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