.

Cincinnati Welcomes 2009 Honorees

The 2009 USO Riverfest Gala Honorees arrived at Lunken Airport on Friday, Sept. 4. They received a warm welcome from Miss America, the UC Marching Band and the committee.

Miss America Talks About USO Riverfest Gala on Fox19

Check out Miss America 2009 Katie Stam's interview with Sheila Gray today on Fox19 Morning News.

General Chiarelli to Attend USO Riverfest Gala

The 2009 USO RIverfest Gala Committee is honored to announce that the Vice Chief of Staff of the Army, General Peter W. Chiarelli, will be among the honored guests attending this year's event. He is a champion of improving soldier care, and has spearheaded innovative private-public partnerships for health promotion and risk reduction in the ranks and for families. While visiting Cincinnati, he will also swear in new soldiers at Sawyer point during Riverfest and attend the annual Rubber Duck Regatta.

About General Peter W. Chiarelli
General Chiarelli previously served as Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of Defense and throughout his career he has served in Army units in the United States, Germany and Belgium. He has commanded at every level from platoon to corps.

A Seattle, Washington native, General Chiarelli is a Distinguished Military Graduate of Seattle University, and hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science from the school. He also earned a Masters of Public Administration from the University of Washington, and a Masters of Arts in National Security and Strategy from Salve Regina University.

2009 USO Riverfest Gala in the News

Check out some of the great media coverage we've received for the USO Riverfest Gala!

Sept. 3, Cincinnati Enquirer, "Indiana's 1st Miss America singing twice at Riverfest"

Sept. 2, WLWT, "Riverfest Event to Honor Troops Wounded in Combat"

Cincinnati Hosts Leading Fundraiser Supporting USO of Metropolitan Washington

Each Labor Day weekend, Cincinnati hosts the nation’s largest fundraiser supporting the USO of Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro) hospital services at Walter Reed Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital. Held at the Montgomery Inn at the Boathouse on Sept. 6, the sixth annual USO Riverfest Gala will deliver a personal tribute to military personnel by honoring those recently injured in the line of duty.

In just five years, attendees and corporate sponsors have helped raise more than $1 million to support USO-Metro programs. This year’s event is presented by Mr. and Mrs. Robert D. Lindner Sr. and Great American Insurance Group, and the title corporate sponsor is Cincinnati Bell.

“Cincinnati Bell is proud to be a part of the USO Riverfest Gala, which is just one small way in which we can thank our troops, who make such a tremendous sacrifice for us all each and every day,” said Jack Cassidy, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cincinnati Bell. “I am thrilled that this year’s honorees will again experience an outstanding military tribute and a warm welcome from the people of greater Cincinnati.”

Over the previous five years, 22 military heroes have been recognized and honored at the USO Riverfest Gala. The 2009 USO Riverfest Gala honorees include:

• SSG Kurtis Dellicker, U.S. Army, Burlington, Kentucky
• SSG Corwyn Collier, Ohio National Guard, Maple Heights, Ohio
• SGT Ralph “Frankie” Steward, U.S. Army, Hillsboro, Ohio
• CPL Josh Schichtl, U.S. Army, Conway, Arkansas

Other distinguished military guests include Command Sergeant Major Vincent Camacho, 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) out of Fort Campbell, KY, whose awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal.

The 2009 USO Riverfest Gala will feature former Cincinnati Bengals offensive lineman Anthony Muñoz as emcee as he returns to lead the “Salute to Military Heroes USO Show.” This year’s entertainment will feature Miss America 2009 Katie Stam and the 82nd Airborne All American Chorus.

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

For more information please visit www.usoriverfestgala.com.

Meet the committee members: Steve Lee

For the past five years, committee members have worked tirelessly to make the USO Riverfest Gala a success. Each member has a unique path that led them to become involved in the event. Below is Steve Lee’s story about why he keeps coming back.

“This whole event got started because of a dinner I had with several retired military servicemen. I had seen a television program about Ward 57 at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, and I asked them what kind of challenged these injured men and women would face going forward. That question led to a five hour conversation that night, and another five hour conversation the next day. After talking to these men, all I could say was ‘How can I help?’

