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.