Never Forgetting the Price of Freedom

Each year, the USO Riverfest pays tribute to individuals that have been recently injured in the line of duty by honoring them at the annual Gala. US Army retired Staff Sergeant Paul Brondhaver was an honoree during our inaugural year, 2004 pictured here receiving recognition from Anthony Munoz and the crowd in attendance.

Staff Sergeant Brondhaver was hit by a grenade while serving in Iraq, receiving shrapnel wounds, but continued to deliver orders to help save the lives of other soldiers. SSG Brondhaver, while retired, is still looking out for his fellow man. He recently introduced Army Specialist Richard Yarosh who also has a miraculous story of survival following a tank explosion.

SSG Brondhaver shared these thoughts:

To all of you,

Let me first say, Thank You!!! What you do on a volunteer basis is amazing. I know many times soldiers and Marines may not have an opportunity to say Thanks, but I know it is appreciated. I realize the work you do can be tiresome and like an emotional roller coaster. You all have a wonderful heart. You are doing your part. Let me know if I can ever help in anyway with anything you ever do. Attached are some photos of Rick Yarosh. I am committed to looking out for Rick for the rest of my life. Rick has many dreams and I am going to be there for him to achieve those dreams. My injuries of 300 holes from metal and bullets, brain contusions, blown ear drums, and a cracked pelvis are nothing to the injuries Rick has sustained. Rick has surgery on his lips, eyes, and hands on August 9th. My hope is he can travel in September. If not, when I do get him here to visit, I want to introduce you to one of my heroes. It takes all of us to make this country great. You are all doing your part, our troops and Rick are doing and did their part, now let's together make sure the rest of America does their part by never forgetting the price of freedom.

SSG Paul Brondhaver
U.S. ARMY, (RETIRED)
OIF 2003 - 2005