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.
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| 2009 USO Riverfest Gala |
SSG Kurtis Dellicker, an honoree at the 2009 USO Riverfest Gala, tells his story to the Cincinnati Enquirer: "Afghan war hits home"
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.
We got to spend some time with our 2009 honorees during a visit to the Reds Hall of Fame.
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.
Check out Miss America 2009 Katie Stam's interview with Sheila Gray today on Fox19 Morning News.
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.
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"
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:
