ARLINGTON, VA, March 17, 2013
/24-7PressRelease/ -- The USO of Metropolitan Washington (USO-Metro) hosted its 31st Annual Awards Dinner last night at the Renaissance Arlington Capital View Hotel in Crystal City. The evening was devoted to honoring outstanding individuals from each branch of service, as well as the exceptional people who support our nation's service members and their families, with special emphasis on the military medical community. Attended by senior government and military leaders, celebrities, business and community leaders, nearly 600 guests joined with USO-Metro last night to honor our nation's heroes and their families. The Boeing Company served as the evening's presenting sponsor and the sold-out gala raised over $660,000 for USO-Metro, once more exceeding expectations.
Special guests at the star-studded event included Mr. Lou Diamond Phillips, renowned film, television and stage actor and director, Mr. Joe Mantegna, known for his role in The Godfather Part III, and currently starring in Criminal Minds, and Mr. John Lloyd Young, Tony Award Winning actor in Broadway's Jersey Boys.
During the event, Elaine Rogers, president of USO-Metro, noted, "As we pay tribute to our service members, we must remember the tremendous sacrifices military families endure to ensure our security and freedom. The USO's role is to provide programs and services that help them know they are appreciated and supported. We need your help to do that."
Mr. Lou Diamond Phillips, host of the Military Channel's An Officer and a Movie, was honored with the Legacy of Achievement Award for his deep commitment to our men and women in uniform, and General Peter Pace USMC (Ret.) presented the annual Merit Award to Mr. Joe Mantegna. This year's COL John Gioia Patriot Award was presented to Mrs. Kathleen "Kat" Causey to recognize her tireless dedication to soldiers' welfare, especially her work advocating for proper mental healthcare for combat veterans.
USO-Metro's program also included a Special Salute to honor military medical professionals. Funds raised at the awards dinner will be used to support and enhance USO-Metro's many programs and services, including celebrity visits to local military hospitals, programs for families with deployed loved ones and emergency support for active duty troops facing financial hardship.
About USO-Metro
USO-Metro is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization chartered by Congress, and dedicated to "Serving those who serve, and their families" in Washington D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia. It is through the generous financial support of individuals and organizations in the local community that USO-Metro is able to fulfill its mission. With the help of nearly 5,000 devoted volunteers, USO-Metro provides programs and services for active duty troops and their families at area military hospitals; through its Mobile USO program; at five USO Centers, and four USO airport lounges. For more information please visit http://www.usometro.org or "like" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter by searching USO-Metro.
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