A few weeks later I had the privilege of talking with the President of the USO, Elaine Rodgers, and visited Walter Reed. When I got back, Dean Gregory and I got together and thought the Labor Day Weekend fireworks would be a great time for an event. From there we made some calls, and those people made calls; the first year we had 650 guests and were off to a really good start. Since then we have raised more than $1 million, and all that money helps finance USO-Metro programs, specifically at Walter Reed and Bethesda, for wounded soldiers and their families.

The Riverfest Gala is a way for everyone to support the soldiers. The freedoms we enjoy in this country are paid for by their courage, bravery and blood. This is a chance to visit with and touch a soldier and personally thank them for the sacrifices they make.

The Soldier’s Creed really sums up why I do this event; one line reads ‘I will never leave a fallen comrade.’ They are certainly our comrades, and we will never leave them behind. We can’t let them think for a minute that there aren’t people everywhere in this country that care about and appreciate what they are doing for us. One of the last lines in the creed reads ‘I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life.’ We need to make sure all the countries of the world know how the American people feel about our military.

When you meet these soldiers and their families Labor Day weekend it will be one of the best weekends you will ever spend in your life. The smiles on their faces are because they know the people of Cincinnati appreciate them.”

Steve Lee is Senior Vice President at a major financial services firm and has served on the board of directors at USO-Metro for the past four years.

Live and Silent Auction to Benefit Troops Recovering at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Bethesda Naval Hospital

This year’s guests at the USO Riverfest Gala will get the chance to bid on items during a silent and live auction that benefits U.S. troops and their families. Below are just a few of the exciting items expected to be available in 2009:

Live Auction:

J.T.M. Party for 100: Includes everything you need to serve up a meal to 100 of your friends, family or coworkers. Work with J.T.M. to choose two main courses (burgers, Italian sausages, ribs, pork barbecue or Mexican fiesta), two sides, a dessert and drinks. J.T.M. will provide everything necessary to prepare the food and serve guests. Package includes two corn-hole game sets, which will be gifted to the host, and a banner welcoming guests. Party can be indoors or outdoors on a mutually agreeable date. Donated by J.T.M.

Reds Game for 30 in the Pilot House: Spectacular view for a Cincinnati Reds game on a mutually agreeable date in the Cincinnati Bell Pilot House in Great American Ballpark, including 30 tickets, food and beverages. Donated by Cincinnati Bell.

CBS NFL Show as Guest of Boomer Esiason: New York hotel accommodations for four on Friday and Saturday night followed by a Sunday morning visit to the CBS NFL Show with Boomer, Dan Marino, Shannon Sharpe, James Brown and Bill Cowher. Package includes an autographed photo of Boomer. Donated by the Boomer Esiason Foundation

Silent Auction:

• Carson Palmer autographed football, jersey and photos. Donated by Cincinnati Bell.
• Bottle of Jack Daniel’s Whiskey, one of 264 single-barrel bottles produced especially for the 1-101st aviation regiment during Operation Iraqi Freedom IV. Donated by Julie and Scott Akin.
• Two-night stay and one round of golf for two. Donated by The Broadmoor.
• Coach Purse. Anonymous donor.

Miss America 2009 to attend USO Riverfest Gala

The USO Riverfest Gala executive committee is excited to announce that Miss America 2009 Katie Stam will be attending this year's event. Guests and honorees at the Gala will be given the opportunity to meet, greet and take pictures with Indiana native Stam on Sunday, September 6 at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse.

During her Labor Day-weekend visit to Cincinnati, Stam will also attend a barbeque at the Cincinnati Veterans Affairs Medical Center on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. On Sunday, she will enjoy the Cincinnati Bell/WEBN Fireworks during the USO Riverfest Gala.

Stam is the national goodwill ambassador for Children’s Miracle Network and is the official spokesperson for Zerosmoke, a smoking cessation product. Her platform issue for 2009 is promoting community service and involvement.

