Special guests at the star-studded event included: Jon Stewart, Miss America 2008 Kirsten Haglund, Mick Foley, America’s Beloved Tenor Daniel Rodriguez, Voice-over Actress Candi Milo, and Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General James E. Cartwright. Kirsten Haglund kicked off the night with the National Anthem, followed by Daniel Rodriguez‘s stirring rendition of the Lord’s Prayer.

This annual event was a tremendous success; USO-Metro raised over $500,000 in one evening! The funds raised from the event will be used to support and enhance USO-Metro’s many programs and services, including organizing celebrity visits with patients at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and the National Naval Medical Center at Bethesda. USO-Metro works very closely with these medical centers to provide entertainment, services, and support for service members injured in areas of conflict. In this capacity, USO-Metro has had the opportunity to witness firsthand the remarkable dedication of the doctors, nurses, administrators, and staff who care for our service members at the medical centers. The Awards Dinner featured a special salute to the staff at Walter Reed, Bethesda, and the 79th Medical Wing at Andrews Air Force Base for their outstanding and selfless service to our men and women in uniform.

When recognizing the medical centers, Elaine Rogers, President of USO-Metro, remarked, “The staff at Walter Reed, Bethesda and the 79th Medical Wing is outstanding. They consistently go above and beyond for the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our country.”
Voice-over actress Candi Milo was also honored for her dedication to our troops. Milo, who has voiced dozens of characters, worked with the Cartoon Network to donate tens of thousands of dollars worth of cartoon merchandise to USO-Metro for distribution to military families. Her involvement extends far beyond military donations; Milo has participated in countless holiday events, community events, and hospital visits.

One of the evening’s memorable moments included comedian Jon Stewart of the Daily Show receiving the USO of Metropolitan Washington Merit Award for his dedication to the local military community. Avoiding the public eye, Stewart has made multiple trips to Walter Reed and Bethesda to visit with returning warriors. This past week, he invited 13 patients from the two hospitals to the filming of the Daily Show, followed by an exclusive meet-and-greet session with Stewart and the show’s producers. When commenting on his award, Elaine Rogers, president of USO-Metro remarked, “USO-Metro is honored to work with someone so selfless and dedicated to the support of our troops. We are privileged to call Jon Stewart one of our strongest supporters.”

The 2008 C. Haskell Small Award for Volunteerism was awarded to Sergeant First Class Kishma S. Thomas. General Casey presented SFC Thomas with the award, along with a $1000 savings bond. SFC Thomas joined the Army in 1992, and has been stationed on bases around the world where she volunteered within the local communities. Over the years, she has volunteered at the Augusta Battered Women’s Shelter, the Augusta Food Bank, and the Fort Discovery Science Center. Most recently, Thomas has been involved with the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure, the District of Columbia Central Kitchen, and the Girl Scouts of America. She has consistently exhibited a passion for community involvement and is a great role model for everyone around her.

Erick A. Lieb of the U.S. Coast Guard received the Air Medal for his heroic, life-saving efforts as a rescue swimmer on board a coast guard helicopter in the Pacific Northwest. A 2007 winter storm with hurricane force winds left four hunters stranded. After locating the hunters and coordinating their safe transfer, Lieb diverted his path in search for persons trapped by rapidly rising flood waters. During his crew’s 10-hour mission, Petty Officer Lieb saved 5 lives, assisted 38 others and rescued 13 animals. Lieb was commended for his courage, judgment and devotion to duty.

USO-Metro is honored to recognize those who serve our service members through their involvement in charitable organizations, in our communities, and in our military.