Rick Yarosh, 2007 USO Riverfest Gala Honoree

"Cincinnati definitely knows how to make an impression on a person."

Pictured left: Spc Yarosh shaking hands with Brig. Gen Jeffrey Foley at the 2007 USO Riverfest Gala.

In anticipation for the 2008 USO Riverfest, we are going to be checking back in with our previous Honorees to get an update on on what they’ve been up to since the last Gala. I recently received the following update from 2007 USO Riverfest Gala Honoree, Rick Yarosh, on what has been keeping him busy since September.

"Let's see, where to start! I've been quite busy since being at the Riverfest Gala in September. Right after the event I was able to go home for the first time. The last time I was home was during my R&R leave from Iraq in April 2006. I was welcomed home by a wonderful community in Windsor, New York. People had lined the streets in my small town standing there with candles and signs saying "welcome home". Most of the lawns on the main street were pierced with signs also.

I spent a full month at home with my family and friends. I was also able to go home again for Christmas for another 30 days (the first time in four years), what an awesome experience to be able to spend the holiday with my family.

I've been back to Cincinnati once, for the Opening Day celebration for the Reds. Cincinnati definitely knows how to make an impression on a person.

I've been doing a little bit of speaking, which I love so much. To be able to spread a message and have people really listen, means a lot. I haven't had any recent surgeries. Although, I do have a surgery coming up on April 29. It's not a major surgery, so I'm looking forward to it.

There's really never a dull moment in my life, which is definitely a good thing. I love to stay busy, especially traveling and speaking. The USO brought me up to Arlington, Virginia for a function in March. I was able to lay a wreath at the tomb of the unknown soldier alongside Jon Stewart.

I also met Mick Foley and Candi Milo as they were also a part of the USO event. I've met some of the most amazing people in the last six months (and before, really since my injury).

I want to say thank you to all of the people that have been there for myself and a lot of the other wounded servicemembers. I know it means a lot to us."

About Rick Yarosh
Specialist Richard Yarosh, U.S. Army from Windsor, New York, joined the U.S. Army as a calvary scout in June of 2004. In December of 2005, he was deployed to Iraq and quickly moved up in the ranks, taking the position as a gunner on a Bradley Fighting Vehicle (small tank). On September 1, 2006, his Bradley was hit with an IED, causing an explosion igniting the fuel cell. The flames immediately engulfed the Bradley and crew. Spc. Yarosh received third-degree burns to 60 percent of his body and lost a portion of his right leg. After spending months in intensive care, he was discharged to outpatient treatment and has spent time receiving physical therapy at the Intrepid Center at Fort Sam Houston. Overall, he has endured in more than 20 surgeries. Spc. Yarosh plans on using his story and experience to help others through hard times. He believes that there is no better reward than the reward that you get from helping others.