Raffle to send care packages to troops overseas

The USO Riverfest Gala Committee is providing yet another way to support the troops through a raffle benefiting Operation USO Care Package (OUCP). Raffle tickets can be purchased on our secure Web site for $25 each or three for $50. Each ticket will buy one care package valued at approximately $75 that will be sent to a deployed service member.

The raffle drawing will take place at the Gala on Sept. 6, and ticket holders need not be present to win. This year prizes include:

$500 Gift Certificate to Cincinnati Bell Retail Store
$300 Gift Certificate to Kroger
$200 Gift Certificate to United Dairy Farmers
$200 Gift Certificate to Montgomery Inn Restaurants
$100 Gift Certificate to Honey Baked Ham Company

Those interested in donating to OUCP may also send a check made out to the USO Riverfest Gala to 9959 Humphrey Road, Cincinnati Ohio, 45242.

Meet the committee members: Jessica Bechtold

For the past five years, committee members have worked tirelessly to make the USO Riverfest Gala a success. Each member has a unique path that led them to become involved in the event. Below is Jessica Bechtold’s story about why she keeps coming back.

“I have been involved with this event for the last four years because we are able to personally impact so many service men and women, and their families. Unlike so many other fundraisers, you see the impact your work has immediately. The honorees express such heartfelt gratitude and appreciation for everything we do for them; you can’t help but want to continue working for them.

My role on the committee is to coordinate the logistics for our honorees. This includes communicating with them before the event, organizing their travel and accommodation arrangements, and helping them with whatever they may need once they’re in town.

The most meaningful and touching moments during the weekend occur when we get to hear from the soldiers themselves. These brave young people risk so much for us, yet they are unendingly humble and appreciative of anything that we do for them. To hear someone say that they’ve never felt so proud for doing their jobs is a really remarkable thing, especially coming from someone so young.

This year, I am most looking forward to meeting the new honorees and catching up with the soldiers we’ve honored in years passed. It’s so nice to see how far they’ve come in their recovery and how grateful they still are of the time they’ve spent in Cincinnati.

The event gives us all a very unique opportunity to truly thank the people that fight for our country and our freedoms. An American flag waving in your yard or a yellow ribbon magnet on your car are all expressions of gratitude, but to be able to learn these soldiers’ stories, shake their hands and say “thank you” in person, is invaluable.

It is during these moments that you realize the courage these men and women have does not end when they leave their combat zone. They are dedicated to protecting and serving for as long as they possibly can, and it is the least we can do to let them know how much they’re appreciated.”

Jessica Bechtold

Fallen hero returns home to Cincinnati

The USO Riverfest Gala committee would like to express their condolences to the family of Gregory James Missman, who died in Afghanistan from injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device. Army Specialist Gregory James Missman belonged to the 4th Infantry Division, 4th Brigade Combat Team serving in Jalalabad, Afghanistan. He was a member of American Legion Post 72 in Mount Carmel and was a 1993 graduate of Amelia High School. We thank Missman and his family for making the ultimate sacrifice for freedom.

Meet the committee members: Thomas Starr

For the past five years, committee members have worked tirelessly to make the USO Riverfest Gala a success. Each member has a unique path that led them to become involved in the event. Below is Thomas Starr’s story about why he keeps coming back.

“My commitment to helping with USO Riverfest Gala completes a circle then began when I was a very young boy.

My brother and I spent several formative years at Ft. Campbell, KY with our paternal father Tom Evans, a career soldier with the Screaming Eagles of the 101st Airborne and veteran of the European theater. Our adopted father, Roy Starr, enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17 before finishing high school and was in Honolulu when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941.

So it seemed natural for me to join the U.S. Army when I graduated from high school. The career I had imagined was cut short, however, after a series of circumstances forced me to spend six months at the Walter Reed U.S. Army Medical Center.

Serving Montgomery Inn ribs and UDF ice cream to the troops closed the circle that began more than forty years earlier when I begrudging left my comrades in arms to return to civilian life. The USO Riverfest Gala and the trips to Walter Reed have given me a chance to shake the hands of those troops whose courage and dedication to country I have admired for so long.

