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.