I am so proud of Cincinnati for helping us sell out the USO Riverfest Gala at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse every year. Buy your tickets today; we sell out every year!

Join me in meeting and thanking those who “stand on the wall” defending our freedoms and our way of life. May God bless you and America!”

Thomas J. Starr
Founder & Chairman
Miracles for Life

Photo: Thomas Starr and Sergeant Major Kenneth O. Preston, U.S. Army, at the Montgomery Inn BBQ at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in 2008.

Check out Sergeant Major Kenneth O. Preston’s video blog: http://www.army.mil/leaders/sma/

Check out our new Web site!

The USO Riverfest Gala has a new online home where visitors can find out more about the event as well as RSVP, donate and contribute silent auction items. Please take a minute to explore our new secure Web site: www.usoriverfestgala.com

Local Charity Entertains Troops

Armed Forces Tickets Association (AFTA) Cincinnati was created to help provide arts and entertainment tickets at no cost or at discounted prices for active-duty men, women and children of the United States Armed Forces.

The association members include organizations representing Fine Arts and Entertainment events of Greater Cincinnati and the surrounding areas.

What is AFTA Cincinnati?
AFTA Cincinnati is a volunteer organization whose mission is to say “Thank You” to our active military men, women and their families by making available free or deeply discounted Fine Arts and Community event tickets by partnering with Cincinnati Fine Arts and Civic Community organizations.

Who is eligible?
AFTA is offering the free and discounted tickets to active military personnel and their immediate families, including husband, wife and children/stepchildren.

How does it work?
Eligible personnel will redeem or purchase their tickets at the venue. Military identification must be presented for redemption of tickets. At times, AFTA Cincinnati will receive blocks of tickets which will be made available by email blasts to military groups and to our email list. Subscribe on the website: www.AFTA-Cincinnati.org

Defense Secretary Gates Recognizes USO-Metro for Its Service to Wounded Warriors

Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates kicked off the start of the president's summer service initiative "United We Serve" at Walter Reed Army Medical Center (WRAMC) on Monday. The USO of Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro) was one of five organizations that met privately with Sec. Gates.

In the meeting Sec. Gates emphasized that beyond the war effort, there is no greater cause than improving the care of wounded troops and their families. Sec. Gates recognized the participating organizations as model examples of the work that must be done to support wounded warriors and their families. USO-Metro President Elaine Rogers and John Marselle, Chairman of the Board of USO-Metro, were presented with coins to recognize USO-Metro's contribution to the patients, patients' families and staff at Walter Reed. Later Sec. Gates participated in a ceremony and reception in the Mologne House Gardens to thank volunteers.

"The work being done by organizations such as those represented here and by compassionate and selfless citizens across the nation is invaluable in creating an atmosphere that promotes ... fun, optimism and intense rapid regrowth," said Secretary Gates.

Elaine Rogers, president of USO-Metro added, "We are honored to have Secretary Gates make time to recognize USO-Metro and all of our amazing volunteers. It means so much."

The USO of Metropolitan Washington supports service members and their families who are recovering and receiving treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, the National Naval Medical Center and Warrior Transition Units at Ft. Meade, Ft. Belvoir and the McGuire Richmond VAMC. USO-Metro serves recovering troops through various programs including:

* Celebrity Handshake Tours
* Therapeutic programs
* Emergency Housing
* Patient Excursions
* Texas Hold Em' Tournaments
* On-site BBQs and Concerts
* Emergency Services
* United Through Reading
* Food assistance
* Concerts
* Time for You
* Holiday Hotel

Topping off a great meal at Walter Reed BBQ

Special thanks to Cincinnati-based United Dairy Farmers (UDF), which generously donated 810 half pints of their famous ice cream for the Montgomery Inn BBQ at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. This is the third year in a row that UDF has sent ice cream to the BBQ for recovering troops. Soldiers and their families enjoyed local favorites such as Cherry Cordial, Cookies and Cream, Chocolate and Butter Pecan; by the end of the three-hour event all of the ice cream had been gobbled up. Click here to learn how UDF makes it's delicious ice cream: http://www.udfinc.com/homemade_brand/makeicecream.asp

Food, music and fun at Walter Reed

Thanks to all the volunteers and friends for coming out and making this year's Montgomery Inn BBQ at Walter Reed Army Medical Center a huge success. Guests enjoyed mouth-watering food and great music. Check out the photos above from yesterday's event in Washington D.C.

Montgomery Inn heads to Washington D.C.

The Gregorys, several Montgomery Inn staff and committee members are traveling to Washington, D.C. to serve Montgomery Inn BBQ on Thursday, June 11, 2009. 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 2009 Montgomery Inn BBQ event marks the third 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.

Gregory Family Selected as USO Riverfest Gala Honorary Chairpersons

Local family selected for long-standing support of USO

The USO Riverfest Gala executive committee announces the entire Gregory family—Dean and Hedy Gregory; Tom and Pam Gregory; Vickie Gregory; Evan and Terry Andrews and Matula Gregory—will collectively serve as the honorary chairpersons for the largest fundraiser benefiting the USO of Metropolitan Washington, located outside of Washington, D.C. The committee selected the Gregory family for its long-standing support of the USO.

The Gregory family annually hosts the USO Riverfest Gala at their Montgomery Inn Boathouse restaurant location on the banks of the Ohio River. Additionally, the Gregory family hosts an annual barbecue at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C., celebrating the Army’s birthday. At the event, hundreds of guests, including recovering service personnel, medical staff and high-ranking military officials enjoy the world-famous Montgomery Inn barbecued ribs, pulled barbecued chicken, coleslaw and Saratoga chips.

“We as a family want to support the USO and host this event because we want to give something back to the individuals and their families who have sacrificed so much,” said Dean Gregory on behalf of the Gregory family. “This is our opportunity to say thank you.”

The Cincinnati fundraiser has raised more than $1.4 million over the gala’s five-year history. The Gregory family plans to welcome attendees to the sixth annual USO Riverfest Gala, honoring U.S. military personnel on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009.

“The Gregory family is synonymous with supporting the USO, going back to patriarch Ted Gregory and his relationship with Bob Hope,” said Elaine Rogers, president of the USO of Metropolitan Washington. “We appreciate all the Gregorys have done for the USO through their support of the Gala and the barbecue.”

Meet the Committee

The committee for the 2009 USO Riverfest Gala is hard at work planning and preparing for our annual event.

Pictured here following a planning meeting at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse:

Back row (LtoR): Karen Kilgore, Kathy Bechtold, Tom Kunkemoeller, Tony Dellecave, Tom Starr, Cori Rothenbach, Nancy Blum, Linda Gawne, Brad Wenstrup
Front row (LtoR): Jack Rubenbauer, Julie Heidt, Diana Dupont, Karen Cassidy, Anne Kereiakes, Sarah Kelley, Sue Mayer

Not pictured: Steve Lee, Craig Combest, Jessica Bechtold, Traci Bolte, Keith Daniels, Duane Hickerson, Amberly Jackson, Myra Kays, Dean Gregory, Pattie Kushner, Robert D. Lindner, Sr., Marc Stout and Trevor Furbay.

2009 Gala Preview Information

The sixth annual USO Riverfest Gala will be held Sunday, Sept. 6, 209 at the Montgomery Inn Boathouse. Featuring a patriotic tribute recognizing military personnel and honored military guests who have been recently injured in the line of duty, this year’s gala will be emceed by former Cincinnati Bengals and Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz.

Attendees will be treated to a seated dinner, live entertainment and a spectacular view of the Cincinnati Bell/WEBN fireworks display.

The USO Riverfest Gala has raised more than $1.4 million for the USO of Metropolitan Washington in its five years of operation. All proceeds benefit USO of Metropolitan Washington, funding programs and services supporting troops and their families

2008 USO Riverfest Gala Photos